Inspect a Forklift
There are more than 10,000 workplace injuries related to forklifts occur every year, based on HRSDC and OSHA reports. Many of these mishaps are caused by driver error. Lack of appropriate equipment maintenance and check causes numerous others. Forklift maintenance and operation is not only the cause of personal injuries, but also of damage to property. Forklifts can damage overhead pipes, sprinklers and building structures, and other equipment when wrongly operated. The following daily check ups should be done in order to lessen the possibility of forklift accidents.
Turn off the engine before inspecting various fluid levels: fuel, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and hydraulic oil. The tires must be inspected for indications of wear and tear. Check the air pressure in the tires. Check the forks' condition. The load backrest have to be attached firmly. Do a visual check of the top-clip retaining pin and heel. After that carry out an inspection of the mast chains, hydraulic hoses, stops and cables. Make certain that the finger and overhead guards are securely attached.
LP forklifts have propane tanks that have to be checked for indications of corrosion, damage or rust. Test the battery's charge and electrolyte levels. All belts must be checked for wear. Check to make certain the owner's handbook is kept on-board the forklift in a storage compartment. Test the seat belt to make sure the latches are secure. Check the hood latch to make certain that it is working as it should.
To make sure there are no unusual engine sounds, start the engine up and listen for any irregularities. If there are, investigate immediately. Test the accelerator and the steering controls. The service brake and the parking break must be correctly functioning.
The tilt control and drive control should be checked to guarantee proper functioning in both reverse and forward. Check the functioning of the hoist and lowering control, and the attachment control. Check the horn and lights. After that check the heater, defroster and wipers to make certain they are functioning smoothly. Check every gauge to ascertain that it is reading within functional limits.