Essential Guide to Inspecting Propane Forklifts for Safety and Efficiency

Over 80% of America’s warehouses trust propane to power their forklifts. Propane forklifts are quiet, dependable, and versatile. They maintain consistent, 100% power throughout operation, providing ground speed advantages and they work well in all sorts of temperature conditions, whether indoor or outdoor.

Unfortunately approximately 100 people are killed each year in forklift accidents (Source: Operational Safety and Health Administration - OSHA) and as many as 95,000 forklift-related accidents occur each year. In many cases, the accidents were preventable.

As forklifts demand round-the-clock use, inspections should occur daily. When problems are discovered, they should be reported immediately so the forklift is removed from service before it can pose a threat to safety.

Here are some examples of checkpoints to be included in your daily forklift inspection:

• - Check fluid levels: Oil; Water; Hydraulic fluid
• - Check the entire forklift for: Leaks; Cracks; Visible defects
• - Check mast chains visually; avoid the use of hands
• - Test mast chain tension by lifting the load backrest to eye level—the mast chains should be level, and any tilting may signify stretching or broken rollers
• - Check tires for: Condition; Pressure; Any cuts or gouges
• - Determine fork condition; check the top clip retaining pin and heel
• - Ensure load backrest extension functions properly
• - Check functionality of finger guards
• - Ensure safety decals and nameplates are legible and match the forklift model
• - Check that the operators’ manual and logbook are present and legible
• - Ensure the operators’ manual compartment is clean of debris
• - Test all functional safety devices, such as seat belts and horns
• - Check the brakes, steering controls, and other operational items for proper function
• - Are the tank restraint brackets in good condition? Cracks? Bends? Rust?
• - Is the tank properly mounted on the locator pin?
• - Does the tank fit within the profile of the truck?
• - Is the tank in good repair? Cracks? Dents? Rust?
• - Are hoses and connectors functioning? Cracks? Kinks?
• - Are hoses and connectors securely attached?
• - Is the pressure relief valve pointing up?
•  

Easy-to-do pre-operation inspections using a checklist reduce the risk of accidents and forklift inspections help achieve compliance and serve as a cost-savings strategy for predictive maintenance. When you discover problems sooner, you can limit and plan downtime. You also avoid potentially expensive repairs in case the issue turns into a full-blown breakdown.

For comprehensive forklift inspections, take a look at these checklist inspection books by The Checker