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Free HSE forklift inspection checklist

Free HSE forklift inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers the operator pre-use checks in ACOP L117 for rider-operated lift trucks. Download free.

Updated 2 Oct 2026

HSE Forklift Inspection Checklist

Operator pre-use check following HSE guidance L117. Not a LOLER thorough examination.

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0 of 26 checks

Pre-Use Visual Checks

1General condition: clean, no visible damage or modifications
2No fluid leaks under truck (oil, coolant, hydraulic, fuel)
3Data plate legible and rating clearly visible

Tyres and Wheels

4Tyres free from cuts, chunks and excessive wear
5Tyre pressure within specification (pneumatic tyres)
6Wheel nuts tight and all present

Mast and Forks

7Forks free from cracks, bends and excessive wear
8Fork locking pins present and secure
9Mast chains lubricated and free from damage
10Mast rollers operate smoothly without binding
11Backrest extension secure and undamaged

Hydraulics

12Hydraulic fluid level within operating range
13Hydraulic hoses free from abrasion, bulging and leaks
14Lift and tilt cylinders free from drift under load

Controls and Instruments

15Service brake stops truck within normal distance
16Parking brake holds on incline
17Steering responds smoothly in both directions
18Gauges and warning lights functioning correctly
19Mast raises, lowers and tilts without hesitation

Safety Devices

20Horn operates correctly
21Reversing alarm / beeper functional
22Headlights, tail lights and warning beacon working
23Overhead guard secure and undamaged
24Seatbelt / operator restraint present and functional

Operational Test

25No abnormal engine noise, vibration or exhaust smoke
26Forward and reverse travel smooth with no unusual sounds

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 2 October 2026
Also see:Forklift inspections →Compliance and inspections →Best inspection software →MapTrack vs SafetyCulture →

Short answer

An HSE forklift inspection checklist records the operator's pre-use check of a rider-operated lift truck in Great Britain: forks, mast, chains, hydraulics, tyres, brakes, steering, lights, restraint and guards, done each shift. HSE's ACOP L117 gives the guidance, and regulation 9 of LOLER 1998 requires periodic thorough examination of lifting equipment exposed to deterioration by a competent person.

Checked against HSE L117 (lift trucks ACOP) (L117, revised edition published 2013) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack HSE forklift inspection checklist contains 26 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Pre-Use Visual Checks, Tyres and Wheels, Mast and Forks, Hydraulics, Controls and Instruments, Safety Devices, Operational Test.
  • Under LOLER regulation 9, a forklift exposed to deterioration needs thorough examination at least every 12 months, or 6 months if it lifts people, unless an examination scheme applies.
  • The 6 and 12 month intervals apply to equipment exposed to deterioration liable to cause danger.
  • A pre-use check supplements the LOLER thorough examination; it never replaces it.
  • After a thorough examination, LOLER regulation 10 bars use of equipment with a reported dangerous defect until it is fixed.

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What is an HSE forklift inspection checklist?

An HSE forklift inspection checklist is a structured form used to document the daily and periodic inspections of rider-operated lift trucks (forklifts) in line with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L117, "Rider-Operated Lift Trucks: Operator Training and Safe Use." ACOP L117 gives practical guidance on complying with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) as they apply to forklift trucks. The checklist covers the items operators and supervisors should verify before each shift, including mast and forks, hydraulic systems, tyres and wheels, brakes and steering, lights and warning devices, seatbelt or operator restraint, overhead guard, load backrest, fluid levels, battery condition, and general truck cleanliness and housekeeping. It does not replace the periodic thorough examination: under LOLER, the lifting parts of forklift trucks (mast, chains, carriage, forks and tilt mechanism) must be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least every 12 months (or every 6 months if used for lifting persons), or in line with an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. The daily operator check supplements these periodic examinations by catching defects between formal inspections. In MapTrack, this checklist can be assigned to each forklift asset and completed on mobile, with the LOLER thorough examination scheduled against the same asset and an email reminder in the week before it falls due.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

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Benefits of using this HSE forklift inspection checklist

  • Regulatory compliance in Great Britain: meet ACOP L117, PUWER and LOLER requirements with documented daily and periodic inspection records.
  • Operator safety: systematic checks of brakes, steering, mast, forks and operator restraint catch defects before they cause tip-overs, struck-by incidents or load drops.
  • Thorough examination tracking: the checklist links to the LOLER thorough examination schedule, ensuring forklift trucks do not exceed the statutory examination interval.
  • Defect management: recording faults on a standardised form triggers corrective action workflows, preventing unsafe trucks from remaining in service.
  • Fleet consistency: every operator follows the same inspection sequence regardless of shift, site or forklift model.
  • Audit readiness: completed checklists give HSE inspectors and internal auditors a dated, signed record of each check.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise forklift checklists in MapTrack, you get:

  • Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
  • Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
  • Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
  • Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
  • Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
  • Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
  • Electronic signatures.
  • Edit forms later without reprinting.
  • Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
  • Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
  • Email safety managers when a hazard report is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • Keep every hazard and incident report against the site it came from, with photos.
  • Turn a hazard report into a corrective-action work order with its own review step.

