Forklift Truck daily checks - Why you shouldn ’ t be avoiding them
The best way to keep your forklift fleet in optimal condition and to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity is by maintaining a strict regime of maintenance and repair . This regime must start with you and your operators !
Over and above any planned routine maintenance and thorough examinations you may have in place with a supplier , it is vital that a documented pre-shift check is done daily . It is just as important to have a system of reporting any defects and a process to ensuring the faults are fixed in a timely manner .
This will ensure the safety of your operators and make sure you get the very best out of your truck .
8 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
( Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 ( PUWER ) Regulation 5 applies to all work equipment .)
1 . Every employer shall ensure that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state , in efficient working order and in good repair .
2 . Every employer shall ensure that where any machinery has a maintenance log , the log is kept up to date .
So , what should you be checking ?
Following the manufacturer ’ s instructions , the following checks should typically be carried out :
1 . Wheels and Tyres - Check if there is any damage to the tyres - Nails and other embedded material , cuts and bubbles ( pay attention to the side walls ) - Check the tyre pressures on pneumatic tyres and the thread depth , they should not be excessively worn - Check the condition of the wheels , particularly the flanges on rims fitted with pneumatic tyres and the tightness and security of wheel nuts .
2 . Brakes - Like all other vehicles it is important to check and test the brakes - parking brake , service brakes and steering gear to ensure they are working efficiently .