Below is an example of a Daily Forklift Checklist you can download it or print it by clicking on the image then right clicking the full size image and clicking save-as.

This may help you in doing your daily forklift inspections.

Foklift Daily Checklist

OSHA requires a pre-shift inspection of all lift trucks before they are placed into service. Employers must be certain that no condition exists that might adversely affect the safety of the truck. If problems are found, they must be reported and the truck should be taken out of service immediately for repair. A “Warning: Do NOT Operate” Tag should be affixed to the truck, and not removed until the necessary repairs have been made.

It’s a good idea to personalize your checklist to your operation and working conditions. One example would be including an inspection of the air filter and air cleaner if you are working in dusty operations. Once the pre-shift inspection is completed, have your operators sign and date the form, then give it to their supervisor. After looking it over to see if anything indicates the need for repair, supervisors should place the checklist in the forklift’s file. If you are ever inspected by OSHA you’ll be asked to present these checklists. Failure to produce this record could put you at risk for citations. The checklist below can serve as proof of such inspection.

2.Familiarize yourself with all controls and meter readings. This can be done by reading the operator’s manual.

3. Note the size and shape of what you are lifting, and make sure the fork you are using is set to the proper width.

4. Observe your working environment, make sure it’s clean and clear of obstacles. Do not operate a forklift in an area of heavy foot or vehicular traffic, nor in slippery or otherwise unsafe working conditions.

5. Start the forklift using the key and start button. Move it through basic operations. There will be knobs and levers that move the forks up and down, steer the vehicle and control the speed.

6. Practice driving the forklift in an open area. Try lifting empty pallets or bags of sand to get used to the controls. Once you are comfortable, you can begin your intended chore.

7. Park the forklift with the fork completely on the ground when you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

* Keep the load as close to the ground as possible and don’t drive any faster than you need to. The forklift is designed to lift heavy objects, and is not a racecar.
* Practice with the controls in an open space. All forklifts have rear-wheel steering, but have different instrumentation. Familiarize yourself with the controls of your forklift by asking an experienced operator about the specific model you’ll be using.

* Operating heavy machinery is not something to be taken lightly. If you’ve never used a forklift before, make sure you’re with someone who is experienced.

* If you start to operate this machine with no knowledge beforehand, it’s likely you could injure yourself or someone else.

* Do not attempt to lift any weights until you are confident and consistent in your abilities to safely and articulately operate the machine.

If you are unsure of how to operate a forklift or are unqualified please seek in person training. The web no matter how resourceful is not a replacement for a qualified training program. We hold no liability in giving you this useful information.