Free Forklift Safety Inspection Checklist
Use our Free Forklift Safety Inspection Checklist below to assist with compliance and ensure workplace safety.
ISOsafe provide Safety Advice, Training, Inspections and WHS Policy paperwork to Businesses and Employers Australia-Wide
Forklift Pre-Operational Safety Checks (Prestart)
☐ Locate and ensure you are familiar with all machine operations and controls.
☐ Check brakes, lights and horn before use.
☐ Ensure reversing beeper and warning lights are operational.
☐ Ensure seat belt/safety restraint is in good condition.
☐ Know the capacity of the forklift before using it. Do not use a forklift without a load rating plate.
☐ Check gas-powered vehicles for gas leaks in fuel lines.
☐ Ensure the lifting forks are in sound condition and centred either side of the mast.
☐ Check tyre pressures. Never drive with a flat or under-inflated tyre.
☐ Ensure the operator is trained, licensed, consulted and authorised to operate the equipment. Consultation involves having a site specific Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Forklift operation. ISOsafe can prepare site specific SWMS for your business call us 1300 789 132
Forklift Operational Safety Checks
☐ Watch out for pedestrians.
☐ Ensure the lifting tines are secure into the pallet and the load is stable before lifting or driving off.
☐ Be careful of ceiling clearance or overhead obstructions when raising the mast.
☐ Always remember that the safe working load of a forklift reduces as the mast is tilted forward.
☐ Always put the heavy end of the load against the load backrest.
☐ When approaching a blind corner, use horn and drive slowly.
☐ Always have someone guide you if a load restricts your vision.
☐ Slow down when changing direction or on wet or greasy surfaces.
☐ Avoid harsh braking, especially when carrying a load.
Forklift Refuelling Safety
☐ For gas-powered vehicles, change gas bottles in a well-ventilated area clear of a naked flame or source of ignition.
☐ For battery-operated vehicles, charge in well-ventilated area.
Forklift Ending Operations and Cleaning Up
☐ When stopping the forklift:
- Park on even ground and lower the forks to the ground.
- Shift the gear selector to park position and apply the parking brake.
- Turn off the ignition and remove the keys.
☐ For gas-powered vehicles, turn off gas and don’t park near an ignition source, doorway or pit.
Cautions/Warnings
☐ Do not use faulty equipment. Report any faults immediately.
☐ Do not use engine-powered forklifts in poorly ventilated areas.
☐ Do not allow anyone to ride on the forks.
☐ Do not lift a load with the mast tilted forward.
☐ Do not travel with forks raised or reach mechanism extended.
☐ Never travel with the load elevated.
☐ Do not attempt to turn on an incline or sloping surface.
☐ Do not dismount from a forklift while the engine is running unless the vehicle has completely stopped, transmission is in park position, and the parking brake is effectively engaged.
☐ Do not leave forks elevated when forklift is unattended.
☐ Do not refuel an engine-powered forklift unless the motor is stopped and ignition turned off.