What is a forklift inspection book? Well, selected devices and technical installations are subject to technical supervision. Activities aimed at improving safety are carried out by a state institution known as the Technical Supervision Office. The basic task of the office is to control compliance with regulations, as well as issuing decisions related to the supervision performed.
Document confirming approval for use
Among the devices subject to technical supervision are lift trucks also called forklifts. This means that this type of vehicle can only be used after the Technical Supervision Office issues decisions authorizing their operation. This decision is issued by one of ten regional branches operating in the country, by an authorized inspector after verifying the provided documentation and conducting acceptance testing. The document confirming approval for use is the forklift inspection book. It serves as a kind of equivalent to a car registration document.
In order to issue the book, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application along with the required documentation. It is necessary to provide the technical specification of the forklift, operating instructions, hydraulic and electrical system diagrams, as well as registration documents. According to regulations, the inspection book contains the most important information about the forklift and its user. People who decide to use forklifts without the required documents expose themselves to legal and financial consequences.
Forklift inspection book – principles of maintaining a maintenance log
Another important document that every forklift must have is a maintenance log. The obligation to maintain it is imposed by the provisions of the regulation of October 29, 2003, regarding technical conditions of technical supervision in the field of operation of certain short-distance transport equipment. The maintenance log can take the form of a paper brochure or book. This document contains a detailed list of all performed technical inspections, repairs and modernizations. The log is maintained by an employed mechanic or maintenance worker, and entries can only be made by an authorized person.
In order to obtain such authorization, it is necessary to pass a UDT exam regarding maintenance of short-distance transport equipment. According to regulations, the log should be updated at least every 30 days. If any repairs are performed in the meantime, they must be recorded on an ongoing basis. It is required to provide the counter reading at the time of repair, an accurate description of the performed activities along with the date and handwritten signature of the authorized person.
Recommended, but not mandatory, is also the preparation of daily technical reports for the forklift. Regular monitoring of the vehicle’s technical condition allows mechanics to continuously remove minor defects, which often makes it possible to avoid more serious and costly repairs.
