The pre-operation inspection

The importance to you is to:

1. Reduce the risk of injury to you due to defective equipment.
2. Verify that the equipment you will operate is in safe working order.

Federal OSHA requires that all lift trucks be examined before being placed in service and that this examination be performed at least daily. If you use your truck on a multi-shift operation, it must be examined before each shift. Any defects found must be immediately reported and corrected.

About 6% of all lift truck accidents are due to improperly maintained trucks.

Aside from being an OSHA requirement, a pre-operational inspection:

• Reduces the risk of injury to you and other employees.
• Improves the condition of the lift truck.
• Increase productivity.
• Reduces downtime and maintenance costs.

Use a checklist when performing the pre-operational inspection. A checklist may include the following cautions and checkpoints:

CAUTION: When checking lift chain tension, use a board or a stick. Never place your fingers in this dangerous pinch point area.

CAUTION: When checking hydraulic hoses, use a piece of cardboard. Escaping fluids under pressure can penetrate body tissue causing serious injury or possibly death. If fluid is injected in your skin, seek medical attention immediately.

CAUTION: When checking LP tanks and fittings, always use personal protective equipment such as a face shield, long sleeves and gauntlet gloves when checking LP tanks and fittings. LP is very cold when released and can cause frostbite.

CAUTION: When checking LP tanks and fittings for leaks, use soap solution, no matches or lighter.

CAUTION: When checking battery levels, never use matches or a lighter – hydrogen gas may be present, resulting in an explosion or fire. Always use personal protective equipment such as a face shield and goggles, rubber apron and rubber gloves when checking electrolyte. This is an acid and will cause severe burns to the skin if in contact.

The Visual Inspection

__ Overall condition
__ Frame
__ Tires and wheels
__ Forks
__ Mast, carriage and load backrest extension
__ Lift chains
__ Hydraulic hoses
__ Overhead guard
__ Battery
__ Cables and connectors
__ Battery restraints
__ Electrolyte level
__ Hood latch
__ Capacity plate and all warning decals
__ Operator’s compartment

Internal Combustion Trucks

__ Engine compartment
__ Engine oil
__ Brake reservoir
__ Engine coolant
__ Air filter
__ Belts and hoses
__ Radiator
__ Hood latch

LP Trucks

__ Properly mounted tank
__ Pressure relief valve pointing up
__ Hose and connections
__ Tank restraint brackets
__ Leaks
__ Tank for dents, nicks, cracks
__ Tank fits within profile of truck

Electric Trucks

__ Cables and connectors for frayed, exposed wires
__ Battery restraints in place
__ Electrolyte levels
__ Hood latches properly

The Operational Inspection

__ Operator restraint system
__ Horn
__ Warning devices
__ Unusual engine noise
__ Fuel level
__ Displays and gauges
__ Hydraulics:
__ Mast
__ Tilt
__ Other hydraulic functions
__ Service and park brake
__ Steering
__ Plugging on electric lift trucks

Completion of Inspection

• Report any defects immediately.
• Never operate a truck in need of repair.
• Repairs shall be made by authorized and trained personnel.