# Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist > Source: https://netray.co/tools/forklift-pre-shift-inspection-checklist > Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems. > Section: Free Tools ## Short answer A daily operator checklist for powered industrial trucks, with the critical items that take a truck out of service if they fail. ## Category ehs-workforce ## Audience - Warehouse manager - Safety coordinator - Forklift operator ## Tool **Kind:** checklist **Groups:** #### Walkaround **Items:** **Text:** No visible leaks of hydraulic fluid, fuel, oil or coolant under the truck **Critical:** true **Text:** Overhead guard and load backrest are present, secure and undamaged **Critical:** true **Text:** Forks are straight, with no cracks, heel wear or bent tips **Critical:** true Fork positioning latches or locking pins are present and working **Text:** Mast, chains and rollers are free of damage, with no loose or kinked chains **Critical:** true Tires or wheels are in good condition, with no deep cuts, chunking or missing sections Data plate and capacity plate are present and legible Truck body, steps and floor plate are clean and free of oil or debris #### Power source **Items:** Battery is charged, with cables, connectors and restraints secure (electric truck) No exposed or damaged battery cables, and vent caps are in place (electric truck) **Text:** Fuel level is adequate and tank, hose and cap are secure (LPG or fuel truck) **Critical:** true **Text:** LPG cylinder is correctly mounted and free of leaks, with valve and pressure relief intact **Critical:** true Engine oil, coolant and hydraulic fluid levels are in range No unusual smell, smoke or noise when powered on #### Controls and operation **Items:** **Text:** Service brake stops the truck smoothly and does not pull to one side **Critical:** true **Text:** Parking brake holds the truck on a slight slope **Critical:** true **Text:** Steering is smooth, with no excessive play or stiffness **Critical:** true Accelerator, direction control and inching controls respond correctly **Text:** Lift, lower, tilt and any side-shift attachments operate smoothly and hold position **Critical:** true **Text:** Dead-man seat switch or operator presence system works **Critical:** true Dashboard gauges and warning lights work, with no active fault codes #### Safety devices **Items:** **Text:** Seat belt or operator restraint is present and latches **Critical:** true **Text:** Horn works and is audible over ambient noise **Critical:** true Headlights, work lights, brake lights and backup alarm work Blue spot or red zone safety lights work, if fitted Mirrors are clean and correctly adjusted, if fitted Fire extinguisher is present, charged and in date, if required by site rules **Text:** Operator has a valid training record and site authorization for this truck type **Critical:** true #### Reporting and handover **Items:** Inspection date, time, truck number, hour meter and operator name are recorded **Text:** Any defect is described in writing and reported to the supervisor **Critical:** true **Text:** A truck with a safety-critical defect is tagged out and removed from service **Critical:** true Supervisor signs off the defect and the repair before the truck returns to service Completed checklist is filed for audit and maintenance planning **Scoring Note:** Any failed critical item means the truck must be removed from service and tagged out until repaired and signed off. Non-critical failures should still be reported and scheduled for maintenance. ## Content **Intro:** A powered industrial truck should be examined before it is placed in service, and at least daily for trucks used on a shift. This checklist walks an operator through the checks that matter and marks the items that take a truck out of service. **Sections:** #### How to use the checklist **Body:** Do the walkaround first with the truck off, then power on and test the controls. Tick each item as you check it and note the truck number and hour meter. If a critical item fails, stop, tag the truck out and tell your supervisor. Export the completed list to PDF for your records. **Bullets:** - Check with the truck on level ground and the forks lowered - Never use a truck that has a failed critical item - Record defects in writing, not just verbally #### The rule behind it **Body:** In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires powered industrial trucks to be examined before being placed in service and not used if the examination shows a condition that adversely affects safety. Where trucks are used around the clock, examination is required after each shift. Other countries have comparable rules, so align this list with your local regulation and your truck manufacturer manual. #### Electric, LPG and diesel trucks **Body:** The power source section applies by truck type. Electric trucks need battery, cable and charger checks, LPG trucks need cylinder mounting and leak checks, and engine trucks need fluid and exhaust checks. Delete the lines that do not apply to your fleet before printing so operators do not tick boxes by habit. #### Common mistakes **Body:** The checklist loses value when it becomes a signature ritual. Typical failures are checking after the shift starts, ticking items without testing them, and not removing defective trucks. Supervisors should spot-check a few items each week and review repeat defects for maintenance patterns. **Cta:** If your maintenance system tracks forklifts as assets, we can help turn failed inspection items into work orders automatically. **Faq:** #### How often should a forklift be inspected? **Answer:** At least daily before use, and after every shift when a truck runs multiple shifts. Operators do the pre-shift check, and a qualified technician does scheduled preventive maintenance on top of it. #### What makes a forklift unsafe to use? **Answer:** Any defect that affects safe operation, such as faulty brakes, steering, lift or tilt, a missing guard or horn, damaged forks, leaks or a failed restraint. These are marked critical in this list. #### Does a pallet jack need an inspection? **Answer:** Yes. Electric pallet jacks are powered industrial trucks and need a pre-shift check. Manual pallet jacks should still be checked for wheels, handle, hydraulics and forks, using a shortened version of this list. #### Who should keep the records? **Answer:** The operator completes the form and the supervisor reviews it. Keep records for as long as your policy or local regulation requires, so you can show audits and spot repeat defects. ## Search terms forklift pre-shift inspection checklist, forklift daily inspection form, powered industrial truck inspection, osha forklift inspection checklist, forklift safety checklist pdf, pallet jack inspection checklist, forklift walkaround checklist, lift truck daily check --- Talk to an engineer: https://netray.co/contact?intent=erp_ai | Machine catalog: https://netray.co/agent/catalog.json