For the utilization of lift trucks, there are a few health and safety rules governing their utilization. Lift trucks are big industrial machines which can be dangerous and need to be handled with safety in mind. The regulations and rules state that the operator should carry out daily checks on the forklift and more thorough inspections every week and on a monthly basis. The following inspections must be performed on the forklift:
Lift Truck Brakes - brakes on lift trucks are important features which should be double and triple checked. A brake inspection is carried out with different pedal heights and pressures to determine the sensitivity of the brakes. The brake lights must be inspected at the same time.
The Tires - the tires are also vital to the safe performance of the truck and to the braking system. All the tires must be checked correctly to make sure that there are no punctures in the tires and they are inflated to the right pressure.
Controller - the forklift controller system is inspected by operating the forks and the release to determine that the system is in good working order. Any indication of issues must be reported and tended to at once. The forklift must not be utilized until the controller system has been fixed.
Steering Wheel - the driver must inspect the forklift steering wheel to make certain the turning of the wheel is right. Lift truck safety depends upon the steering wheel responding well and functioning accurately. There are a variety of checks which could be done to determine steering wheel performance.
Engine Oil - the engine oil has to be checked by removing the dip stick from the forklift engine. The dipstick would show both the oil color and the oil level. The oil must be refilled if the level is very low. If the colour is off, there could be contamination happening.
Fire Extinguisher - lift trucks are required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher would have to be tested to ensure it would work properly in case of a fire. Different types of fire extinguisher must be inspected in specific ways. For example, a dry chemical extinguisher should be shaken.