Free Forklift Pre Start Checklists

Examine your forklifts for defects or issues using a forklift pre-start checklist.

Daily Forklift Pre-Start Checklist

This forklift pre-start checklist allows operators to conduct and record inspections before using forklift equipment. It lists the items to look into during visual and operation checks to discover areas that require attention. Use this digital checklist to:

• Visually inspect the condition and cleanliness of the forklift’s components.
• Test if the engine, safety equipment, and other systems are working properly.
• Provide recommendations to address the issues found.
• Confirm if the forklift is safe to operate or not.
• Affix the forklift operator’s and supervisor’s signatures upon completion.
• Automatically generate a digital report in PDF, Web, Word, and other formats.

Daily Forklift Pre-Start Checklist" width="600" height="800" />

What is a Forklift Pre Start Checklist?

A forklift pre-start checklist, also known as a forklift pre-use or pre-operation checklist, outlines all the essential components and systems that must be inspected before operating a forklift. It guides operators in assessing the condition of their forklifts and detecting potential issues that may compromise safety. This way, they can address these problems early on and reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and equipment damage.

Why is it Important to Perform Pre-Start Checks?

Pre-start inspections are a must for any business that uses forklifts in their operations. First and foremost, they are essential to maintaining the safety, reliability, and life span of the equipment. These inspections can uncover safety hazards or mechanical problems that could compromise the safe operation of the forklift. By detecting and addressing these issues early on, operators can prevent machine breakdowns, equipment damage, accidents, and injuries when at work.

In addition, conducting pre-start checks is a mandatory procedure in specific countries. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), for instance, requires all forklifts to be inspected on a daily basis before being used in service. The UK’s Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 also stipulates the need for pre-use checks to spot faulty equipment before it can cause damage.

Components of a Forklift Pre Start Checklist

Before using a forklift, operators must first perform a visual inspection and operational check to confirm if the equipment works as intended. This section will outline the essential elements to include in your forklift pre-start checklist:

Visual Check

When visually inspecting the forklift, be on the lookout for the following items:

• General condition of the forklift
• Housekeeping of the area
• Overhead guard
• Fire extinguisher
• Fluid levels
• Battery
• Wheels and tires
• Forks, backrest, mast, chains, rollers
• Chain anchor pins
• Fluid leaks
• Hoses
• Air filter intake
• Signage and stickers (if legible)
• Propane tank (if applicable)

Operational Check

This portion of the pre-use checklist examines if the systems in the forklift are working properly. Here’s a quick overview of the systems to pay attention to during operational tests:

• Engine
• Gauges / Horn
• Headlights and warning lights
• Seat belt
• Steering wheel
• Tilt / Sideshift
• Brakes

Recommendations and Confirmation

This section allows operators to state their findings during the visual and operational checks. They can confirm if the forklift is safe to use and provide any subsequent action in case the forklift requires immediate attention. Once done, they can affix their signature alongside their supervisor’s.

How to Perform a Forklift Pre-Operation Check using a Checklist

Now that you have created a forklift pre-start checklist, let’s walk through the steps of using it for your pre-operation inspections:

1. Review the checklist – Before starting the inspection, familiarize yourself first with the items in the checklist and ensure you understand each point.
2. Prepare the necessary tools – Gather all the tools or equipment needed to conduct the inspection, such as tire pressure gauges, flashlights, and battery testers.
3. Begin with avisual inspection – Start the pre-operation check by visually examining the forklift as outlined in the checklist. See if the tires, forks, masts, backrests, chains, and rollers are in good condition, and take note of any issues or defects.
4. Check the fluid levels – Proceed to evaluate if the fuel, oil, and battery levels are at appropriate levels.
5. Test the controls and instruments – Examine the steering wheel, brakes, gauges, indicators, and other controls for proper functioning. Ensure that they’re all responsive and in good condition.
6. Assess the lifting and tilting mechanisms – After the forklift controls, test the tilts, side shifts, and similar mechanisms to evaluate their performance. Pay attention to any leaks, unusual noises, or jerky movements.
7. Inspect the safety components – Verify the condition of the seat, seatbelts, lights, and other safety features.
8. Confirm if the forklift is safe for use – Based on the information gathered during the pre-start inspection, determine if you should proceed with operating the forklift.
9. Document your findings – Note any observations, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements identified in the pre-operation check. This information serves as an excellent reference for future repairs or maintenance tasks.
10. Designatecorrective actions – If any issues are found, follow the right procedures to address them. Some steps you can take include notifying your supervisor, scheduling repairs, or contacting the maintenance department.

