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Forklift daily inspection checklist
A plain, printable pre-shift form for your truck. Pick the equipment, add your company and unit number, download the PDF. Items follow OSHA 1910.178(q)(7) and OSHA's sample daily checklists.
Or skip the clipboard
Scan it. Tap All Good. Done.
The sticker on the truck is the cue. The operator scans it, types their name (their phone remembers it next time), and every item starts as OK. On a clean truck that's one tap and under 30 seconds. If something's wrong they tap that line, add a note or photo, and the truck is tagged out of service and the supervisor gets an alert.
Every inspection is saved with the name the operator typed and a timestamp. Audits, FORC reports and exports stay on the manager's side.
- OKLeaks under truck
- OKTires and wheels
- OKForks and pins
- OKLift chains
- FIXHorn
What's on the form
- Header. Company, unit number, date, shift, operator, hour meter, make and serial.
- A. Key off, walk-around. Leaks, tires, forks, chains, mast, guards, decals, fluids, battery or LP tank, in walk-around order.
- B. Key on, operational. Seat belt, horn, lights, brakes, steering, lift, lower, tilt and attachments.
- OK / Needs repair / N/A for every item, a defects and comments box, and a "Do not operate if any safety item fails" rule.
- Sign-off. Operator certification and signature, supervisor sign-off, and a repair and return-to-service line.
FORC Inspection pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | One site and up to 3 pieces of equipment, free. Phone inspections, out-of-service alerts, printable QR sticker. | Choose |
| Single site | $29/mo | One site, up to 25 pieces of equipment. Unlimited operators, audit exports. | Choose |
| Unlimited | $59/mo | Unlimited sites and equipment. | Choose |
Print-your-own QR stickers are included on every plan. Mailed weatherproof sticker packs are an optional add-on: order them from the Stickers page after you sign in.
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Questions
Does OSHA require a daily forklift inspection?
Yes. 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) says powered industrial trucks must be examined before being placed in service, at least daily. Trucks used around the clock must be examined after each shift. Defects must be reported and corrected, and a truck with a safety defect must not be used.
Does OSHA require a written checklist?
The standard requires the examination, not a specific form. Most employers keep a signed checklist anyway, because it is the simplest proof that the inspection happened and who did it.
What goes on a forklift pre-shift checklist?
Two parts. A walk-around with the key off: leaks, tires, forks, chains, mast, overhead guard, data plate, fluid levels, and the battery or LP tank. Then key-on checks: horn, lights, brakes, parking brake, steering, lift, lower and tilt controls, and the seat belt. The items here follow OSHA's sample daily checklists.
Is there a checklist for electric and LPG forklifts?
Yes. Pick the equipment type above. LPG adds tank mounting, relief valve and hose checks; electric adds battery restraints, cables and electrolyte level; diesel and LPG add engine fluids and belts.
What about scissor lifts, boom lifts and dock levelers?
They are not covered by 1910.178. Their lists follow typical manufacturer pre-start checks. Always check them against the operator's manual for your equipment.
How long do I keep completed checklists?
OSHA's forklift standard does not set a retention period. Follow your company policy or your insurer's requirement.
Sources
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks, paragraph (q)(7)
- OSHA sample daily checklists for powered industrial trucks
- OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool, pre-operation inspection
This checklist is a sample to adapt to your manufacturer's operator manual. It is not legal advice and does not replace operator training, evaluation or certification under 1910.178(l).