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create a safety checklist for using a Kubota forklift
Generated on: November 4, 2025
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Kubota Forklift Safety Checklist
Date: 2025-11-04
Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]
Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]
Department: [DEPARTMENT]
Purpose
To ensure the safe operation of Kubota forklifts by providing a comprehensive inspection and safety guideline, promoting compliance with OSHA regulations and preventing accidents.
Instructions for Use
- Use this checklist before operating a Kubota forklift to ensure all safety measures are in place.
Frequency
This checklist should be completed: Daily
Safety Checklist
Pre-Operation Inspection
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check the forks for any damage or wear. [1] Check: Forks are free from cracks, bends, or excessive wear. If failed: Replace damaged forks before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Inspect the mast for any signs of damage or misalignment. [1] Check: Mast rails are straight, rollers move freely, and chains are properly adjusted. If failed: Repair or replace damaged mast components before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Verify tire condition and pressure. [1] Check: Tires are properly inflated, and free from cuts, bulges, or excessive wear. If failed: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure or replace if damaged. | _________________ | ||
| Ensure the overhead guard is securely in place and undamaged. [1] Check: Overhead guard is free from cracks, bends, or missing hardware. If failed: Repair or replace damaged overhead guard before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Check the safety belt for proper function and condition. [1] Check: Safety belt is not frayed or damaged and the buckle functions correctly. If failed: Replace damaged safety belt before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Inspect the hydraulic system for leaks or damage. [1] Check: No visible leaks from hoses, cylinders, or fittings. If failed: Repair any hydraulic leaks before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Check the oil level. [1] Check: Oil level is within the recommended range. If failed: Add oil to the correct level before operation. | _________________ |
Post-Start Checks
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test the brakes for proper function. [1] Check: Brakes engage smoothly and stop the forklift effectively. If failed: Repair or adjust brakes before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Verify all lights are working. [1] Check: Headlights, taillights, and warning lights are functional. If failed: Replace any non-functional lights before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Check all signals are working. [1] Check: Turn signals and hazard lights are functional. If failed: Repair any non-functional signals before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Test the horn. [1] Check: Horn produces a clear and audible sound. If failed: Repair or replace horn before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Monitor gauges for normal readings. [1] Check: All gauges (fuel, temperature, etc.) display readings within the normal operating range. If failed: Investigate and correct any abnormal gauge readings before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Check the steering for proper function. [1] Check: Steering is responsive and smooth without excessive play. If failed: Repair or adjust steering before operation. | _________________ | ||
| Verify all control levers function correctly. [1] Check: Lift, tilt, and directional levers operate smoothly and as intended. If failed: Repair or adjust any malfunctioning control levers before operation. | _________________ |
Operational Safety Guidelines
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always wear your seatbelt. [1] Check: Operator is wearing the seatbelt at all times during operation. If failed: Instruct the operator to wear the seatbelt. | _________________ | ||
| Operate the forklift in a well-ventilated area. [1] Check: The area is adequately ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. If failed: Improve ventilation or relocate the forklift to a well-ventilated area. | _________________ | ||
| Be careful on dangerous surfaces. [1] Check: The surface is free of loose objects, is even, and is not wet, greasy, or icy. If failed: Clear the surface or use appropriate caution when operating on dangerous surfaces. | _________________ | ||
| Never carry another person on the forklift. [1] Check: Only the operator is on the forklift. If failed: Instruct any additional personnel to not ride on the forklift. | _________________ | ||
| Be especially careful when turning. [1] Check: Turns are executed slowly and with awareness of the forklift's stability. If failed: Slow down and use extra caution when turning. | _________________ | ||
| Be careful around other people; pedestrian always has the right of way. [1] Check: Operator is alert to people walking near the forklift and yields to pedestrians. If failed: Remind the operator to be aware of pedestrians and yield the right of way. | _________________ | ||
