Forklift pre-start checklist template
Eighteen checks an operator walks through before the first lift of the shift, a faults section that records what was found and whether the forklift was tagged out, and sign-off. Word and PDF, emailed to you.
Word and PDF. Emailed to you, no sales call.
What it is for
A forklift pre-start is a walk-around and a function test before the first use each shift: tyres, forks, mast and chains, hydraulics, brakes, steering, horn, lights, seatbelt, fluid levels, the data plate and the extinguisher. It takes five minutes and it is where most faults get caught before they cost a lot more.
This template lists the checks in the order you walk around the machine, with OK, Fault and N/A columns. Anything marked as a fault goes into the faults table with who it was reported to and whether the forklift was tagged out. The operator and the supervisor sign at the bottom.
What is in the template
- Forklift details: ID or registration, make and model, hour meter reading, operator, licence number, date and shift.
- Eighteen checks covering tyres, forks and carriage, mast and chains, hydraulics, guards, seat and belt, mirrors, horn, lights, reversing alarm, brakes, steering, fluids, gas bottle, extinguisher, data plate and the work area.
- A faults table: fault, reported to, action taken and tagged out yes or no.
- Operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to use it well
- Walk the same route every time so nothing gets skipped. The list is in walking order for that reason.
- A fault on brakes, steering, forks, mast or chains means tag it out and stop. Everything else is a judgement call for the supervisor.
- Keep the completed sheets. When a forklift is involved in an incident, the last pre-start is the first thing anyone asks for.
Further reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace, Safe Work Australia
- Codes of Practice, SafeWork SA
Before you use it
This template is a general starting point only. It is not advice, it was not prepared for your workplace, and it does not take account of your sites, your work or the requirements that apply to you. You are responsible for checking it, adapting it and deciding whether it is suitable before you use it. AREESA accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, injury or damage arising from its use.
When the paper version stops scaling
In AREESA every forklift is an asset with a QR code on it. The operator scans it, the pre-start opens with the machine's details filled in, a fault can tag the asset out on the spot, and the completed check sits on the forklift's own record beside its service history.
Questions
How often should a forklift pre-start be done?
Before first use each shift, and again if a different operator takes over. If the forklift sits for a week, do it again before it moves.
What should stop the forklift being used?
Any fault with brakes, steering, forks, carriage, mast, chains or hydraulics, a missing or illegible data plate, or a seatbelt that does not work. Tag it out and report it.
Does this work for other plant?
The layout does. Edit the Word version and swap the eighteen checks for the ones that suit an excavator, a scissor lift or a truck.
How long do I keep completed pre-starts?
Long enough to show the history of the machine. Many sites keep them for the life of the plant or at least a year; check what your clients and your insurer expect.
See the forklift pre-start checklist running in AREESA.
A 30-minute demo with your documents and your sites, not a canned tour.