Stay safe With Your Daily Forklift Check List

Powered industrial trucks, commonly referred to as forklifts or lift trucks, are used in a variety of industries to move materials to and from a designated location. There are two general types of industrial trucks: electric (battery powered) and internal combustion engine (gas/LPG/diesel), each having a variety of different configurations and attachments. This can make it a daunting task to understand all the OSHA-regulated guidelines associated with safely operating a forklift in the workplace.

With the vast array of forklifts on the market, determining the best way to keep workers safe is largely based on the individual truck. OSHA requires employers to provide forklift operator training to all employees operating any variety of forklift. One important requirement of OSHA is daily, pre-shift inspection of all powered forklifts.

To help you navigate your daily forklift inspection, below you will find a daily checklist for the Electric Sit down and Stand-up Forklifts, Man-up/Stock Picker and Internal Combustion Forklifts.

Electric Sit down and Stand-up Forklifts

1. Any visible damage to body, mast, hoses or forks?
2. Any visible damage to tires or low tire pressure?
3. Any fluids leaking?
4. Excessive wear to seat or seat belt?
5. Any lights, horns or alarms not working properly?
6. Parking brake working properly?
7. Brakes and steering working properly?
8. Brake fluid at proper level?
9. Any fluid leakage in engine compartment?
10. Any visible damage to battery or cable?
11. Battery water at proper level?

Man up/Stock Picker Daily Checklist

1. Any visible damage to body, mast, hoses or forks?
2. Any visible damage to tires or low tire pressure?
3. Any fluids leaking?
4. Excessive wear to seat or seat belt?
5. Any lights, horns or alarms not working properly?
6. Parking brake working properly?
7. Brakes and steering working properly?
8. Brake fluid at proper level?
9. Any fluid leakage in engine compartment?
10. Operator Lanyard/Tether not working properly?
11. Operator Lanyard/Tether has visible rips or tears?
12. Any visible damage to battery or cable?
13. Battery water at proper level?

Internal Combustion Forklift

1. Any visible damage to body, mast, hoses or forks?
2. Any visible damage to tires or low tire pressure?
3. Any fluids leaking?
4. Excessive wear to seat or seat belt?
5. Any lights, horns or alarms not working properly?
6. Parking brake working properly?
7. Brakes and steering working properly?
8. Brake fluid at proper level?
9. Engine Oil at proper level?
10. Any fluid leakage in engine compartment?

With proper OSHA forklift operator training and daily inspections of all forklifts in operation at your facility, your chance of hazards associated with operating powered industrial trucks will be minimized. This will ensure your workers have a safe workplace.