Last Updated on February 14, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
How frequently is your forklift inspected? The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) requires all business industries to thoroughly check forklift vehicles at least once a day to ensure that all components are in good working order and to spot any potential problems before they occur. These inspections will extend the lifespan of material handling equipment as it detects issues that need repair to keep the forklift in good working condition.
This article will thoroughly discuss forklift inspection, its importance, the parts included in the checklist, and whether to create an automated forklift inspection checklist for your company.
What is a Forklift?
A forklift is a miniature industrial vehicle with an attached, power fork platform that can rise or lower to fit underneath cargo or lift and transfer it. Forklifts are used in many industries, including big storage facilities like warehouses.
The Significant Role of Inspection
Forklift is integral in industries where material handling is the primary concern. It must be in good running condition to ensure a safe working environment. Safety regulators, forklift producers, and various companies encourage forklift inspections to ensure the safety of employees and the integrity of all heavy machinery.
Preoperational forklift inspections should be carried out with a thorough checklist to preserve the company’s image, property, finances, and employees from all sorts of damages. Establishing and maintaining a pre-operation inspection routine is relatively easy, but it requires ongoing corporate support and a high level of operational discipline.
What You Must Do
In its 29 CFR 1910.178 standard language, OSHA states that forklifts must be inspected daily or after each shift in cases where vehicles are in round-the-clock use. If issues are found, they must be reported, and the forklift must be taken out of operation quickly. In addition, minor or significant defects must be notified immediately to the worksite-in-charge for prompt corrective action to be performed and risks to be reduced.
Components to be included in your Daily Forklift Checklist
If you want to create your checklist, the following are examples of essential points that should be included in your daily forklift inspection:
- [ ] Examine tire pressure and condition, and scan for cuts or gouges.
- [ ] Check for cracks, leaks, and visible defects in all forklift parts.
- [ ] Test the brakes, steering controls, and other operational components for efficiency.
- [ ] Verify load backrest extension works properly.
- [ ] Check the footguards’ efficiency.
- [ ] Check the fluid levels (for instance: water, oil, and hydraulic fluid).
- [ ] Evaluate mast chain tension by lifting the weight backrest to head level.
- [ ] Inspect mast chains visually.
- [ ] Examine the fork’s condition and pay attention to the top clip retaining pin and the sole.
- [ ] Check that the operators’ handbook and timesheet are present and readable.
- [ ] Examine all working safety equipment, including seatbelts and horns.
Forklift inspectors can now quickly and effectively conduct daily forklift inspections, promoting a smooth and risk-free working environment.
Internal Combustion Pneumatic Forklifts Pre-operation Checklist
Here are some items worth examining on your internal combustion pneumatic pre-operation checklist:
- [ ] The radiator is free of cracks and other defects.
- [ ] Operational hood latch.
- [ ] Engine coolant and engine oil levels are sufficient.
Order Pickers Pre-operations Checklist and Reach Trucks Pre-operations Checklist
Here are some things to examine on your order pickers and reach trucks checklist:
- [ ] There are no detectable leaks.
- [ ] Both on-truck and off-track charging points are operational.
- [ ] The brake pedal works properly.
- [ ] Free of damage, looseness, and bend in the backrest.
Electric Forklifts Pre-operation Checklist
The following are a few things to examine on your electric forklifts:
- [ ] Sufficient electrolyte levels
- [ ] Battery restrictions work as intended.
- [ ] The hood latch works properly.
- [ ] The cables and connectors are free of damaged or visible wires.
Why It is Important to Automate your Forklift Inspection Checklist
Forklifts must be inspected regularly to ensure personnel work in a secure environment.
Let’s explore the significance of automating your forklift inspection checklist:
- Reduces the risk of accidents at the workplace. Checking a forklift’s visual and functional pre-used features can greatly lower the possibility of accidents at a worksite.
- Offers easy and timely maintenance of a forklift. It is easier to identify early defects, ensuring that forklift components won’t experience extreme wear or tear.
- It is cheaper and more efficient. With DataMyte Digital Clipboard, checking and inspecting a forklift daily can save you a lot of money and be hassle-free as it offers a quick and easy customizable inspection checklist to determine the condition of the forklift
Automating your forklift inspection checklist promotes a comprehensive inspection of a forklift and ensures safety at the worksite.
How Does a Low-Code Platform Like DataMyte Can Help
Be stress-free in creating a daily forklift inspection checklist using a low-code platform. DATAMYTE is a low-code platform that allows you to create checklists quickly and easily and track the results of your daily inspections.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist builder. With this tool, you can create, customize, and modify your forklift inspection checklists in minutes with its drag-and-drop features.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for developing and implementing forklift inspection checklists. Book a demo with us today to learn more.
Conclusion
Regular forklift inspections are a proactive way to extend the forklift’s expected life service. With DATAMYTE, your forklift will operate more productively with longer service and ensure a safer work environment. More operational productivity means a higher return on investment.
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