Forklift Daily Inspection Checklist
A printable forklift daily inspection checklist with 33 checks, each taken from Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks and eTool : Powered Industrial Trucks. Powered industrial trucks (forklifts): internal combustion (gas, LPG, diesel) and electric (battery) sit-down and stand-up trucks
Forklifts must be examined before being placed in service, and not placed in service if the examination shows any condition that affects safety. (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)) [src] The examination must be made at least daily. (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)) [src] Trucks used around the clock must be examined after each shift. (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)) [src] A truck found to need repair, be defective, or be unsafe in any way must be taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition. (29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)) [src]
Truck / unit: ________________ Date: __________ Shift: ______ Operator: ________________
Visual checks, engine or motor off (all trucks)
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Look for leaks: fuel, hydraulic oil, engine oil, radiator coolant, or battery. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check tire condition and pressure. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the forks, including the top clip retaining pin and the heel. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confirm the load backrest is securely attached. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confirm the overhead guard is attached. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confirm the finger guards are attached. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check battery water/electrolyte level and state of charge. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the hydraulic fluid level. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the transmission fluid level with the dipstick. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the brake fluid level. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Make sure the operator's manual is on the truck in its container. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confirm the nameplate (capacity plate) is attached and matches the model, serial number and attachments. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check operator protection: seat belt works smoothly on sit-down trucks; fall protection or restraint works on man-up trucks. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Internal combustion and LPG trucks only (engine off)
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| On LPG trucks, inspect the propane tank for rust, corrosion and damage. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Visually check all engine belts. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the engine oil level with the dipstick. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the engine air cleaner: squeeze the rubber dirt trap or check the restriction alarm, if fitted. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| On diesel trucks, check the fuel sedimentor. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the radiator coolant level. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Make sure the hood latch is adjusted and securely fastened. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Electric trucks only (motor off)
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Adjust and fasten the battery restraint system. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check cables and connectors for frayed or exposed wires. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Operational checks, engine or motor on
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Check that the accelerator or direction control pedal works smoothly. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the service brake. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the parking brake. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check that steering operates smoothly. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the drive control in forward and reverse. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the tilt control forward and back. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the hoist and lowering control. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the attachment controls, if the truck has an attachment. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check that the horn and lights work (and alarms, where fitted). [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check gauges and instruments: on engine trucks, ammeter, oil pressure, hour meter, fuel, temperature; on electric trucks, hour meter and battery discharge indicator. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Listen for unusual noises and have them investigated right away. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Defects found / action taken:
______________________________________________________________
Signature: ________________________
Sources
- 1910.178 - Powered industrial trucks. (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- Sample Daily Checklists for Powered Industrial Trucks (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- eTool : Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) - Operating the Forklift - Pre-Operation (retrieved November 3, 2026)