According to 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA requires that UNLV establish and maintain a program that provides for the proper maintenance and safe operation of powered industrial trucks.

This is accomplished by adherence to OSHA Standards, ANSI Standards, and manufacturer's manuals which call for powered industrial truck inspections prior to use, evaluation of job sites for safe conditions, and observance of all rules to prevent injuries and property damage.

Course instruction and individual certification are tools used to train and certify operator capability. Currently there is an initial and a three year re-certification requirement for all operators.

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Forklift Inspection Process

  1. To start this check, the forklift should be on a level surface, mast in the vertical position, fork tips on the ground, engine stopped, control lever in neutral, and parking brake applied.
  2. Begin the inspection by ensuring the operator's manual is on the forklift.
  3. Check that the safety decals and the capacity plate on the forklift are legible and the capacity plate is accurate for the existing attachments.
  4. Look under and round the forklift for any signs of leaks.
  5. Ensure that there are no unauthorized modifications to the forklift such as; attachments to the forks, counterbalance or overhead guard.
  6. Always use the “Three Points of Contact” when mounting or dismounting a forklift.
  7. If a component of the forklift does NOT work as designed, immediately shut down the machine, remove the key, and notify your supervisor.

Walk Around Inspection

Structural Components

Structural Components - Tightly secured, no broken welds, free from dents, damage, excessive rust, corrosion, and wear.
Overhead Guard - Bolts are in place and tightened. Guard is free of bent or cracked sections. Overhead view is not obstructed.
Rims - Free of distortions and cracks. Nuts in place and tightened.
Tires - Sufficient tread and free from cuts, gouges, and foreign objects.
Assist Grip - No visible signs of damage or cracking. Screws in place/tightened.
Light Covers - Clean and not cracked or missing.

Lifting Components

Tilt Cylinder/Lift Chain - Bolts in place and tightened for cylinders. Chain in good condition and lubricated.
Mast/Strip Surfaces - Sliding surfaces and rollers are free from cracks and excessive wear. Rollers move smoothly.
Backrest/Extension - In good condition, free of distortion, cracks, other defects, and excessive rattle.
Forks - Free of cracks/defects. Both forks are the same height and position when sitting on the ground. Fork tips not worn thin.
Fork Position and Lock Pins - Forks properly locked in place on the carriage

Engine Compartment

Hydraulic Fluid - Fluid at proper level. No signs of overflow or leaks. Cap in place and secure. Hose fittings and cylinders are in good condition.
Hoses and wiring- No visible damage to hoses or wiring within the engine compartment.
Engine Oil - Full on dipstick, no leaks, and filler cap is secure.
Fuel - Propane tank is secure. No visible signs of damage to tank, valves, or hoses. No leaks and sufficient fuel.
Battery - In good condition, not leaking, and free of damage. Electrolyte at proper level.

Operating components

Seat Assembly - Slides freely forward and back. Lever holds the seat in place.
Seat Belt - Easily extends from and re-tracks into holder. Belt is free of cuts, brakes, or tears. Buckle securely fastens.
Parking Brake - Lever moves freely.
Steering Wheel - Securely mounted to the steering column and free from damage.
Pedals - Covers installed and free from binding or rubbing when depressed or released.
Levers - In good condition and work without binding or restriction. Rubber boots installed and free of cracks/breaks.
Instrument Panel - Cover in place and good condition.

Function Check Power Turned On

Parking Brake - Properly engages and is in working order.
Instrument Panel Warning Lights – Are in working order and visible.
Engine Start - Engine turns over without issue.
Horn - In working order.
Operating Lights/Turn Signal/Break Lights - Lights work when engaged.
Back up Alarm - Alarm sounds when lift drives in reverse.
Mast Raise and Lower - Mast raises fully and lowers without interruption.
Mast Tilt - Mast fully extends and retracts without interruption.
Mast Side Shift - Mast shifts fully side to side without interruption.
Driving forward and Backward - Lift drives in forward and in reverse without issue or interruption.
Steering - The steering wheel properly turns the steer wheels.

Worksite Inspection

Ground Conditions - Is the path of operations free from bumps, potholes, ground obstructions and debris, unstable, slippery, uneven surfaces, slopes or elevation changes that may impede the operation of the forklift.
Overhead Obstructions - Is the area free from overhead power lines, trees, building roof overhangs or ceilings that may be too low.
Weather - Is there excessive wind that can be a potential hazard when transporting or picking a load. Is there excessive rain or snow that would impede safe operation of the forklift.
Lighting - Is there adequate lighting to allow safe operation of the forklift.
Visibility - Check for vehicle traffic, pedestrians and blind spots prior to operations.
Other Hazards - Check for hazardous environments. (i.e. flammables, ventilation, confined space areas and chemicals in load that can pose a hazard).