| Know the recommended load limit of the forklift and never exceed it. [4] Check: The weight of the load does not exceed the forklift's load limit. If failed: Reduce the load weight to be within the forklift's capacity. | _________________ | ||
| Know how to assess the weight of the load to be lifted. [4] Check: Operator can accurately determine the weight of the load. If failed: Provide training on how to assess load weight. | _________________ | ||
| Be familiar with the route for travel. [4] Check: Operator knows the route and is aware of any obstructions or restrictions. If failed: Review the route with the operator and identify any potential hazards. | _________________ | ||
| Look ahead for any obstructions or restrictions that might be in the path you are going to travel [4] Check: The path is clear of any obstructions or restrictions. If failed: Clear any obstructions or restrictions from the path. | _________________ | ||
| Decrease speed around all corners, sound the horn, and consider the swing of both the rear of the forklift truck and the load. [3] Check: The forklift slows down at corners, the horn is sounded, and the operator is aware of the swing. If failed: Remind the operator to slow down, sound the horn, and be aware of the swing. | _________________ | ||
| Watch for pedestrians. Keep a safe distance from other lifting devices, pedestrians, elevated surfaces, ramp edges, machinery, etc. [3] Check: The operator maintains a safe distance from pedestrians and other objects. If failed: Remind the operator to watch for pedestrians and keep a safe distance. | _________________ | ||
| Travel in reverse when a load blocks your sight lines and always look in the direction of travel. [3] Check: The forklift is driven in reverse when the load blocks sight lines, and the operator looks in the direction of travel. If failed: Instruct the operator to drive in reverse when the load blocks sight lines. | _________________ | ||
| Check for adequate overhead clearance when entering an area or raising the forks (including the load). [3] Check: There is sufficient overhead clearance. If failed: Ensure adequate overhead clearance before proceeding. | _________________ | ||
| Maintain a safe working limit from all overhead power lines. [3] Check: The forklift is operated at a safe distance from overhead power lines. If failed: Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines. | _________________ | ||
| Loaded trucks, when travelling up and down a hill that is greater than a 5% grade should travel with the load pointed uphill. [2] Check: The forklift travels uphill with the load pointed uphill. If failed: Ensure the forklift travels uphill with the load pointed uphill. | _________________ | ||
| The unloaded truck should travel with the forks pointed downhill, regardless of the grade. [2] Check: The unloaded forklift travels with the forks pointed downhill. If failed: Ensure the unloaded forklift travels with the forks pointed downhill. | _________________ | ||
| Do not turn until on level ground whenever possible. [2] Check: Turns are made on level ground. If failed: Avoid turning on inclines. | _________________ | ||
| Ensure that forks are level, high enough to enter the pallet, proper width to provide an even distribution of the weight and all the way under the load, reaching up to at least two-thirds of the load length. [6] Check: Forks are properly positioned under the load. If failed: Reposition the forks for proper load distribution. | _________________ | ||
| Before any lift, make sure the forks are properly centred under the load, the forklift is stopped, and the brake is engaged. [6] Check: The forklift is stopped, the brake is engaged, and the forks are centered. If failed: Ensure the forklift is stopped, the brake is engaged, and the forks are centered. | _________________ | ||
| Lift the load straight up until it is clear of the ground, rack, or other materials. Watch that the load does not catch on adjacent loads or obstructions. [6] Check: The load is lifted straight up and clear of obstructions. If failed: Ensure the load is lifted straight up and clear of obstructions. | _________________ | ||
| Tilt the load back. [6] Check: The load is tilted back. If failed: Tilt the load back. | _________________ | ||
| Slowly reverse straight back (if possible) with the load suspended, continuously checking for obstructions for the load and forklift. Once the load is clear from all obstructions, it can be lowered to a height of about 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) above the ground. It is now safe to travel with the load. [5] Check: The forklift reverses slowly, and the operator checks for obstructions. If failed: Ensure the forklift reverses slowly and the operator checks for obstructions. | _________________ | ||
| After placing the load down, make sure that the forks are no longer supporting the weight of the load and that the forks are tilted back to level before backing up. [5] Check: The forks are not supporting the weight, and the forks are tilted back. If failed: Ensure the forks are not supporting the weight and the forks are tilted back. | _________________ | ||
| Tilt loads backwards. [5] Check: Loads are tilted backwards. If failed: Tilt loads backwards. | _________________ | ||
