Check It Before You Wreck It

How many of us actually do a pre-use forklift inspection? I’m sure less of us than we’d like to admit. However, these checks are incredibly important to protect your business and your operators!

How Much Do You Know?

.     Is performing a forklift check before use mandated by OSHA?

a.     Yes

b.     No

2    .     How often should a pre-use forklift examination occur?

a.     Every shift change

b.     Daily

c.     Before use whenever changing operators

3    .     What must you check when going through your pre-use checklist?

a.     Mast, tires, lights

b.     Tires, lights, brakes

c.     There are no OSHA requirements on what specifically needs to be checked

Get This…

A visual inspection of your forklift is to be done at least daily before forklifts are put to use. A visual inspection should include:

             ·       Fluid levels including: oil, water, and hydraulic fluid

             ·       Tire condition and pressure

             ·       Leaks, cracks, or any other noticeable defects in mast chains, ect.

             ·       Load backrest extension

             ·       Fork condition

             ·       Nameplates and safety decals

             ·       Operator compartment

After doing a physical inspection of your forklift it is just as important if not more important to do an operation check. Things you should look for during the operational check include:

·       Brakes

·       Steering

·       Drive control, tilt control, hoist and lowering control, and attachment control

·       Horn

·       Lights

·       Back up alarm

·       Hour meter

Can You Answer This Question???

Is there an OSHA regulation for maintaining checklist documents?

A.    Yes

B.    No

Although OSHA requires you to perform a pre-use check they do not currently require companies to create and keep paperwork on pre-use inspections. With that said it is a good idea to keep pre-use documentation in case an accident is to occur. It is recommended that any paperwork created for forklift checks is kept for at least a month.

Get The Facts!

It can be tough to tell when your forks and tires actually need to be replaced. So, check out these videos for a more in depth look!

Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2GoyRkrA4#action=share

Forks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkcIasV9c8o#action=share 

…So Call

If you’re unsure how to perform a pre-use check on your forklift give us a call! We’ll have one of our knowledgeable team members come out and walk you through it. You can reach Omega Material Handling at (513) 842-2012, or by sending an e-mail to omega.rockett@yahoo.com.

Answers: 1/A 2/B 3/C 4/B