The daily forklift check, done properly.
What to inspect before every shift, why it's a legal duty, and how to turn it into a record that protects the business.
Before a forklift is used each day, the operator should carry out a pre-use inspection — a walk-around plus a seated operational check. It takes a minute done well, and it's the single most effective habit for catching faults before they cause an incident.
What to check
Walk-around (engine off)
- Tyres and wheels — condition, pressure, damage.
- Forks — cracks, wear, heel thickness, positioning locks.
- Mast, carriage and lift chains — wear, tension, damage.
- Hydraulic hoses and rams — leaks or damage.
- Bodywork, overhead guard and load backrest — secure and intact.
- Data plate and seatbelt — present and legible/working.
Operational (engine on)
- Service and parking brakes.
- Steering.
- Lift, lower and tilt controls, and any attachments.
- Horn, lights, beacons and reversing alarms.
- Gauges and warning lights.
Fuel-type specifics
- Electric: battery charge, connections, electrolyte level, no damage to leads.
- LPG: cylinder secure, connections and hoses sound, no smell of gas.
- Diesel: oil, coolant and fuel levels, no leaks, exhaust condition.
Why the record matters as much as the check
The check keeps the operator safe today. The record keeps the business safe when questions are asked later. Under PUWER, you need to demonstrate that inspections happened — a defensible record captures what was checked, when, by whom, and how any defect was handled.
Make it a 60-second habit
Asset360 turns the daily check into a guided flow on a phone: scan the truck's QR code, run the fuel-type-aware checklist, and any safety-critical failure locks the truck out automatically. The record is time-stamped and stored — no clipboard, no missing books, no gaps when the HSE asks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a daily forklift check a legal requirement?
Yes, in effect. PUWER requires forklifts to be safe and inspected; HSE guidance (HSG6) sets the expectation of a pre-use check each shift. Skipping it — or failing to record it — is a compliance failure.
Who should carry out the daily check?
The operator who will use the truck, before their shift or first use. They must be trained and authorised for that truck category.
What should a daily forklift check include?
Tyres and wheels, forks, mast and lift chains, hydraulics for leaks, brakes, steering, controls, lights, horn and warning devices, seatbelt and guards, plus fuel-type specifics: battery and electrolyte for electric, LPG connections, or diesel fluid levels.
What do you do if the check finds a fault?
A defect that affects safety should take the truck out of use until it's repaired. Record the defect, report it, and only return the truck to service once the fault is cleared and signed off.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Refer to current HSE guidance (including HSG6) and your own risk assessments.