Pre-Shift Reach Truck – Inspection Basics

A proper and regular pre-shift reach truck inspection is required by the law which states: ‘Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service, and shall not be used if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle’.

Such inspection must be made at least once in a day, but if the equipment is used on a round-the-clock basis, then it should be examined after every shift. And if there is any visible defect, the truck must be removed from operation for repairs.

Pre-shift reach truck inspection can be performed by the operator or other experienced personnel – as long as they are qualified to complete the inspection in the right manner. This is important because only skilled and experienced staff is capable to identify any visible and hidden problems or defects.

The qualified person who is responsible for the reach truck inspection, must perform a visual and operational inspection in order to ensure that the equipment is safe and in good condition for operation. If a problem of defect comes up, the reach truck must be tagged and removed from operation until repaired.

Although paper or electronic documentation is not required by the law, if an accident happens as a result of equipment failure, the responsible safety and healthy administration will investigate whether a pre-shift inspection was performed properly. Therefore, a reach truck pre-shift inspection is a good way to ensure that the reach truck is in good working condition.

The pre-shift inspection, if performed on a daily basis, will prevent unwanted accidents which can be caused by mechanical failures. This way, all employees will be protected from serious or fatal injuries.

A reach truck pre-shift inspection includes:

• Fluid levels: water, oil and hydraulic fluid

• Visual defects including: leaks, cracks, hydraulic hoses and mast chains

• Tire pressure

• Forks condition

• Load backrest extension

• Safety decals and nameplates

• Cabin inspection for grease and debris.

• Seat belt and other safety devices

Before performing a pre-shift reach truck inspection, the person responsible for the inspection must use personal protective equipment such as face shield, gloves and long sleeves for extra precaution.