Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection
Daily pre-shift examination of powered industrial trucks covering visual and operational checks, defect reporting, and out-of-service rules required before any forklift is placed in service.
- Audience
- Certified forklift operators
- Review cycle
- annual
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-14
- Revision
- 1
Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection: what is in the procedure
7 sections. Regulatory language is fixed and passes through verbatim. Sections marked customized get rewritten around your facility, your equipment, and your job titles.
- 01
Purpose
FixedThis procedure establishes the mandatory pre-shift inspection process for all powered industrial trucks (PITs).
- 02
Scope
CustomizedThis procedure applies to every powered industrial truck operated at the facility, including sit-down counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, and electric pallet jacks...
- 03
Responsibilities
CustomizedOperators perform the inspection and report defects before operating.
- 04
Procedure: Visual Checks (Power Off)
CustomizedWith the truck powered off: 1. Check tires and wheels for damage, wear, and embedded debris.
- 05
Procedure: Operational Checks (Power On)
FixedIn a clear area with the truck powered on: 1. Test service brake and parking brake.
- 06
Defect Reporting and Out-of-Service Rules
CustomizedIf any condition adversely affecting safety is found, the operator must not place the truck in service.
- 07
References
Fixed29 CFR 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks.
Regulatory references
Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection: 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
Every SOP generated from this template cites the paragraphs below, with a plain-language summary of what each one requires. Citations are informational and are not legal advice.
Industrial trucks shall be examined before being placed in service, and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle.
| Standard | Title | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7) | Powered industrial trucks: examination before use | Industrial trucks must be examined before being placed in service and shall not be placed in service if the examination shows any condition adversely affecting safety. Examinations must be made at least daily, or after each shift when trucks are used around the clock. |
| 29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1) | Powered industrial trucks: trucks in need of repair | Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition must be removed from service, and all repairs must be made by authorized personnel. |
| 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1) | Powered industrial trucks: operator training | Under paragraph (l)(1)(i) the employer must ensure each operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, demonstrated by successful completion of the training and evaluation this paragraph requires, before the operator may operate a truck without direct supervision. Certification of that training and evaluation is required separately by paragraph (l)(6). |
Compliance checklist
Forklift Pre-Shift Inspection: what an inspector looks for
Every PIT is examined before being placed in service each day or shift
29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)
Trucks with safety-affecting defects are removed from service until repaired
29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)
Only trained, evaluated, and certified operators perform inspections and operate trucks
29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)
Inspection records are completed and retained per facility policy
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This page is informational and is not legal advice. Have a qualified safety professional review any procedure before it goes into service at your facility.