Inspect a Forklift
There are more than 10,000 workplace injuries related to forklifts happen every year, based on OSHA and HRSDC reports. A lot of these mishaps are caused by driver error. Lack of appropriate equipment maintenance and inspection causes many others. Forklift maintenance and operation is not only the cause of personal injuries, but also of damage to property. Forklifts can damage building structures, overhead pipes and sprinklers, and other machinery when incorrectly operated. The following daily inspections must be performed in order to reduce the chance of forklift accidents.
Turn the engine off before checking different fluid levels: engine oil, fuel, hydraulic oil, coolant and brake fluid. The tires must be inspected for indications of wear and tear. Check the tire air pressure. Check the forks' condition. The load backrest should be attached tightly. Do a visual inspection of the top-clip retaining heel and pin. Afterward carry out an inspection of the hydraulic hoses, mast chains, cables and stops. Make sure that both the finger and overhead guards are securely attached.
LP forklifts have propane tanks that have to be checked for signs of rust, corrosion or damage. Test the battery's charge and electrolyte levels. All belts should be checked for wear. Check to make certain the owner's instruction manual is kept on-board the forklift inside a storage compartment. Check the seat belt to make sure the latches are secure. Test the hood latch to ensure it is functioning as it should.
Start the forklift and listen to the noise of the engine to make certain there are no unusual sounds. If there are, investigate promptly. Check the accelerator and the steering controls. The service brake and the parking break must be properly functioning.
To guarantee proper functioning in both forward and reverse, the drive control and tilt control must be inspected. The functioning of the lowering control, the hoist and attachment control needs periodic checking. Test the lights and horn. Afterward check the wipers, heater and defroster to make sure they are working well. Check each and every gauge to ascertain that it is reading within functional limits.