Forklift trucks and vehicle inspections
Forklift trucks and vehicle inspections
How to do forklift trucks & vehicle inspection?
Managers must complete a risk assessment of forklift truck operations to adequately control the risk and to ensure that safe systems of work and records are maintained. Such systems can include controls on use, defect reporting and recording, and inspection and maintenance of forklift trucks and associated equipment etc. Suitable records would include a forklift truck register and an employees training register. All risk assessments should be completed, recorded and reviewed at suitable intervals.
Each forklift truck Should:
- Be given a unique identification mark or tag and have a Rated Capacity Plate that informs the operator of the weight that the truck will lift, the Load Centre and the Stacking Height (Maximum Elevation of the Forks)
- Have a system of identifying when safe to use and when not to be used
- Be recorded in a truck register that contains information relating all inspection and maintenance
- Be checked daily (prior to use) for damage, faults and wear
- Be inspected at periods defined by manufacturers guidelines – known as a comprehensive, in-service inspection
- Be stored in safe and controlled areas
An appropriate investigation of all incidents involving forklift trucks must be undertaken complete with a report of any corrective actions to be taken.
Managers must ensure they provide information, instruction, training, retraining and supervision to employees as necessary. Employees must have been adequately trained and licensed to drive the class or type of truck required for their job. Training should be theoretical and practical, and verify operating ability relevant to the employees’ job requirements.
A suitably qualified instructor, licensed to carry out such training, must conduct all training and a competent and qualified person must carry out all maintenance activity. Personal Protective Equipment must be supplied that is appropriate to the work being conducted. As well as forklift operators, all employees, or other persons who may be operating or working in an area where forklift trucks are in operation, must be adequately informed of the hazards and workplace requirements.
Relevant legislation
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989
- Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 (as amended by SI 1994 No 2063)
- Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Construction Design & Management Regulations 2007