Daily Plant Prestarts
Forklift Daily Pre-Start Checklist
Daily pre-start safety inspection for counterbalance and reach forklifts. To be completed by a licenced forklift operator before operating the forklift each shift.
35 checklist items
Download this template
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| Date | ___________________________ | |
| Forklift ID / Registration | ___________________________ | |
| Operator Name | ___________________________ | |
| Operator Licence Number | ___________________________ | |
| Hour Meter Reading (start of shift) | ___________________________ | |
| ENGINE & FLUID CHECKS | ||
| Engine oil level adequate (no leaks) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Hydraulic fluid level adequate | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Coolant level adequate | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Fuel level adequate | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| No visible fluid leaks under forklift | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| TYRES & WHEELS | ||
| Tyre condition — no cuts, bulges or excessive wear (all 4 tyres) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Tyre pressure acceptable (pneumatic tyres) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Wheel nuts secure and none missing | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| FORKS & MAST | ||
| Forks — no cracks, bends or distortion | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Fork heel thickness within acceptable limits | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Forks secure on carriage — no sideways movement | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Mast rollers and channels — no cracks or excessive wear | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Tilt cylinder — no leaks, smooth operation | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Lift chains — lubricated, no stretched or broken links | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| SAFETY SYSTEMS | ||
| Operator restraint (seatbelt or ROPS bar) serviceable | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Overhead guard intact and secure | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Load backrest extension intact | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Horn operational | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Reversing alarm/beeper operational | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Warning lights and indicators operational | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Service brakes — adequate pedal travel, no pulling | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Parking brake holds on incline | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Steering — full lock left and right, no excessive play | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| GENERAL CONDITION | ||
| Cab/seat clean and free of obstructions | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Load capacity plate clearly visible and legible | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Fire extinguisher present and within service date | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| DEFECTS & COMMENTS | ||
| Defects noted (describe) | ___________________________ | |
| Reported to supervisor (if defects found) | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| Operator Signature | ___________________________ | |
| Supervisor Signature | ___________________________ | |