| Travel with forks as low as possible from the floor and tilted back (usually within 10-15 cm (4 to 6 inches) above the floor). [5] Check: Forks are low to the ground and tilted back. If failed: Lower the forks and tilt them back. | _________________ | ||
| Match speed to, load, presence of pedestrians, obstructions, and driving and workplace conditions, including slippery surfaces. [5] Check: Speed is appropriate for the conditions. If failed: Adjust speed to match the conditions. | _________________ | ||
| Obey posted traffic signs and follow all traffic control requirements for that work location (e.g., driving on the right-hand side, lane markings, etc.). [5] Check: Traffic signs are obeyed, and traffic control requirements are followed. If failed: Follow traffic signs and traffic control requirements. | _________________ | ||
| Avoid sudden stops. [5] Check: Stops are smooth and gradual. If failed: Avoid sudden stops. | _________________ | ||
| Use the proper lift fixture or attachment for special loads (such as carpet spike or drum grappler). [7] Check: The correct lift fixture is used. If failed: Use the correct lift fixture. | _________________ | ||
| Position the load according to the recommended load centre. The load limit of the lift truck decreases as the load centre is raised. [7] Check: The load is positioned at the recommended load center. If failed: Reposition the load at the recommended load center. | _________________ | ||
| Do not add extra weight to counterbalance an overload. [7] Check: No extra weight is added to the forklift. If failed: Remove any extra weight. | _________________ | ||
| Keep loads close to the front wheels to keep lift truck stable. [7] Check: Loads are kept close to the front wheels. If failed: Reposition the load closer to the front wheels. | _________________ | ||
| If the load is unbalanced (by its characteristics), keep the heavier end closer to the front wheels. Tilt the mast back. [7] Check: The heavier end of the load is closer to the front wheels, and the mast is tilted back. If failed: Reposition the load and tilt the mast back. | _________________ |
Emergency Procedures
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, call for medical help immediately! [1] Check: Ensure that there is a procedure in place for contacting emergency medical services. If failed: Establish a clear emergency contact procedure. | _________________ | ||
| Park in an approved location. [2] Check: The forklift is parked in a designated and approved area. If failed: Move the forklift to an approved parking location. | _________________ | ||
| Apply parking brakes. [2] Check: The parking brake is engaged. If failed: Engage the parking brake. | _________________ | ||
| Lower the forks or load to the floor. [2] Check: The forks are lowered to the floor. If failed: Lower the forks to the floor. | _________________ | ||
| Neutralize the lift controls. Set the direction lever in neutral and lock the mechanism (if present). Tilt the mast forward slightly and lower the forks to the floor until the fork tips touch the floor. [2] Check: The lift controls are neutralized, and the mast is tilted forward. If failed: Neutralize the lift controls and tilt the mast forward. | _________________ | ||
| Turn off the motor switch or turn off the controls. [2] Check: The motor switch is turned off. If failed: Turn off the motor switch. | _________________ | ||
| Remove the key. [2] Check: The key is removed from the ignition. If failed: Remove the key. | _________________ | ||
| Shut off the fuel supply (e.g., disconnect the battery or go through propane shut-down procedures). [2] Check: The fuel supply is shut off. If failed: Shut off the fuel supply. | _________________ | ||
| Block the wheels if the truck is parked on an incline. [2] Check: The wheels are blocked. If failed: Block the wheels. | _________________ |
General Requirements
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform this task. [4] Check: Only trained, certified, and licensed operators are allowed to operate the forklift. If failed: Provide necessary training and certification to the operator. | _________________ | ||
| Complete a full inspection daily. [1] Check: A full inspection is completed daily before operating the forklift. If failed: Ensure a daily inspection is performed and documented. | _________________ |
Failed Item Procedures
- If there is a problem, fix it before using the forklift. [1]
- Any failed item must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
Documentation Requirements
Maintain records of all inspections, maintenance, and training activities. Copies of OSHA Form 300 and First Report of Injury, Form 801, must be kept for five years. Employee safety and health training records must also be maintained. Safety inspections and corrections should be documented and maintained. [8] [8] [8]
Checklist Completion
Overall Status: ☐ Pass ☐ Fail ☐ Corrective Actions Required
Inspector Signature: Date:
Supervisor Review: Date:
Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:
References and Standards
- OSHA regulations
This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].
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