Forklift Check-list for Forklift Operators

A person involves in Forklift Training or driving forklift has to understand not just the driving, but also the forklift parts and other important guidelines. One basic thing that I recommend to every forklift Driver is forklift check-list. This check-list means to check you forklift on a daily basis or before you are going to drive.
Forklift is kind of a complicated machine. That is why it can cause a minor to major accident if it is not checked properly. Within last couple of years I have found some very pathetic forklift accidents videos which really made me scared. That is why I am here preparing a check-list for all forklift drivers to save their lives from accidents.

Precautions

1. Handle carefully the cable trays
2. Move only in designated area
3. Drive carefully
4. Do not be so fast
5. Apply break carefully, especially if loading weight
6. Loads should be lower than stability
7. Have a spotter if can’t see properly
8. Use lights sharpness according to the place
9. Don`t drive until you are trained
10. Buy Parts from an authorized dealer

Forklift Accidents Statistics

OSHA determines that:

About 85 fatalities per year
34,900 Serious Injuries
61,800 Non-serious Injuries

ITA (Industrial Truck Association) determines that:

Total 855,900 trucks are in USA. 11% of them will be involved in any kind of accident per year.

Main Causes of Forklift Fatalities are:

42% tip over
25% Crushed between vehicles
11% Crushed between two vehicles
10% Stuck by a Forklift
4% Fall from platform
8% Material Fall

Forklift Inspection

The forklift inspection needs to be done on a daily basis before you start your work. This inspection includes:

• Checking the weight you are going to load on forklift
• The capacity of your truck
• Load is stable or not?
• Height of the load
• Place where to operate the forklift (Generally Electric forklift required flat and clean place to operate)
• How much the battery is charged (For loading weight it must be charged at least 50% for normal load and 75% for heavy loads)
• Check the cleanliness of your truck
• Nearby objects

Note: The CAMD forklift capacity is 3000 lbs including the weight of pallets or lifting equipment.

Technical Inspection

This inspection includes following tasks:

1. Fuel Check:
Check the fuel of your forklift. If you have LPG Forklift you should check the Gas level and if using Diesel or petrol use that. Also check if there is any kind of leakage in the fuel. LPG and Petrol both can cause fire explosion if leakage is not checked before starting. Check for the water level and hydraulic fluid as well.

2. Damage Check:
Determine if there is any kind of minor or major damage or crack in pallets of forklift. Check the pallets including top clips. Cracked pallets can cause of falling the load which can cause accident as well.

3. Tire Check:
Check if the Tyre is puncture. Check the condition of tires and determine if they need to be change.

4. Safety Equipment:
This includes the check of seat belt. Seat belt is important to prevent you in case of forklift accident.

5. Other Safety Checks:
Horn, Lights, Functioning properly, Chain and anchor pins, Bolts, Nut Guards, Engine Oil, Tires Pressure, breaks, hydraulic controls.