How often should a forklift be inspected?

Regularly inspecting a forklift as part of routine operations and maintenance is imperative for both safety and ensuring it is optimally functioning.

This blog lists reasons why regularly inspecting your forklift is beneficial, whilst also looking at what should be looked for when completing inspections.

Why should a forklift be inspected regularly?

Regularly inspecting a forklift has both safety and operational benefits, including:

• Detect forklift damage early so it can be safely repaired before deteriorating
• Find and identify any parts such as lift chains are defective so they can be replaced before they fail potentially making the forklift unsafe to operate
• Make sure safety systems such as seat belts and lights are working and don’t need to be fixed or replaced
• Check fluid levels so they can be topped up as necessary to ensure optimal operation levels

Pre-Start Forklift Inspections

Safe Work Australia recommends that a forklift is inspected by operators whenever they’re using a new or different forklift or at the beginning of each shift.

Inspections carried out at the prior to starting the forklift should be covered by a pre-start forklift inspection, these inspections can be carried out at the start of each day for single shift operations or at the beginning of each shift for continuous operations.

Pre-start forklift inspections include both visual and physical checks which are explained below.

Visual Checks

Visual checks involve the operator walking around the forklift looking for signs of damage and to check parts of the forklift are up to standard.

Visual checks include:

• Check tyres for wear and tear
• Check lights and lenses for damage
• Check forklift gauges easily visible to the operator
• Check the forklift body and overhead guards for potential damage
• Check the forklifts mast, lift assembly and attachments are in good condition
• Check forklift tynes and backrest for cracks and fractures
• Check hydraulic hoses, couplings and cylinders for leaks or damage
• Check the forklift body under carriage for fuel or oil leaks

Physical checks include:

• Check LPG bottle for leaks
• Check battery connections aren’t corroded and connected correctly
• Check any attachments have been properly secured to the carriage
• Check the forklifts liquid levels including hydraulic fluid, brake fluid and coolant
• Check tyre pressure is correct

Once operators have completed a pre-start forklift inspection they are able to safely start up the forklift.

When the forklift is operational there are additional operational and safety checks that need to be completed that are listed below.

Operational Forklift Inspection

Once a forklift is operational serious faults and problems can be found, so it is particularly imperative for operator and workers in the vicinity safety.

It is better to find out any faults or problems before forklift operations have commenced and it may be too late to avert any danger.

Operational forklift inspections should include:

• Checking the forklifts handbrake holds the unit in place to prevent it unnecessary rolling
• Check the transmission is working
• Check the brakes and inching pedal work to ensure the operator can stop the forklift during operations or in an emergency
• Check the forklift has full range of steering movement
• Check that the forklifts lift, tilt and side-shift controls work before they have a load positioned on the tynes and commence lifting operations
• Check that any warning devices such as lights, horns, indicators and reversing beepers or safety systems are operating correctly
• Check the dashboard gauges are working correctly

Forklift Inspection Recording

Adaptalift Group recommends that all forklift inspection results are recorded.

This ensures that any problems an operator detects are documented and can be read and taken into account by operators on the next shift or so management can take appropriate action between shifts to ensure any problems are rectified.

Operators are able to list the results of their daily inspections using Pre-Start Checklist books available through our online store.

The small A5 sized books are slim and easily fit into document pockets provided on most forklifts.

The checklist is quick and simple to use and guides operators through the series of checks to ensure their forklift is safe for operation.

In addition to pre-start checklist books Adaptalift Group offers posters and stickers that can be hung on walls or stuck to forklifts to remind operators to complete inspections before they commence work.

For further information of how to properly inspect your forklift contact our team of experts on 13 22 54 or fill-in a contact form and we will respond as soon as possible.  

Reference List
1. 2014. General Guide for Industrial Lift Trucks. [ebook] Safe Work Australia, p.7. Available at: [Accessed 13 November 2020].