Check a Forklift for Safe Use
Safety is crucial when operating a forklift. There are many types of forklifts but for the most part checking them follows the same procedure. So here are some suggestions on how you can check that a forklift you are using is in good condition, has no potential safety hazards and is safe to use.
Steps
- Look at the safety equipment. Standard for most, if not all types of forklifts are the following:
- Seat belts, operator restraints. Skid steer lifts have a sissy bar that drops around the operator's torso, most others have a common belt type restraint.
- Backup alarm or bell. This will alert persons working around your equipment that you are reversing the machine.
- Fire extinguisher. Should be ABC rated, 10 pound minimum, with a full charge, and located in an easy location to reach.
- Mirrors mounted in a position so that the areas behind the machine can be watched from the operator's seat.
- Load lift and angle (all-terrain type only) charts.
- Rating stamp on each fork, to assure the forks are original equipment or heavier duty.
- Parking brake, highway warning flashers and signs, boom angle indicator, and level tilt indicator if applicable for the use.
- Check the coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid prior to operating. Failure of any of these can render the forklift inoperable in a precarious position.To do this, you will need to lift the engine cover and move the steering wheel forward.
- Check for any oil leaks around the forklift. This should include lift cylinders, wheel hubs, hydraulic fittings and valve spools.
- Check the hydraulic lines. Check the lines for any wear and tear. Any exposed reinforcing wire or crushed steel fittings indicate a possibly catastrophic failure of the machine's hydraulic system.
- Look at any lift chains and rollers if the machine is so equipped. Damaged links in lift chains can break, allowing loads to fall, worn or out-of-round rollers can bind, throwing rails off their tracks on telescoping lifts.
- Check the tires for any significant wear. Make sure they are properly inflated, and have no rubber damage to their sidewalls or treads. A sudden blow-out can cause a forklift to overturn, injuring or killing by-standers and the operator.
- Check that the brakes are working properly. If you are carrying heavy material and cannot stop, someone will get hurt.
- Keep the operator's area clean. Debris can make using controls difficult by jamming them or blocking access to them.
- Look around the area where you are operating the machine, and ask these questions:
- Will the ground support the equipment?
- Is the ground level enough for safe travel?
- Are there any obstructions which can cause tire failure in your path?
- Do you have minimum clearance from overhead power lines?
Tips
- Make sure every operator does his/her own safety check before operating the machine.
- Check the service record of your lift before each shift.
- Tag out any equipment if it has been determined it is unsafe for use. Remove the key, if the machine is equipped with one.
Warnings
- Never operate a forklift without training. In most jurisdictions of many countries, you will need a license or certificate of training.
Things You'll Need
- Forklift
- License
- Safety check list
- Record all the check list
