Components of Forklift Pre-operational Checklist - CN Lift Safety

Pre-operational Forklift inspection is a very important part of forklift license training program. It is mandatory to ensure operator and pedestrian safety. That is why it is vital to create and maintain a forklift pre-operational checklist. We will discuss the various important components of forklift per-inspection or re-start checklist.

Seats belts 

 

Seat belts should be worn such that it fits properly. Not too loose or too lax.

  Tyre's

 
Though it might seem insignificant to check them, an operator must check forklift tyres and see if they are in good condition or not, intact with rim. Do a visual examination of tyres for any damage or cuts or wear. Also check Tyre pressure and see that it is adequate.

Fluids  

Operator must check oil, hydraulics, battery, fuel and coolant for leaks which also includes hoses under fork lift, before operating a forklift.

Forklift Structure  

  

Operator is to check if there are any cracks, bends, dents, distortion or broken parts on forklift. Also check apron & overhead guards. Necessary for operator safety.

 

Tines/Forks  

Tines/Forks should be checked to see that they are evenly spread and locking pins are in place. There should be no sharp edges or distortion for potential harm.

Mast  

 Chains should be level without obstructions. Check if there's any wear to forklift chains and guides, inspect hydraulic cylinders for any leaks.

 

Battery

It is an important component of forklifts. Check if it is operational and has it incurred any damage.

 
 

In case of Gas operated forks 

Gas levels should be checked and also if the gas cylinder is intact or not. Gas cylinder should not be damaged.

Engine bay

Engine bay should be clean. Check wiring. Also check hydraulic oil-brake pads and brake fluid ( if applicable).

Controls

Operator must check if seat condition is OK. Controls should be clearly marked and steering wheel is responsive. Seat belt should be working.  CONTROLS (post start) – check controls and pedals are working. There should be no unusual noises.

Capacity/load plate

 

 

Check if the load-capacity plate is fitted, legible and correct. Operator must know the safe working load while traveling, tilted & lifting.

Reverse Buzzer & Horn

Reverse buzzing and horn is very important for pedestrian safety. Ensure it is in working condition.

Forklift Training Centre - Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto

Safety comes first in Forklift Training 

 Forklift training requires a comprehensive  approach. We think it's just about teaching how to operate a forklift. But instead, forklift training is about teaching how to SAFELY operate a forklift. Both are two different concepts.

Safety definitely comes first while operating a forklift and it's important for the operator to safeguard himself/herself as well as the crew members working around.

Also, according to OSHA guidelines, any workplace requires safety training for employees.

CN Lift Safety, provider of comprehensive Forklift Training in Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto,lays emphasis on operator and pedestrian safety and stands by the following points that play a major role in ensuring the same. 

Pre operation forklift inspection

Pre-operation forklift inspection checklist varies from company to company but the basic fundamentals are the same, to check the equipment before mounting for any mechanical faults that may result in accidents. This has to be performed each time before gearing up for work. Usually it happens that two or more operators may operate a single forklift during different shifts of the same day. The first thing they do is to check the pre-inspection checklist of the previous operator. Hence it's a very important safety strategy. A lot can go wrong while a forklift lays idle. There can be problems with the brakes, reverse alarms, indicators etc. All this needs to be mentioned in the checklist. 

Forklift Refresher Training

Every year, new models of forklifts are introduced. With every new model, comes in new innovations, new technologies, and new methods to operate them. In that case, Forklift Refresher Training is imperative because not every operator works on all kinds of forklifts in a single training and also, the working hours of no two operators are the same. Some might have spend more time on their forklifts and some might have spend less. That's why, OSHA makes it compulsory for every operator to receive forklift refresher training every three years. It's an important safety guideline to keep operators in their toes and avoid any laxity in their job.

Maintenance of Forklift

Periodic forklift maintenance is also important as with time forklift loses its loading capacity and therefore is susceptible to accidents while operation. Regular forklift maintenance and replacement is therefore necessary and advisable for preventing workplace accidents.

CN Lift Safety provides complete forklift training with emphasis on each aspect, especially crew safety.

Forklift Training in Mississauga - Top 4 Tips for Forklift Safety

  Top 4 Tips for Forklift Safety

 When it comes to the numerous industrial jobs, the importance of warehouse and traffic associated with it can’t be neglected. There is both inside and outside traffic that needs to be regulated to avoid any kind of chaos and workplace accidents. While taking about the inside traffic of warehouse, it is a heady combination of pedestrian workforce and heavy machinery that work and coordinate with each other. Usually at such places, forklifts constitute of the major portion of vehicular traffic. And that is why OSHA strongly recommends forklift training in Mississauga as according to a rough estimate, around 35,000 severe injuries occur due to forklift accidents.

When it comes to forklift safety procedure, many people consider it as a tough job but luckily, there are only a few things you need to follow to make your warehouse accident proof. According to experts, in most of the cases you only need to enhance the visibility round the corners and only this step decreases the chances of mishaps manifold. So, in this post we have brought forward a few tips that you can follow to safeguard the interests of your employees.

#1 Aisle Corners

The trickiest spots of any warehouse are the corners that are located at the end of each aisle. Usually such area are blind spots and the driver has to be extra cautious while steering through them. So, at these points, adding up a few more light bulbs and safety mirrors can help them a lot and increase the visibility. Or you can also use forklift traffic signs to warn the drivers.

#2 Aisle Pathways

On the pathways, you can hang up speed limit signs to discourage the forklift drivers to go beyond the speed limits. According to OSHA, the speed of forklift shouldn’t exceed beyond 5 mph.

#3 Gathering Locations

Usually in warehouses, there are certain spots where the workers gather around. At such places, don’t forget to add the signs and keep the vehicular movements away from the area to decrease the chances of accidents. Discourage the drivers to bring forklift machines in such areas.

#4 Maintenance Areas

There are certain areas in warehouse that are meant for the maintenance of the machines. In such areas, the floor can be oily or slippery so hanging appropriate signs in such areas is a must.

Apart from all these tips, don’t forget to send you employees to for forklift training in Mississauga as during such training, employees are taught how to handle the machines and necessary steps to take in case of any disaster. For such training, you should choose experts like Forklift Training Program by CN Forklift Safety to hone the skills of your operators.