Pre-shift Forklift Checklist
The procedure aims to ensure that the forklift is safe and ready to operate before each shift. The Pre-shift Forklift Checklist provides key benefits such as ensuring the forklift is safe to operate, reducing the risk of accidents, and keeping operators compliant with safety regulations. It also helps detect mechanical issues early, minimizing downtime, lowering repair costs, and extending the forklift’s service life.
Phat Steel
04/25/2025
Pre-shift Forklift Checklist
The procedure aims to ensure that the forklift is safe and ready to operate before each shift. The Pre-shift Forklift Checklist provides key benefits such as ensuring the forklift is safe to operate, reducing the risk of accidents, and keeping operators compliant with safety regulations. It also helps detect mechanical issues early, minimizing downtime, lowering repair costs, and extending the forklift’s service life.
Procedure Max Score: 1
Will the forklift be operated at any time during the assigned shift?
if the answer is "oneOf [Yes]"
Key Off Checks
Inspect Overhead Guard
Are there broken welds, missing bolts, or damaged areas?
Inspect Hydraulic Cylinders
Is there leakage or damage on the lift, tilt and attachment functions of the cylinders?
Inspect Mast Assembly
Are there broken welds, cracked or bent areas, and worn or missing stops?
Inspect Lift chains and rollers
Is there wear or damage or kinks, signs of rust or any sign that lubrication is required? Is there squeaking?
Inspect Forks
Are they cracked or bent, worn, or mismatched? Is there excessive oil or water on the forks?
Inspect Tires
Are there large cuts that go around the circumference of the tire? Are there large pieces of rubber missing or separated from the rim? Are there missing lugs? Is there bond separation that may cause slippage?
Check The Engine Oil Level
Is the oil level in the operational range?
Inspect Battery
Are the cell caps and terminal covers in place? Are the cables missing insulation?
Check The Hydraulic Level
Is the hydraulic level in the operational range?
Inspect Coolant Level. DO NOT PERFORM UNLESS ENGINE IS COLD!!!!
Is the coolant level in the operational range? NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP TO CHECK THE COOLANT LEVEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR WHILE THE ENGINE IS HOT!
Inspect Seat Belt.
Does the seat belt work correctly? Is there any damage?
Key On Checks
Inspect Lights
If equipped with lights, are they working properly? Head Lights, Running Lights, Brake Lights, Turn Signals, Hazards, Working Lights
Fuel Gauge Working Correctly?
Inspect Windshield Wipers (If equipped)
Do they work properly?
Inspect Horn
Is the horn working correctly?
Engine Running Checks
Inspect Steering
Is there excessive free play? If power steering, is the pump working?
Inspect Parking Brake
Does the parking brake work? The truck should not be capable of movement when the parking brake is engaged.
Inspect Brakes
If Pedal goes all the way to the floor when you apply the service brake, That is the first indicator that the brakes are bad. Brakes should work in reverse, also.
Inspect Load Handling Attachments
Is there hesitation when hoisting or lowering the forks, when using the forward or backward tilt, or the lateral travel on the side shift? Is there excessive oil on the cylinders?
Inspect Gauges
Are all gauges functioning properly?
Inspect Transmission Fluid Level
Is the fluid in the operational range?
Hour Meter
Meter name
Unit
if the answer is "oneOf [No]"
Reason the forklift will not be used during the shift?
Source: Phat Steel (Community Member)