EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DAILY FORKLIFT OPERATOR CHECKS

Everybody has heard about forklifts, but not everybody realizes just how much value they provide to society. Whether used in warehouses, manufacturing plants, or elsewhere, forklifts are valuable tools in the daily operations of most businesses. While Forklifts are manufactured to a high safety standard, protocols must be followed correctly in order to protect operators and by standers.

The Importance of Daily Operator’s Inspections

Beyond operator and human error, injuries, and fatalities as well as equipment breakdowns stem from detectable equipment failure when operator’s do not inspect their equipment before use. Regular forklift inspections provide a cost-savings component connected to proactive discovery of faults and predictive maintenance. Finding faults or problems that are festering early on can help limit and schedule downtime, and can be a simpler, less expensive fix than a full-blown problem. Creating and sticking to a pre-operation inspection routine isn't tough in and of itself, but it does require ongoing support from supervisors and a high level of operator discipline.

What Checks are Required for an inspection?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires forklifts to be inspected daily or after each shift in cases where equipment is used in 24 hr. operations. If issues are discovered, they must be reported, and the forklift removed from service immediately. While OSHA does not have a formal standard for these inspections, there are suggested checks and premade check lists readily available for both Propane and Electric Forklifts. The following items should be included in your daily inspections:

• Fluid levels (oil, coolant, etc.)

• Battery Water Level (If Electric Unit)

• Radiator Inspection (Free Of Debris, No Leaks)

• Leaks, cracks, and visible Defects on the unit (Including hoses)

• Battery connectors and Cables (If Electric Unit)

• Check Mast Chains (Are they loose?)

• Check tire condition (Cuts, Gouges, flat tires)

• Check Fork condition

• Check Load Back Rest (LBR) Functions Properly and is not Bent

• Test the Function of all safety devices such as Horns, back up alarms, and strobe lights

• Test Brakes, Steering Function, and Operational controls

• Ensure Proper Visibility including Mirrors

We hope that you were able to take away something useful from this short article on some of the benefits and need for Daily Operator’s Inspections. To learn more about quality forklift services, inspections, repairs, and to order operator inspection checklists, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us at Westminster Lift Truck & Services at any time!