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Forklift Inspection Checklist Template
The forklifts are checked regularly to make sure they are safe to use and identify damage in order to prevent an accident. To comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard, the operators must inspect their powered industrial trucks at least once a day. If the warehouse operates 24x7, the truck should be inspected between the shifts as well.
Download our Forklift Inspection checklist down below to ensure your trucks run to their maximum. Testing your forklifts prior to every use reduces the risk of equipment being operated in a hazardous condition.
What Is a Forklift Inspection?
A Forklift Inspection checklist is a list of required items you need to check, which is used as a reminder to ensure all parts of the forklift are in good working order.
Alternate Name:
- Forklift Inspection Form.
A forklift is a small-sized industrial truck used to lift and move heavy loads over short distances. This kind of pre-operation inspection is common in many industries. Hundreds of forklift accidents occur annually, and dozens of them are fatal. Even if nobody gets injured, when the forklift gives out, it causes a great deal of wasted effort, time, and money. That is why daily forklift inspections are required in the US industries.
How to Do a Forklift Inspection?
OSHA recommends a set of standards for the inspection checklist for forklifts and powered industrial trucks (PITs) to guarantee worker safety. Although a written record is not required, it is a good practice to have one. A proper forklift inspection includes a visual check with the engine off, an operating inspection, and documenting both inspections.
Basically, during the visual observation, you check the fluid levels for oil, water, and hydraulic fluid for any leaks or cracks. You should also check the chain tension in the mast with a stick. Test the tire pressure, the forks, and finally the truck's documentation (decals, nameplates, and operator manuals).
While doing the operation check, test the accelerator linkage, inch control, breaks, steering and drive control. Finally, examine the horn, lights, and alarm. Tune your ear while testing the truck for any abnormal noises.
How Long to Keep Forklift Inspection Records?
Normally, a record is kept for 12 months. Since OSHA does not require that the daily forklift inspections be documented, on the duration of the truck's examination record retention is up to the employer's discretion.
