Lesson 1Responding to serious faults: immediate actions, isolating equipment, lockout/tagout basics, notifying supervisor and maintenance, arranging safe transfer of loads if requiredThis lesson details the right way to handle major faults found during inspection, such as stopping work right away, isolating the machine, using simple lockout or tagout methods, informing the supervisor and maintenance team, and safely moving loads if needed.
Recognize defects that require shutdownPark, lower forks and secure the truckApply basic lockout or tagout devicesNotify supervisor and maintenance staffArrange safe transfer of suspended loadsDocument the fault and actions takenLesson 2Complete walkaround checklist: forks, carriage, mast, chains, lift hydraulics, tilt cylindersThis lesson covers a full walkaround inspection of the forklift, paying attention to forks, carriage, mast, chains, and hydraulic parts. Learners will learn to identify damage, wear, leaks, and poor alignment that could affect safe lifting operations.
Inspect forks for cracks, bends and wearCheck fork locking pins and stopsExamine carriage plate and load backrestInspect mast rails, rollers and weldsCheck chains, anchors and equal tensionInspect tilt and lift cylinders for leaksLesson 3Safety labeling and data plate verification: capacity plate reading, load center understanding, warning labels legibilityThis lesson explains how to find and read the data plate, understand rated capacity and load centre, and check that all safety and warning labels are in place, clear to read, and suitable for the attachments and work environment in Nigeria.
Locate and read the truck data plateInterpret rated capacity and load centerConfirm attachment information on plateCheck warning and hazard label locationsVerify label legibility and languageIdentify missing or damaged labelsLesson 4Recording and reporting defects: how to fill inspection forms, digital logs, tagging out-of-service equipmentThis lesson shows how to record inspection results accurately on paper or digital forms, tag unsafe equipment out of service, and report defects clearly so that repairs are done before the machine is used again in the workplace.
Use daily inspection checklists correctlyRecord defects with clear descriptionsAttach photos or digital evidenceTag and label out-of-service trucksEscalate critical defects immediatelyFollow up on repair completion statusLesson 5Battery and electrical system checks: battery state of charge, connector integrity, cable insulation, vent caps, electrolyte level checks (where applicable)This lesson describes how to check the traction battery and electrical system, covering state of charge, connectors, cables, insulation, vent caps, electrolyte levels if applicable, and signs of overheating or damage for safe operation.
Check battery state of charge indicatorsInspect connectors for damage or arcingCheck cable routing and insulation wearVerify vent caps and covers are secureObserve electrolyte levels where allowedIdentify leaks, corrosion or hot spotsLesson 6Brake system checks: parking brake, service brakes, brake fluid level indications, pedal feelThis lesson covers inspections of service and parking brakes, including pedal feel, travel, holding power, and warning lights, to ensure the forklift can stop and hold safely on flat and sloped surfaces in Nigerian sites.
Check parking brake holding on a slopeAssess service brake stopping distanceEvaluate pedal feel and free travelObserve brake warning indicatorsListen for grinding or squeal noisesIdentify signs of hydraulic leaksLesson 7Steering, controls and operator aids: steering mechanism, joystick/levers, horn, lights, mirrors, seat and seatbeltThis lesson addresses checks for steering, main controls, and operator aids like mirrors, seat, and seatbelt, confirming they are available, properly adjusted, and working to support safe and accurate forklift handling.
Check steering wheel or tiller free playTest control levers or joystick responseVerify horn and light switch operationInspect mirrors and adjust for visibilityCheck seat condition and adjustmentInspect seatbelt condition and latchingLesson 8Pre-start functional tests: horn, lights, direction, lift/lower/tilt function under no-load conditionsThis lesson focuses on functional tests before starting under no-load, including horn, lights, travel direction, steering, and hydraulic lift, lower, and tilt functions, to confirm smooth and safe operation without issues.
Test horn and audible warning devicesCheck headlights, brake and warning lightsVerify forward and reverse selectionConfirm steering response and free playTest lift, lower and tilt with no loadListen for abnormal noises or vibrationLesson 9Wheel and tire checks: wear, cuts, correct inflation (where applicable) and load-bearing conditionThis lesson explains how to inspect wheels and tires for wear, cuts, chunks, flat spots, inflation where needed, and load-bearing state, ensuring the forklift can handle rated loads safely and reliably in Nigerian conditions.
Identify tire types used on the truckInspect tread wear and remaining depthCheck for cuts, chunking and flat spotsVerify inflation on pneumatic tiresAssess rims and wheel fastenersRecognize tires unfit for service
