Undertake post operational checks for fork lift trucks — ProQual Awarding Body Occupational Qualification Warehousing & Logistics Revision
This subtopic focuses on the essential end-of-shift procedures for forklift trucks to ensure safety, equipment longevity, and compliance with workplace reg
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic focuses on the essential end-of-shift procedures for forklift trucks to ensure safety, equipment longevity, and compliance with workplace regulations. Learners must demonstrate the ability to conduct systematic checks, identify defects, and correctly complete documentation. Mastery of these checks prevents accidents and maintains operational readiness in warehousing and logistics environments.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Health and Safety Legislation: Understanding PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) and their direct application to forklift operations.
- Pre-Use Checks and Maintenance: The systematic daily inspection of forklift components (tyres, brakes, hydraulics, mast, forks, battery/fuel) to identify defects and ensure safe operation before use.
- Safe Operating Procedures: Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and site-specific rules for starting, stopping, manoeuvring, lifting, lowering, and parking forklift trucks, including speed limits and pedestrian safety.
- Load Assessment and Stability: Correctly assessing load weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, and ensuring the load is stable and within the truck's capacity to prevent tipping or dropping.
- Hazard Identification and Risk Control: Recognising potential hazards in the operating environment (e.g., uneven surfaces, blind spots, overhead obstructions, pedestrians) and implementing control measures.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- Narrate your actions aloud during practical assessment to demonstrate understanding; explain what you are checking and why.
- Always refer to the manufacturer’s handbook for specific check points; mention that procedures may vary slightly by model.
- If you find a defect during the mock assessment, clearly state the reporting process: tag out the truck, inform the supervisor, and document it.
- Practice completing the paper or digital checklist under timed conditions to ensure speed and accuracy.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the ignition key in the truck after shutdown, which poses a security and safety risk.
- Overlooking minor fluid leaks or assuming they are not worth reporting, which can lead to major hydraulic failures.
- Forgetting to check under the forklift for obstructions or dropped items after operations.
- Neglecting to properly dismount using three points of contact, which is a safety requirement even during checks.
- Filling in the checklist from memory rather than physically conducting each check, resulting in missed defects.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for clearly demonstrating a systematic inspection of the forklift's exterior, including forks, mast, chains, and tyres for damage or excessive wear.
- Expect evidence of checking fluid levels (hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant) and inspecting for leaks under the truck.
- Look for proper parking procedure: forks fully lowered and tilted forward, controls neutralised, parking brake applied, and engine/motor turned off.
- Credit should be given for correctly performing battery care on electric trucks, such as checking charge level and ensuring the charger is connected appropriately.
- Assess ability to complete the post-operational checklist accurately, recording any faults and reporting them to the relevant supervisor without omission.