forklift inspections

Proper Inspection of Your Forklift’s Forks

Barry Forklift Service, Regulatory, Safety , , , , , , , ,

Your forklift’s forks bear the brunt of your loading and unloading operations. Wear and tear, or damage to either component can create a dangerous situation for your employees and anyone working around your fleet. And a 10% wear on your forks can reduce your safe lifting capacity by 20%, making your 5,000lb. forklift, a 4,000lb. forklift.

Inspecting your forklift forks regularly is essential for safety and efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to inspecting your forks properly:

  1. Visual Inspection
    ✔ Check for Cracks & Damage – Look closely for cracks, bends, or other signs of damage. Pay special attention to welds and stress points.
    ✔ Inspect for Bending or Warping – Lay a straight edge along the fork blade to check for any bending. Even slight bends can reduce lifting capacity.
    ✔ Look for Wear on the Heel – The fork heel (where the blade meets the shank) is a high-stress area. If it’s worn down by 10% or more, replace the fork.
    ✔ Check for Surface Damage – Rust, deep scratches, and chipped paint could indicate hidden damage or weak spots.
  2. Measure Fork Thickness
    Use calipers to measure the thickness of the fork heel.
    Compare it to the original thickness. If it has worn down by 10% or more, replace the fork (this reduces load capacity by about 20%).
  3. Check Fork Hooks & Mounting Points
    ✔ Ensure the hooks are not cracked or excessively worn.
    ✔ Verify that the locking pins are functional and secure.
    ✔ Make sure the forks are properly mounted and not loose.
  4. Confirm Even Fork Height
    Set the forks on a level surface and check if the tips are even.
    A difference of more than 3% of fork length means one fork is more worn than the other and should be replaced.
  5. Inspect Load Markings
    ✔ Make sure the load capacity markings on the forks are visible and legible.
    ✔ If they are missing or unreadable, you may need to replace the forks or have them re-marked.
  6. Test Fork Operation
    ✔ Engage and disengage the forks to ensure smooth movement.
    ✔ Look for signs of unusual resistance, sticking, or instability.
  7. Follow OSHA or Manufacturer Guidelines
    OSHA and forklift manufacturers typically recommend daily pre-shift inspections and full inspections at least once per year (or more in high-use environments).

If any defects or wear exceed safety limits, replace the forks immediately rather than attempting repairs. Forklifts depend on strong, reliable forks to operate safely. Contact us at 800-322-5438 and we will help you select the proper forks for your forklift and operational requirements.

Forklift Safety Inspections

Barry Forklift Service, Regulatory, Safety , , , ,

Forklift Safety Day is fast approaching and we want to help raise awareness to help improve safety on, and around the forklifts we operate. Pre-shift inspections have been the law for two decades and besides maintaining compliance, the make great sense in terms of employee safety, productivity and the overall health of your business. Forklift inspections are important for:

  1. Safety: Forklifts are powerful and heavy machinery used to move and lift heavy loads. Regular inspections ensure that forklifts are in safe working condition, minimizing the risk of accidents or injuries to operators and bystanders. Inspections help identify potential hazards, such as faulty brakes, worn-out tires, malfunctioning controls, or hydraulic leaks, which can be addressed before they lead to accidents.
  2. Compliance: Forklift inspections are often required by law and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with safety standards. In many countries, employers are legally obligated to maintain a safe working environment and regularly inspect their equipment, including forklifts. Adhering to these regulations helps avoid penalties, fines, or legal issues.
  3. Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections allow for early detection of mechanical issues or wear and tear on various components. Identifying problems in advance enables proactive maintenance and repairs, preventing breakdowns or major failures that could lead to costly repairs, downtime, and interruptions in operations. By addressing minor issues promptly, more significant and costly problems can be avoided.
  4. Equipment Longevity: Forklifts are a significant investment for businesses, and proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. Regular inspections help identify areas that require attention, such as lubrication, filter replacement, or component adjustments. By keeping the forklift in good working condition, its overall longevity is increased, reducing the need for premature replacements and saving costs in the long run.
  5. Operator Confidence: Consistently inspecting and maintaining forklifts boosts operator confidence. When operators know that the equipment they are using is well-maintained and safe, they can perform their tasks more efficiently and with peace of mind. This can lead to improved productivity, reduced operator errors, and increased overall operational effectiveness.

Overall, forklift inspections are vital for ensuring the safety of operators and those around them, maintaining compliance with regulations, preventing accidents and breakdowns, extending equipment life, and optimizing productivity in the workplace. Below is a video that helps walk you through an inspection of your lift trucks.

Our forklift inspection checklists for electric and IC forklifts are also an important tool to help you conduct thorough inspections of your lift trucks. These were developed with inspection suggestions directly from OSHA. Remember to also inspect any additional equipment you’ve added to the forklift, safety lights and other products, attachments etc…

Download our Electric Forklift Inspection Form

Download our IC Forklift Inspection Form

We believe forklift safety starts with operating a safe forklift. For any questions about service or parts as a result of your inspections, please contact us at 800-322-5438.