Fork Lift Truck Routine / Pre-use Checklist
Hour Meter End Date:
Hour Meter Start
Hours Operated
All Trucks O Defect Petrol/Diesel/LPG OK Defect
K
1. Faults Previous Day Fuel Level
2. Obvious Leaks Fuel Connectors
3. Hydraulic Fluid Levels Engine Oil Level
4. Mast & Carriage Coolant Level
5. Chains & Fixing Bolts Battery
6. Forks Fan/Other Belts
7. Backrest/Extension Inching Pedal
8. Attachments LPG Bottle Security
9. Tyres/Wheels/Nuts
10. Seat & Seat
Belt
11. Steering Electric
12. Service Brakes Electrolyte Levels
13. Parking Brake Cable Connections
14. Operating General Cleanliness
Controls
15. Operating Battery Security
System
16. Warning Lights
17. Gauges/Instru
ments
18. Lights/Beacon Other Checks
19. Horn A.
20. Alarms B.
21. Other Warning C.
Devices
22. Safety D.
Guards/Covers
23. Bodywork
Defects
Operator
1
Supervisor Signature
Signature
Do not use the truck until any faults have been rectified
Daily Checks – What to Look for
All Trucks
Faults Previous Day. Check the previous page (or book). This will
identify what may have been wrong the previous day or shift. You
should check these items carefully to ensure that the fault has been
rectified.
Obvious Leaks. Check the floor, beside and under the truck.
Hydraulic Fluid Level. Check the level in the reservoir.
Mast and Carriage. Visually check for any damage or foreign items.
Check also for appropriate lubrication.
Chains and Fixing Bolts. Visually check for damaged links, obvious
stretching and appropriate lubrication. Visually check the fixing bolts for
any sign of damage.
Forks. Visually check for any sign of cracks, especially at the heels, or
any other sign of damage or excess wear. Check securing pins.
Backrest/Extension. Visually check for damage or debris. Bent or
otherwise damaged metal is weakened and may be dangerous.
Attachments. Check for the actual security of the attachment, at its
fixing or locking points, and check any hydraulic or other connections.
Some attachments may need additional checks. Only check and use
attachments if you have been trained to do so.
Tyres/Wheels/Nuts. Check all tyres for obvious damage, including
cuts and tread wear. Check pneumatic tyres for the correct pressure.
Check wheels for damage, especially to the rims, and check that wheel
nuts are tight.
Seat and Seat Belt. Check that the seat is correctly fixed to the truck
and not loose or damaged. Check that the seat belt or other restraint is
properly secure and functions correctly.
2
Steering. Check the steering feels normal and there is no undue play
or unusual movement.
Service Brakes. Check the brakes feel normal and work efficiently.
Parking Brake. Check the parking brake works efficiently and releases
correctly.
Operating Controls. Check that all foot and hand controls operate
correctly and are not obstructed in any way.
Operating System. If the truck is fitted with computerised systems
check to ensure that they have initialised and are working correctly.
Warning Lights. Check for the correct operation of all warning lights.
If a light stays on, and you are not sure of its meaning, check the user
manual or seek further advice. Do not use the truck with a warning
light illuminated if you do not know it is still safe!
Gauges/Instruments. Check that all gauges and other instruments
are working correctly.
Lights/Beacon. Check for correct operation.
Horn. Check for correct operation.
Alarms. Check for correct operation.
Other Warning Devices. Make sure you know what is fitted to the
truck. Check all for correct operation.
Safety Guards and Covers. Check all are properly fastened and
secured. A flapping cover can be a hazard to your colleagues as well as
yourself.
Bodywork. Visually check around the vehicle. Damaged bodywork
may indicate other problem areas on the truck. Check the areas
carefully. Damaged bodywork may indicate damage to racking or other
equipment. Report what you find so that your supervisor can check it
out.
Petrol/Diesel/LPG
Fuel Level. Check the level and refuel as needed. Remember to wear
protective gloves and keep away from cigarettes or other fire hazards.
Engine Oil Level. Check and top up as needed.
3
Coolant Level. Check and top up as needed.
Battery. Ensure the battery is secure and clean. Check the level of
distilled water and top up as needed. Wear eye protection and gloves.
Fan/Other Belts. Check for correct tension and obvious damage.
Inching Pedal. Check for correct operation.
LPG Bottle Security. Check the bottle is secure and clamps are fully
tightened. Ensure connections are secure.
Electric
Electrolyte Levels. Check the electrolyte levels of all cells.
Cable Connections. Check they are clean and properly secure.
General Cleanliness. Ensure the battery area is clean and clear from
debris.
Battery Security. Ensure the batteries are secure within their
compartment and that any protective hatches are properly closed.
Other Checks
Other items may need to be checked. These may be listed on a
separate sheet. Discuss this with your supervisor.
Remember, if you are not sure about anything at all, ask your
supervisor.
