Ensuring the smooth and safe operation of forklifts is essential for any workplace. A forklift daily checklist plays an important role in achieving this by helping operators identify potential issues before they evolve into more serious issues.
From enhancing safety standards to prolonging equipment lifespan, a forklift checklist is a simple yet powerful tool every business should utilise. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of implementing daily checklists within your warehouse operations.
Why Are Forklift Checklists Important?
Checking over your forklift daily is crucial to ensure the safety of you, your employees and to make sure the vehicle is in safe operating condition. If these daily inspections are not carried out correctly or not carried out at all, it seriously increases the risk of accidents, injury or even a fatality.
What to Include in Your Forklift Checklist
A forklift daily checklist consists of many important visual and operational checks. Find out what you should be checking for:
Visual Checks
- Check the general condition of the truck, look for any obvious faults.
- Forks: Check these to ensure they’re free from cracks or bends which could jeopardise their ability to lift safely.
- Carriage plate: Examining the carriage plate is essential to ensure it’s securely attached and free of damage.
- Mast: Check the mast moves smoothly and doesn’t make any unusual noises when operating.
- Backrest extension: Ensure it is securely attached and free from damage to prevent loads from shifting or falling.
- Lift chains: Be sure to examine the lift chains, check they are properly tensioned, free from excessive wear, rust and cracks. They must be adequately lubricated for safe operation as well.
- Tyres: Inspecting the tyres is an essential check, make sure they are properly inflated and have no signs of wear or damage. This way the forklift remains stable and safe during operation.
- Wheels/Nuts: Check the wheels and nuts to ensure they are securely fastened, free from damage and in good condition to maintain safe and efficient movement of the forklift.
- Overhead guard/frame: Make sure it is securely attached and damage free, it must provide adequate protection for the operator in case of falling objects.
- Hydraulics: Checking the hydraulics is essential to ensure there are no leaks, the fluid levels are adequate and the system operates smoothly.
- Identification plate: The identification/rating plate must have all details such as the forklift’s capacity, model and serial number. This is essential for compliance and safe operation.
- Operators compartment: The operators compartment must be checked to ensure the controls, seating and safety features are in good condition, comfortable and fully functional.
- Mirrors, Windows and Windscreen (if applicable): By checking these, it ensures clear visibility for the operator and that all lights are functioning properly, for safe operation in various lighting conditions.
- Fire extinguisher (if fitted): Check the fire extinguisher to make sure it’s easily accessible and in good condition, providing vital safety equipment in case of an emergency.
Operational Checks
- Safety belt: The safety belt must be securely fastened, free from wear or damage and fully operational, providing the necessary protection for the operator during forklift use.
- Lithium battery: If you have an electric forklift, Inspect the lithium battery to make sure it is securely installed and has adequate charge levels to prevent power failures during operation.
- Ignition and electrical systems: Inspecting the ignition and electrical systems ensures that all components such as the battery, wiring and connections, are in good condition.
- Reversing alarm and horn: Check the reversing alarm and horn to make sure they are fully operational, this provides necessary audible warnings to alert others of the forklift’s movements.
- Warning lights: The warning lights must be working properly to provide clear alerts for any potential issues such as low oil or malfunctioning components, to prevent accidents and downtime.
- Brakes: Check the brakes to ensure they are responsive, free from wear or damage and functioning properly. They must provide safe stopping power to prevent accidents.
- Clutch and gears: Inspecting the clutch and gears ensures they engage smoothly without slipping or unusual resistance, allowing for precise control and safe operation.
- Steering: The steering is very important as it provides precise control and safe manoeuvrability of the forklift. You must check that it operates smoothly without excessive play or resistance.
- Exhaust: Check the exhaust system to ensure there are no leaks, cracks or blockages, helping to reduce harmful emissions.
How Often Should You Perform Forklift Checks
Daily checks should be completed by anyone operating the forklift truck, with a proper forklift checklist. Even if the truck has been inspected by another driver on that day, any new operator using the truck on the same day must perform their own checks.
Any identified defects should be reported to the appropriate person within your company.
What Should You Do if The Forklift Fails Checks
If a forklift fails its checks, it should not be used immediately to prevent any safety risks. Operators or employees should report the issue to the relevant person in your company for further inspection and necessary repairs.
Do not use the forklift until it has been fully inspected, repaired and deemed safe to use. Operating a forklift with a major defect can be dangerous, so always exercise caution when spotting a potential fault.
Stay Safe on the Job With Trucks Direct
At Trucks Direct, safety is our top priority. One of the simplest yet effective ways to ensure a safe working environment is by using a forklift daily checklist. A detailed forklift checklist helps operators identify potential issues before they lead to accidents or costly repairs.
We supply a wide range of both new and used forklifts in gas and electric versions, from the leading brands.
Get in touch with us today and a member of our experienced team will provide you with expert advice.