Forklift daily checklist
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
The check an operator does before using a forklift each day: a visual walk-around with the truck off, then the operational checks with it running. Mark each item, report defects, and don't use the truck if a defect affects safety.
OSHA's rule 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) has industrial trucks examined before being placed in service, and not placed in service if the examination shows a condition that affects safety. The examination is made at least daily, and after each shift where trucks run around the clock. Defects must be reported and corrected right away.
This is the single-day checklist for one truck. To keep a week or a month of checks on one sheet, use the forklift inspection log. It follows the federal text; it isn't legal advice.
Forklift daily check
Fields: Forklift no. · Type (LPG, electric, diesel) · Hour meter · Operator · Date · Shift
Visual (truck off)
- Forks, carriage and backrest: cracks, bends, wear
- Mast, chains and rollers
- Hydraulic hoses and cylinders: leaks
- Tires and wheels
- Overhead guard
- Data plate and labels readable
- Fluid levels: engine oil, hydraulic, coolant
- Battery or LPG tank: secure, connections, no leaks
- Seat belt
Operational (truck on)
- Horn
- Lights and backup alarm
- Steering
- Service brake
- Parking brake
- Lift, lower and tilt controls
- Inching pedal (where fitted)
- Gauges and warning lights
- Unusual noises
Fill it in the right way
- Before the first use of the day (or each shift if trucks run round the clock), find the truck's checklist.
- With the truck off, walk around and check forks, mast, chains, hoses, tires, guard, fluids and power source.
- Get on, belt up, start the truck and test the horn, lights, alarm, steering and brakes.
- Raise, lower and tilt the forks to test the hydraulics.
- Mark each item and report every defect.
- Don't use the truck if a defect affects safe operation; tag it out until it's fixed.
Tips
- Keep the checklists with each truck so the next operator sees yesterday's notes.
- Check electric trucks' battery water and cables as part of the daily check, not just at charging.
- Look at the chains in the lowered position, then watch them through a full lift.
- A truck that fails the same item often needs a repair, not another note.
Do it in FleetZap
- Put a QR label on each forklift; the operator scans it to do the check on a phone without an account.
- Failing an item opens a repair work order for the shop and notifies the right people.
- An hour meter reading entered on the check updates the truck's meter, which drives hour-based PM.
- Checklists can include pass/fail, reading, photo and signature steps, with required steps that block closing.
- FleetZap records checks and repairs; it doesn't certify compliance.
Sources
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a forklift be inspected?
Under OSHA 1910.178(q)(7), before it's placed in service and at least daily, or after each shift when trucks are used round the clock.
What does a forklift daily checklist cover?
A visual check with the truck off (forks, mast, chains, hoses, tires, guard, fluids, battery or LPG) and an operational check (horn, lights, steering, brakes, hydraulic controls).
What happens if a forklift fails the check?
It shouldn't be placed in service. Report the defect and have it corrected before use.
Do forklift checks have to be written down?
The rule requires the examination; written or electronic checklists are the usual way to show it was done each day.