Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

Frequent and thorough inspections are necessary to keep forklifts in a safe and efficient operating condition. They also provide information that will help prevent breakdowns and costly delays. OSHA regulations state, “Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service, and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle. Such examination must be made at least daily. Where industrial trucks are used on a round the-clock basis, they shall be examined after each shift. Defects when found shall be immediately reported and corrected.” 1910.178(q)(7). “if at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.” 1910.178(p)(1). “All repairs shall be made by authorized personnel.” 1910.178(q)(1). No repairs shall be made in class I, class II or class III locations {hazardous environments). 1910.178(q)(2).