A forklift safety checklist will ensure its safe condition. It will help you identify any potential problem with the forklift. Having a forklift safety checklist is essential.
A safety checklist should be completed with a "Yes or No" complete with a comment for "No" answers.
General information should be provided:
Name of workplace
- Division/Department/Section
- Running location
- Identification of forklift
- Work description (brief)
- Is the operating area completely separated from walkers?
- Are there clear and adequate safety signs warning walkers against forklift traffic?
- Are walker pathways and zebra crossings marked?
- Are workers warned about crossing forklift pathways?
- Are convex safety mirrors present at blind spots?
- Does the forklift specification meet the operating requirement?
- Is a clear forklift load chart provided?
- Is a seat belt provided?
- Is there a speed controller?
- Do the horn, reversing beeper, proximity indicator and flashing light function properly?
- Is there a protective structure provided on the forklift to prevent injuries during roll=overs or from falling objects?
- Is the maintenance performed regularly?
- Are forklift maintenance and repair records maintained?
- Is there enough fuel inside forklift?
- Is forklift battery charged?
- Are the forklift tires fully inflated?
- Are the tires pressure enough and safe?
- Are the tires in good conditions?
- Do the forklift brakes work?
- Is the steering functioning correctly?
- Does the gear shift work?
- Are the left and right mirrors available and clear?
- Do all indicators and gauges function properly?
- Are there any liquid leaks from the forklift?
- Are fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant levels full?
- Is there a portable fire extinguisher fitted on the forklift?
- Are hard hats required for forklift operators?
- Is personal protective equipment such as eye goggles, ear plugs and safety shoes available to operators?
- Are forklift operators or drivers certified?
- Does the driver understand the load chart?
- Is appropriate training provided?
- Have forklift drivers been given adequate training?
- Are the drivers familiar with the workplace layout in the plant site?
- Do forklift drivers follow the pathways correctly?
- Are forklift drivers or operators in good health?
- Does the forklift driver know the maximum speed?
- Are there speed limits for powered equipment on site?
- Are there appropriate traffic management plans at the plant site to prevent collision of forklifts with people and other mobile equipment by separating them in time or space?
- Are all safety procedures related to forklift inspection, operation, clean up and maintenance established, maintained and communicated to operators?
- Is there a monitoring and supervision system for ensuring all safety procedures work?
- Are work schedules adequate to move materials without operating the forklift at excessive speeds?
- Are only certified drivers allowed to operate a forklift?
- Is load checking always performed for load stability?
- Is load weight always checked before loading to avoid overloading?
- Is the load always lowered prior to the forklift being in motion?
- Are safe distances provided from the edge of ramps, docks, drains, gutters, floor openings and any other opening and obstacles established to prevent forklift accident?
- Are all ramp or dock edges safeguarded and visibly marked?
- Is the forklift allowed to lift workers using forklift to do certain job?
- Is the forklift allowed to be used for doing other jobs instead of lifting?
- Is the procedure for the safe battery charging or fuel filling established?
By Lukman Nulhakiem
Lukman Nulhakiem is a chemical engineer who has experience in hazard recognition and hazard control studies. Visit his blog at cemicalplantsafety.net to learn more about safety in chemical plant and workplaces in general.
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