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What to include in an HSE forklift inspection checklist

This HSE forklift inspection checklist covers 12 key areas:

  • Truck details: make, model, serial number, fleet or unit number, fuel type (electric, LPG, diesel).
  • Operator details: name, training certificate number, date and shift.
  • Mast and forks: fork condition (no cracks, no distortion, heel thickness within limits), fork locks, mast rails, chains, rollers and hydraulic cylinders.
  • Hydraulic system: hydraulic oil level, hoses, fittings, tilt and lift cylinder operation, leak check.
  • Tyres and wheels: tyre condition, tread, inflation, wheel nuts, wheel integrity.
  • Brakes and steering: service brake, parking brake, steering play, steering cylinder.
  • Safety devices: horn, headlights, rear lights, flashing beacon, seatbelt or operator restraint, overhead guard, load backrest.
  • Fluids and power: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, battery condition (electrolyte, terminals, charger) or LPG tank.
  • Operational test: lift, lower, tilt, side shift (if fitted), forward, reverse and brake test under no-load conditions.
  • LOLER status: date of last thorough examination, next due date, current examination report available.
  • Defect register: item, description, severity (safe to operate, requires monitoring, must not operate), action taken.
  • Sign-off: operator and supervisor signatures.

How to use this HSE forklift inspection checklist

  1. Record the truck details, operator name, training certificate number, date and shift.: Enter the forklift make, model, serial number, fleet or unit number and fuel type. Record the operator name, their accredited training certificate number (RTITB, ITSSAR or AITT), the date and which shift the inspection covers so the record is traceable to a specific machine, person and time.
  2. Conduct a walk-around inspection with the truck switched off. Check forks, mast, tyres, hydraulic hoses, fluid levels, battery or LPG tank and the overhead guard.: Inspect both forks for cracks, distortion and heel wear. Check mast rails, chains, rollers and hydraulic cylinders for damage or leaks. Examine tyres for cuts, chunking, flat spots and correct inflation. Verify hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid levels. For electric trucks check the battery electrolyte and terminals; for LPG trucks confirm the gas cylinder is secure and connections are tight.
  3. Start the truck and test all controls: lift, lower, tilt, steering, horn, lights, beacon, seatbelt and brakes.: With the truck running, raise and lower the mast to full extent and tilt forward and back to check smooth hydraulic operation. Turn the steering lock-to-lock to confirm no excessive play. Sound the horn, test headlights, rear lights and the flashing beacon. Fasten and release the seatbelt or operator restraint. Apply the service brake and parking brake to confirm both hold the truck on a level surface.
  4. Confirm the LOLER thorough examination is current. Check the examination report date and next due date. Do not operate if the examination has lapsed.: Locate the current LOLER thorough examination certificate for the truck and verify the examination date and next due date. Under LOLER, the examination must be repeated at least every 12 months, or every 6 months if the truck is used for lifting persons, unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person sets the interval. If the examination has lapsed, remove the truck from service immediately and notify the fleet manager.
  5. Record any defects in the defect register. If the defect makes the truck unsafe, remove it from service and report to the supervisor immediately.: For each defect, record the item, a description of the fault and a severity rating: safe to operate with monitoring, requires repair within a set timeframe, or must not operate until rectified. Attach photographs where possible. If a safety-critical defect is found, isolate the truck with a "DO NOT USE" tag, inform the supervisor and raise a corrective action in MapTrack.
  6. Sign and date the checklist. The supervisor reviews and countersigns. File the completed form or save digitally in MapTrack.: The operator signs to confirm the inspection was completed honestly and thoroughly. The supervisor reviews the entries, countersigns the checklist and confirms any defect actions have been raised. File the paper form or submit digitally in MapTrack so the inspection record is linked to the asset and available for HSE inspector requests or internal audits.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

The daily operator pre-use check should be completed before the forklift is used each shift. If the truck is used across multiple shifts, each operator should perform a check at the start of their shift. Under LOLER, a thorough examination by a competent person is required at least every 12 months for standard forklift operations, or every 6 months if the truck is used for lifting persons (e.g. with a work platform attachment), unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person sets the intervals. Many employers also schedule weekly or monthly intermediate inspections covering deeper maintenance items. In MapTrack, you can schedule daily, weekly, monthly and LOLER examination intervals per asset, with an email reminder in the week before each falls due.

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Frequently asked questions

ACOP L117, "Rider-Operated Lift Trucks: Operator Training and Safe Use," provides practical guidance on complying with PUWER and LOLER for forklift trucks. It recommends daily pre-use checks by trained operators covering brakes, steering, controls, forks, mast, tyres, lights and safety devices. Under LOLER, forklift trucks must also receive a thorough examination by a competent person at defined intervals (at least every 12 months, or every 6 months if used for lifting persons, unless an examination scheme sets the intervals). The daily check supplements the formal LOLER examination by catching defects between inspections.

