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Free forklift daily inspection checklist: Checked before the first lift.
A printable forklift pre-shift checklist for electric and engine-powered trucks. It has engine-off checks (tyres, forks, chains, leaks and fluids) and engine-on checks (horn, brakes, steering and hydraulics). The operator fills it in before the shift and signs it.
1. Pick a template
Suggested: before every shift
2. Mark each check
0 of 11 checks done0 pass · 0 fail · 0 N/A
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What it covers
The forklift checks.
How often: before every shiftEngine off
- Check tyres and wheels for damage
- Inspect forks, mast and chains for cracks or wear
- Look for hydraulic, oil or fuel leaks
- Check fluid levels (oil, hydraulic, coolant)
- Check battery charge or fuel or gas level
- Make sure the data plate and decals are readable
Engine on
- Test the horn, lights and reversing alarm
- Test the service brake and parking brake
- Test the steering
- Test lift, lower and tilt controls
- Check the seat belt and overhead guard
These are common checks to start from. Your machine’s manual and the safety rules for your site come first, so add or change checks to match them.
From the field
Tips for a better check.
- Do the check at the start of every shift, not once a day, when trucks run on more than one shift.
- If a safety item fails, such as the brakes, steering or horn, tag the truck out of service until it is fixed.
- Keep the signed sheets. They show who checked which truck, and when.
Want this check to come up on schedule? See how preventive maintenance plans work in Catalyces.
Know the rules
What OSHA says about the daily check.
In the US, forklifts fall under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered Industrial Trucks. Paragraph (q)(7) says a truck must be examined before it is placed in service, at least daily. When trucks run around the clock, the check is due after each shift. A truck with any defect that affects safety must not go into service.
Paragraph (p)(1) covers what happens next. A truck that needs repair, is defective or is unsafe in any way comes out of service until it is restored to a safe condition. A signed sheet with the failed item and a note is the simplest proof that you did this.
The same standard requires operator training, with a performance evaluation at least every three years. Keep the training records with the inspection sheets.
Two wear checks deserve a gauge, not just a look. ISO 5057 sets the fork inspection rules: take a fork out of use when the heel has worn by 10% of its original thickness. Lift chains stretch as they wear, and many manufacturers set a 3% stretch limit. Follow the limits in your truck’s manual.
In the UK, LOLER 1998 calls for a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months, and every 6 months in some cases, such as when the truck lifts people. The daily pre-use check by the operator is still expected.
Run these checks on every job
Questions
Forklift checklist questions.
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