Get WEEKLY FORKLIFT INSPECTION FORM - Star Rentals

It is the operator's responsibility to fully inspect the forklift before it is placed into service and report any abnormalities to their supervisor. Operations that run multiple shifts are required to perform a pre-use inspection at the beginning of every shift.

Daily, pre-shift inspection of powered industrial trucks is required by OSHA standards.

A pre-start safety check should be done every time you use a different forklift and at the beginning of each shift, as the forklift may not have been left in a safe condition by a previous operator.

An operator should inspect the forklift truck every day, including at the beginning of each shift, and before using each time.

Operators are urged to inspect forklifts before each job, checking first the items that can be monitored without the engine running. Checkpoints should include seat belts, tires, lights, horns, brakes, backup alarms, and fluid levels, as well as the moving and load-supporting parts of the forklift.

OSHA requires that all forklifts be examined at least daily before they are used to ensure that they're in safe operating condition. If forklifts are used on a round-the-clock basis, then they must be examined after each shift.

1910.178(q)(7) does have a general requirement that all powered industrial trucks be examined before being placed in service. This examination is required daily or after each shift if the trucks are used on a round-the-clock basis.

Thorough examination of industrial lift trucks is required under health and safety law: LOLER 1998, which covers lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, which deals with all other safety-related items, such as brakes, steering and tyres.