Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist for PITs (Powered Industrial Trucks): Internal Combustion Forklifts

Check the fluid levels (depending on the type of forklift).

• Engine oil (dipstick)

• Water level (electric forklift)

• Hydraulic fluid (red cap, dipstick, the mast must be down, in neutral)

• Electrolyte levels (on electric forklifts)

• Do not attempt to fill fluid levels unless trained to do so.

„ Inspect the tires:

• Tire condition (Look for chunking, cracking, cuts, gouges.)

• Tire pressure (Ensure that tires are not low/ flattened); do not adjust the air pressure in a pneumatic tire unless trained to do so.

„ Inspect the wheels:

• Check for cracks.

• Look for abnormal wear or damage.

„ Inspect the condition of the forks:

• The top clip retaining pin and heel pin (to secure extensions and attachments) are in place, functioning (not broken or bent).

• The fork tips are even (3 degrees or more of deflection up or down calls for replacement), not bent.

„ Inspect the safety plates, labels, and warning decals:

• Labels are secured to the PIT, legible, and visible.

• Labels correctly match the make, model, and load capacity.

• The nameplate matches the model, serial number, and any attachments.

Inspect the overhead guard (if applicable):

• The guard is securely mounted to the PIT.

• There are no bent, twisted, cracked, or missing components.

• A clear line of sight from operating position to maximum elevation of forks and load.

Inspect the operator restraint system:

• Operator seat is securely mounted to the seat deck.

• Seat deck latch is in place and locks the seat deck in the closed position

• Operator seat adjustment is functioning properly and locks the operator’s seat in place.

• Bottom and rear seat cushions are in place and in good condition (no cracks or cushion chunks missing).

• Lateral/hip restraints are in place and securely mounted to the operator’s seat.

• Both sides of the seat belt are securely mounted to the seat frame and are operational and in good working condition (not frayed, worn, or cut, and if applicable the rachet lock is working properly).

Conduct the operational inspection with the PIT turned on and running:

• Operate the PIT in forward and then in reverse.

• Check accelerator pedal operation to ensure it is free and not binding.

Test the following parts and equipment for defects or deficiencies:

• Inching control pedal (if included on the PIT)

• Brakes (foot brakes, parking brake, deadman seat brake)

• Verify there is no brake fluid leakage (test per the operator’s manual).

• Steering: check for proper operation; verify there is no hydraulic oil leakage.

• Clutch and gearshif

• Horn, lights††, and back-up alarm (must be operational), or any other safety devices the unit has been equipped with such as “blue lights” or strobes

Check the following parts and equipment for defects or deficiencies:

• Hour meter

• Defroster and wiper

• Cab heater

• Gauges

• Cables and stops

• Overhead guard

• Roll over protection structure (ROPS), if present

• Battery charge status

• Fire extinguisher (inspected and charged), if present