The importance to you is to:
- Reduce the risk of injury to you due to defective equipment.
- Verify that the equipment you will operate is in safe working order.
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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.