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Forklift Daily Inspection Checklist: Pre-Shift Checks

Frequency
Every shift
Completed by
Forklift operator
Approved by
Shift supervisor
The checklist
22 checks · 4 sections

A forklift daily inspection checklist is the check an operator completes before driving a forklift at the start of each shift: forks, mast and chains, tyres, fluid levels and leaks, brakes, steering, controls, horn, lights and the seat belt. If a check fails, the truck stays out of service until it has been repaired.

In the United States, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) requires powered industrial trucks to be examined before being placed in service, at least daily, and after each shift where trucks are used around the clock. Defects must be reported and corrected immediately. In Türkiye, the Ministry of Labour's forklift safety guide (2017) tells operators to run these checks at the start of every shift and every time they switch to a different forklift.

This daily check does not replace the periodic inspection by a competent person. Add any checks that the manufacturer's manual lists for your model, and see our warehouse safety checklist for the wider workplace.

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How to use this checklist

  1. Complete the checklist before the first use of the shift, and again whenever you take over a different forklift.
  2. Do the visual checks with the forklift parked, forks lowered and the engine or power off; then do the operational checks with the engine running.
  3. Mark each check Pass, Fail or N/A, and photograph every failed item.
  4. If a critical check fails, do not use the forklift: tag it out of service and report it to your supervisor straight away.
  5. Keep the signed checklist with the truck's maintenance records.

The checklist: Forklift Daily Inspection Checklist: Pre-Shift Checks

Inspection details

Site / area: 
Forklift ID or serial number: 
Power type: 
Hour meter (h): 
Shift: 
Date and time: 

Visual checks (engine or power off)

  1. 1.

    Forks are free of cracks, bends and excessive wear, and both are secured by their locking pinsCritical

    Look along each fork from the heel to the tip; compare the two forks.

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 2.

    Mast, lift chains and chain anchors are undamaged, with no broken or stiff linksCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 3.

    Hydraulic hoses, fittings and cylinders show no leaks or damageCritical

    Check the floor under the truck for fresh drips.

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  4. 4.

    Tyres and wheels are free of damage and excessive wear; pneumatic tyres are correctly inflated

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  5. 5.

    Fluid levels are correct: hydraulic oil, brake fluid, engine oil and coolant or water

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  6. 6.

    Attachments are securely fitted and undamaged, and their capacity is knownCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  7. 7.

    The capacity plate or load chart is fitted and legible

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  8. 8.

    Overhead guard and load backrest are in place and undamagedCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  9. 9.

    LPG cylinder is secured, its hose and connection show no damage, and there is no smell of gasCritical

    Mark N/A for electric and diesel trucks.

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  10. 10.

    Battery is secured, and its cables and connector are undamaged

    Mark N/A for LPG and diesel trucks.

    Ref.: [3]

    PassFailN/A

Operator position

  1. 11.

    Seat belt or operator restraint latches and releases correctlyCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 12.

    Mirrors are clean, undamaged and adjusted

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A

Operational checks (engine running)

  1. 13.

    Service brake stops the truck smoothly and promptlyCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 14.

    Parking brake holds the truckCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 15.

    Steering responds normally with no excessive playCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  4. 16.

    Lift, lower, tilt and attachment controls work smoothly and return to neutral when releasedCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  5. 17.

    Horn, reversing alarm and other warning devices workCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  6. 18.

    Headlights, warning beacon and any blue or red zone lights work

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A
  7. 19.

    No unusual noise, smoke or overheating while runningCritical

    Ref.: [3]

    PassFailN/A

Result

  1. 20.

    Every defect found has been reported to the supervisor

    Ref.: [3]

    YesNoN/A
  2. 21.

    If a critical check failed, the forklift is tagged out of service and the key removedCritical

    Ref.: [3]

    YesNoN/A
  3. 22.

    Notes and defects found

    Note: ________

Critical check: if it fails, stop and correct it before work continues.

Sign-off

Operator

Name: 
Signature: 
Date: 

Supervisor

Name: 
Signature: 
Date: 

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Legal basis and references

  1. [1] Türkiye: T.C. Çalışma ve Sosyal Güvenlik Bakanlığı, Forkliftlerle Güvenli Çalışma Uygulama Rehberi (2017) — Section 4.3.1: pre-start checks at the start of every shift and on changing forklift.
  2. [2] Türkiye: İş Ekipmanlarının Kullanımında Sağlık ve Güvenlik Şartları Yönetmeliği (Resmî Gazete, 25.04.2013) — Annex III: periodic inspection of lifting equipment, including forklifts, by authorised persons.
  3. [3] United States: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks — (q)(7) daily examination before use; (p)(1) and (q)(1) removal from service; (q)(9) overheating; (n) horn at cross aisles.

Version 1 · Updated October 24, 2026 · findrisk.net/checklists/forklift-daily-inspection-checklist/

Frequently asked questions

How often does a forklift need to be inspected?

Before every shift. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) requires an examination before the truck is placed in service, at least daily, and after each shift when trucks are used around the clock. Türkiye's forklift safety guide asks for the check at the start of each shift and whenever the operator changes forklift.

What should happen if a forklift fails the daily check?

It must not be used. OSHA 1910.178(p)(1) says a truck that is in need of repair, defective or unsafe is taken out of service until it is restored to a safe operating condition, and (q)(7) requires defects to be reported and corrected immediately. Tag the truck, remove the key and tell your supervisor.

Who should complete the forklift pre-shift check?

Normally the operator who will drive the truck, because they need to know its controls. The Turkish guide also allows the check to be done by maintenance staff or a person authorised for periodic inspections before the truck is started.

Is the daily check the same as the periodic forklift inspection?

No. The daily check is a short operator check. A periodic inspection is a thorough examination by a competent person; in Türkiye it is required under the Work Equipment Regulation, at least once a year, and is carried out by authorised mechanical engineers or technicians.

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