Are Your Inspecting Your Forklifts and Lift Trucks When You Should?

Even if you operate a forklift safely, a defect can cause or contribute to a serious accident. To assure the proper performance of your equipment, it is imperative that scheduled forklift inspections be completed at designated intervals. Below is an up-to-date guide explaining when forklift inspections are necessary.

Daily Maintenance. OSHA requires that all forklifts be examined daily before being placed in service. Forklift operators should visually inspect for leaks, obvious damage, safety lights, parking brakes, horn and steering. They should then check the mast operation by raising and lowering the forks both with and without a load, and finally check the levels of engine oil, fuel, radiator water and hydraulic fluid.

Monthly Maintenance. Monthly maintenance should be performed after every 200 hours of operation by a trained mechanic. Maintenance should include things like lubrication of chassis and mast components, replacement of engine oil, cleaning of the air filter element, adjustment of engine idle speed, drive belt tension and for engine powered trucks, spark plugs, distributor point, cap and rotor.

Semi-annual Maintenance. Every 1,200 hours, another inspection is required. At this time, you should test the brake booster and torque the engine head bolts and manifold nuts. This is also the time to replace brake fluid, wheel bearing grease, engine coolant, fuel filter, fuel strainer element and water separator on diesel trucks.

Remember, a forklift should not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Andersen Material Handling offers a full safety inspection service and a variety of maintenance programs to assist or guide you through any problem that may arise.

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