Reach Truck Daily Inspection Checklist
Use this practical pre-operation reach truck inspection checklist covering forks, mast, tyres, battery, controls, safety devices, leaks and defect reporting.
Before switching on
- Truck identity and inspection status
- General damage or missing parts
- Forks, heels, tips and locking devices
- Mast channels, rollers and chains
- Reach mechanism and carriage
- Load backrest where fitted
- Hydraulic hoses, cylinders and visible leaks
- Wheels and tyres for wear, damage or embedded debris
- Battery condition, connector and restraint
- Overhead guard and operator compartment
- Seat, restraint and presence sensors
- Capacity plate and safety labels
Functional checks
- Steering response
- Service brake and parking brake
- Lift, lower, tilt and reach controls
- Horn and warning devices
- Lights, beacon and alarms where fitted
- Emergency disconnect
- Display warnings and fault codes
- Unusual noise, vibration or smell
Why small defects matter
A damaged wheel can cause vibration or instability. A minor hydraulic leak can develop into loss of control or a slip hazard. A worn fork heel can reduce strength. Defects should be assessed by a competent person rather than accepted because the truck still moves.
How to record the inspection
Use a dated checklist linked to the truck’s identification number. Record the operator, shift, observations, defect classification, person notified and action taken. Electronic forms are useful where they prevent a truck with an unresolved safety defect from being issued.
Defect escalation
Operators should know which defects require immediate isolation and which may be monitored under an approved maintenance decision. Never improvise repairs, bypass an interlock or continue operating because production is busy.
Frequently asked questions
How often should checks be completed?
At least before the truck is first used for the shift, and again when another operator takes over if site procedures require it.
Can an operator clear a fault code?
Only in accordance with approved procedures. Repeated or safety-related faults require competent maintenance attention.
Should the checklist be kept?
Yes. Retained records support maintenance, supervision and investigation, but they must reflect genuine inspections.
Related reach truck guides
Official Singapore references
These sources support the general WSH duties and forklift-safety principles discussed in this guide.
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