Forklifts are nowadays one of the basic means of transport in warehouses. Every such vehicle, in order to be used, must be registered. In Poland, every forklift must be approved for operation by the Technical Supervision Office or another appropriate unit. It is also mandatory to maintain documentation of these devices and conduct regular inspections. How does the forklift registration process work?

When is forklift registration mandatory?

A forklift by definition is a vehicle powered by a combustion engine, electric motor or powered by gas. It is a so-called short-distance transport vehicle, therefore it is subject to the supervision of the Technical Supervision Office. It is therefore mandatory to report its purchase and registration. Using a forklift that has not been approved for operation by UDT is against the law. To register a forklift and obtain permission for its operation, a written application must be submitted to the UDT branch.

What does forklift registration look like?

The first step is to fill out the appropriate application. It should include information such as:

  • data of the person registering the vehicle,
  • technical specification of the forklift,
  • operating manual,
  • two sets of registration documentation,
  • vehicle certificate of origin,
  • system diagram and copy of the last protocol, if it exists.

After submitting the complete set of documents, the forklift must undergo a detailed technical inspection. Based on this, a decision on approval for operation is then issued.

Technical inspection of a forklift

Before the authorized office issues a decision on permission to operate a forklift, it is necessary to conduct a thorough technical inspection. As part of the inspection, the forklift is subjected to control. The technical condition of the vehicle and compliance with the information entered in the documentation are checked. And if the forklift was already in operation, it undergoes load tests that check its safety and efficiency. A standard inspection includes:

  • tire wear,
  • technical condition of forklift forks,
  • technical condition of load chains,
  • technical condition of brakes,
  • technical condition of steering system,
  • technical condition of hydraulic system,
  • lighting condition,
  • forklift marking,
  • functionality of sound signal,
  • technical condition of additional safety devices.

Based on the result of the technical inspection and a positive decision, a revision book is established. The revision book is a document that contains information about a specific forklift along with its identification number, inspection dates and the decision authorizing operation.

Forklift registration is the obligation of every entrepreneur who uses such vehicles in their company. Using equipment not approved for use risks not only financial penalties, but above all danger in the workplace. That is why subsequent regular technical inspections confirming the forklift’s ability to work are also so important.