Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist

Per 29 CFR 1910.178(q) — Powered Industrial Trucks | EHS Community Template

Truck ID / Unit Number

Truck Type (Electric / LP / Diesel)

Date

Shift

Hour Meter Reading

Operator Name (Print)

Operator Training Certified (date of last evaluation)

Department / Area

✓ = Satisfactory ✗ = Unsatisfactory (remove from service) N/A = Not Applicable

Any defect found during inspection requires the truck to be immediately removed from service until repaired. Do not operate a defective truck. Tag the truck with an out-of-service notice and notify your supervisor.

PART A — PRE-OPERATION INSPECTION (Engine Off)

Inspection Item

✓ / ✗ / N/A

Deficiency Notes

1. Fluid levels — engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, battery water

2. Fuel / battery charge level adequate for shift

3. Visible leaks (oil, fuel, hydraulic fluid, coolant)

4. Tires — condition, inflation (pneumatic), no cuts or chunking

5. Forks — cracks (check the heel), bends, and blade or heel wear past the manufacturer's limit (commonly a 10% loss of original thickness)

6. Carriage — rollers, bearings, chains (equal tension, lubricated)

7. Load backrest extension — present, secure, not bent

8. Overhead guard — present, not damaged, mounting secure

9. Finger guards — present and undamaged

10. Safety decals / data plate — legible, present

11. Operator manual — present in cab or compartment

12. Seat / seat belt — present, functional, not frayed or torn

13. Counterweight — present, bolts secure

14. Cab — clean, clear of debris, no loose objects that could fall

15. LP tank / propane hose (LP trucks) — no damage, tight connection

16. Battery — clean, no corrosion, cables secure (electric trucks)

PART B — OPERATIONAL INSPECTION (Engine On)

Inspection Item

✓ / ✗ / N/A

Deficiency Notes

17. Service brakes — stops smoothly, no pull to one side

18. Parking brake — holds on incline

19. Steering — smooth, no excessive play

20. Accelerator — smooth engagement, no sticking

21. Inch control / transmission — smooth forward and reverse

22. Lift / lower function — smooth, no jerking, stops accurately

23. Tilt function — forward and back smooth

24. Side shift / attachments — function correctly (if equipped)

25. Horn — audible and functional

26. Headlights / taillights — operational

27. Backup alarm — sounds when reversing

28. Warning lights / strobe — operational (if equipped)

29. Unusual noises — engine, hydraulics, transmission, brakes

DEFICIENCY LOG

Item #

Deficiency Description

Reported To

Time Reported

Truck Taken Out of Service?

Operator Signature

Supervisor Signature (if deficiencies noted)

Repair Authorization (if needed)

Returned to Service Date / Time

This template is provided for educational purposes by EHS Community (ehscommunity.com). Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) — examine trucks before placing them in service, at least daily (after each shift where used around the clock); 1910.178(l)(6) — the employer certifies each operator's training and evaluation. Retain completed checklists per your facility's recordkeeping policy. In Canada, check your province's lift truck rules.