Upon sign-off and completion, here’s a sample forklift pre-start check report for your reference:

Forklift Pre-Start FAQs

Who is responsible for forklift pre-start inspections?

The operator or driver is primarily responsible for checking the forklift prior to its use as part of their duty to ensure its safe operation. Managers or supervisors can oversee the completion of these pre-start inspections to ensure compliance and address any identified issues. They can utilize forklift pre-start checklists to speed up this process of them.

How often should forklift pre-start checks be done?

Pre-start checks for forklifts should be performed before each use or when a different operator takes control. Regularly inspecting the forklift helps catch potential issues and protects drivers from accidents and injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment.

Is it mandatory to use a checklist for forklift pre-operation inspections?

No, checklists are not mandatory when conducting forklift pre-operation checks. Nonetheless, they are valuable tools for standardizing inspection procedures, reducing the risk of overlooking critical safety aspects, and complying with forklift safety regulations.

Efficiently Inspect Forklifts with SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)

Inspections are integral to the maintenance and upkeep of forklift equipment. Traditionally, they are completed using pen and paper, but this process can consume too much time, especially if you’re jotting things down by hand. Not only that, but paper-based checklists can get lost, torn, or misplaced easily, whether during or after the operation.

SafetyCulture, the world’s leading operations platform, simplifies these tedious inspection tasks using powerful cloud-based tools. It digitizes your paper-based records and manual processes to streamline your forklift operations from the ground up. From smart forklift checklists to asset information hubs, the SafetyCulture platform has the features you need to optimize processes and keep your workers safe:

• Record your observations and findings during pre-start checks using your mobile device.
• Capture photos and videos of mechanical issues and safety hazards during inspections.
• Assign corrective action items to proactively address the identified problems.
• Leverage the insights from these inspections to develop data-backed safety policies.
• Set daily and monthly forklift inspection schedules with automated alerts for operators.
• Track your forklift’s vehicle information, location, inspections, and maintenance activities in a centralized asset portal.
• Train forklift operators in performing pre-start inspections and following safety guidelines.

Get started with our collection of forklift checklists below:

Featured Forklift Pre-Start Checklists

Forklift Pre-Start Inspection Checklist

This forklift pre-start inspection checklist consists of 11 essential questions that help spot forklift defects and damages. Regularly perform this pre-use inspection in 10 minutes to ensure safety and mitigate risks of accidents when operating a forklift.

Forklift Operator Daily Checklist

Forklift operators can use this daily checklist before and after starting the forklift engine to check if all controls are functioning correctly. If any parts are found to be damaged or malfunctioning, the equipment should be tagged out and reported to the manager. Using the SafetyCulture app, capture photos of defective parts and schedule regular inspections from your mobile device.

Monthly Forklift Inspection Form

This monthly forklift inspection form helps supervisors evaluate the overall forklift condition and the operator’s practices. Use this checklist with other forklift safety checklists to keep track of improvements across the organization. Leverage the data collected from these inspections with the Analytics feature to identify risks that can be mitigated.

Explore more templates

Forklift Pre-Start Inspection Checklist

This forklift pre-start inspection checklist consists of 11 essential questions that help spot forklift defects and damages. Regularly perform this pre-use inspection in 10 minutes to ensure safety and mitigate risks of accidents when operating a forklift.

Forklift Operator Daily Checklist

Forklift operators can use this daily checklist before and after starting the forklift engine to check if all controls are functioning correctly. If any parts are found to be damaged or malfunctioning, the equipment should be tagged out and reported to the manager. Using the SafetyCulture app, capture photos of defective parts and schedule regular inspections from your mobile device.

Monthly Forklift Inspection Form

This monthly forklift inspection form helps supervisors evaluate the overall forklift condition and the operator’s practices. Use this checklist with other forklift safety checklists to keep track of improvements across the organization. Leverage the data collected from these inspections with the Analytics feature to identify risks that can be mitigated.