A forklift pre-use check takes a few minutes, but it is one of the most important safety habits on any site that runs lift trucks. HSE's own Approved Code of Practice notes that lift trucks are involved in about a quarter of all workplace transport accidents, and HSE research has found that almost one in five lift truck incidents comes down to mechanical failure that a proper pre-use check could have caught.
This guide explains what a daily forklift check should include, who is responsible for it, and how managers can be sure checks are actually happening - not just being ticked off on paper.
Is a forklift daily check a legal requirement in the UK?
Forklifts are work equipment, so they fall under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), which require equipment to be maintained in a safe condition and inspected where deterioration could lead to danger. The lifting parts of the truck are also covered by the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
HSE's practical guidance for lift trucks is L117, Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training and safe use. It expects operators to check their truck at the start of each shift, in line with the manufacturer's handbook, and to report any defects. A truck with a safety-critical defect should not be used until it has been put right.
In short: the law requires a safe, inspected truck, and a recorded pre-use check is the standard way businesses show they are meeting that duty.
What should a forklift pre-use check cover?
Every truck is different, so always follow the manufacturer's handbook and tailor the checklist to the machine. A typical counterbalance forklift check covers:
- Tyres and wheels - damage, cuts, wear and pressure on pneumatic tyres
- Forks, carriage and attachments - cracks, bends, wear, locking pins in place
- Mast and chains - smooth operation, chain condition and tension, no damage
- Hydraulics - leaks from hoses, rams and fittings; fluid level
- Brakes - foot brake and parking brake working correctly
- Steering - no excessive free play, knocks or stiffness
- Horn, lights and warning devices - beacons, reversing alarms, blue spot lights
- Seat and seatbelt - secure, belt latches and retracts
- Mirrors and overhead guard - clean, secure and undamaged
- Fuel, battery or gas - levels, connections, no leaks, battery secure
- Data plate and controls - legible capacity plate, controls clearly marked
The check should be done before the truck is used - and again by the next operator if the truck changes hands during the day.
Who is responsible for forklift checks?
The operator carries out the check, but the employer is responsible for making sure it happens, that operators are trained to do it properly, and that defects are acted on. Supervisors need to understand the checks too, so they can tell whether they are being done correctly.
That last point matters. A tick-box sheet filled in at the end of the week, in the canteen, is not a pre-use check - and it will not stand up if something goes wrong.
Daily checks vs LOLER thorough examinations
A daily check is not the same as a LOLER thorough examination. A thorough examination is a detailed inspection by a competent person, which HSE says must happen at least every 12 months for lifting equipment, or every 6 months if the truck is used to lift people or for lifting accessories, unless a written examination scheme sets other intervals. Daily checks fill the gap in between, catching problems as they develop. You need both. Read our guide to LOLER vs daily checks.
How to prove forklift checks are really being done
Paper check sheets have three weaknesses: they can be filled in without anyone going near the truck, they get lost, and a defect written on a sheet can sit in a tray for days.
A digital system fixes all three. With Checkmate, a smart device is fitted to each truck. The operator has to tap it with their phone to start the check - so the check can only be done standing at the truck. They tick through the checklist, snap a photo of any defect, and an inspection report is created instantly. The device light shows red if the check is overdue and green once it's done, so a manager can walk past and see at a glance which trucks have been checked today.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a forklift be checked?
Before use at the start of every shift, and by each new operator if the truck changes hands. Follow the manufacturer's handbook for the exact checks.
Does a forklift pre-use check have to be written down?
Recording the check is the standard way to show the truck was inspected and that defects were reported and fixed. Records can be digital rather than paper, as long as they are secure and can be produced when asked.
Can a forklift be used with a defect?
Not if the defect affects safety. The truck should be taken out of use and the fault reported and repaired before it is used again.
Is a daily check the same as a LOLER inspection?
No. A daily check is a quick operator check before use. A LOLER thorough examination is a detailed inspection by a competent person, at least every 12 months (or 6 months for trucks lifting people or for lifting accessories).