The daily pre-use check should be performed by a trained and authorised forklift operator. Under ACOP L117, operators must have completed recognised training (typically to an accredited standard such as RTITB, ITSSAR or AITT) and be authorised by their employer to operate the specific type of truck. The operator should know what to check, how to identify defects, and when to remove a truck from service. The periodic LOLER thorough examination must be carried out by a competent person, typically an independent engineer or accredited inspection body.

Under LOLER, forklift trucks require a thorough examination by a competent person at least every 12 months, unless an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person sets a different interval. If the forklift is used for lifting persons (for example, with a personnel work platform attachment), the periodic interval reduces to every 6 months. The employer may set shorter intervals based on the manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions or risk assessment. A daily operator pre-use check is expected in addition to the periodic thorough examination.

An HSE forklift checklist is structured around the rules that apply in Great Britain, specifically ACOP L117, PUWER and LOLER. It includes items such as the LOLER thorough examination status and operator training certification to accredited UK standards (RTITB, ITSSAR, AITT). An OSHA forklift checklist follows US federal regulations, specifically 29 CFR 1910.178, and references OSHA-specific training and evaluation requirements. Both cover similar physical inspection items (forks, mast, brakes, steering, lights, safety devices), but the regulatory references, training standards and examination schedules differ.

Yes. Download and use this HSE forklift inspection checklist at no cost. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you later want digital pre-use checklists linked to each forklift asset with automated LOLER examination reminders, defect photo capture and operator training verification, MapTrack can help. Book a demo to see how it works.

Record the truck details, the operator's name and training certificate number, the date and the shift. With the truck switched off, walk around it and check the forks, mast, chains, tyres and guards. Start it and test every control: lift, lower, tilt, steering, horn and lights. Confirm the LOLER thorough examination is current by checking the examination report. Record any defect in the defect register; if a defect makes the truck unsafe, take it out of service before anyone uses it. Sign the check and hand it in.

HSE's Approved Code of Practice L117 states that under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 an employer must ensure all lift truck operators, new and existing, are adequately trained and, when necessary, provide additional or refresher training. Basic training should be at least to the standard the Code describes. L117 does not prescribe a fixed refresher interval; it requires refresher or additional training when it is necessary, so record the certificate number and date on each daily check and use them to spot operators whose training needs revisiting.

Fork condition comes first: no cracks, no distortion, and heel wear within the manufacturer's limit, with both forks matching. Check the mast, lift chains and rollers for wear, damage and lubrication, and the hydraulic system for oil level, hose and fitting condition and any leaks at the lift or tilt cylinders. Test lift, lower and tilt under no load and listen for anything that is not normal. Any crack, distortion or hydraulic leak is a defect that takes the truck out of service until it has been assessed.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.

  • Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator training and safe use. Approved Code of Practice and guidance

    Edition: L117, revised edition published 2013

    Approved Code of Practice on operator training and safe use of rider-operated lift trucks, including maintenance and thorough examination.

    Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998

    Edition: Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed)

    Thorough examination intervals or an examination scheme, and reporting of defects found.

    • reg 9: Thorough examination before first use, after installation and periodically, plus inspection between examinations where appropriate.
    • reg 9(3)(a)(i): Equipment for lifting persons and lifting accessories exposed to deteriorating conditions must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months, unless an examination scheme applies.
    • reg 10: Examiners must notify and report defects; equipment must not be used until a defect is fixed, or past the deadline set for a defect that could become dangerous.

    legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)

  • The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

    Edition: Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk, no outstanding effects listed)

    Work equipment kept in efficient working order and good repair, and adequate training for users.

    • reg 5: Work equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair, with any maintenance log kept up to date.
    • reg 9: Requires adequate training for people who use, supervise or manage the use of work equipment.

    legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)

  • Safe use of lifting equipment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Approved Code of Practice and guidance

    Edition: L113, 2nd edition (December 2014, with amendments 2018)

    Approved Code of Practice on LOLER, including thorough examination and reports.

    Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

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  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">HSE Forklift Inspection Checklist</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Truck details: make, model, serial number, fleet or unit number, fuel type (electric, LPG, diesel).</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, training certificate number, date and shift.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Mast and forks: fork condition (no cracks, no distortion, heel thickness within limits), fork locks, mast rails, chains, rollers and hydraulic cylinders.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Hydraulic system: hydraulic oil level, hoses, fittings, tilt and lift cylinder operation, leak check.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Tyres and wheels: tyre condition, tread, inflation, wheel nuts, wheel integrity.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Brakes and steering: service brake, parking brake, steering play, steering cylinder.</li>
  </ul>
  <p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/hse-forklift-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">HSE Forklift Inspection Checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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The MapTrack HSE forklift inspection checklist contains 26 checks across 7 sections.

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