Forklifts and stacking machines, These are the most heavily used lifting equipment in warehouses, factories, and logistics facilities. Heavy use leads to risks such as fork wear, brake and hydraulic failures, and tipping. According to the Work Equipment Regulation, these vehicles... Periodic inspection is mandatory.. AES Innovation performs forklift and stacker inspections. with our authorized engineers It operates according to the relevant standards.
Short answer: Forklift periodic inspection is the examination of the forks, lifting system, hydraulics, brakes, steering, tires, and safety equipment for safe operation. Legally... at most once every 12 months This is done (more frequently in cases of heavy/abrasive use). The aim is to prevent tipping, falling load, and crushing accidents.
What is forklift periodic inspection?
This is a regular inspection of forklifts, stacking machines (pallet trucks, reach trucks, order pickers), and similar power-driven industrial vehicles in terms of their load capacity, structural integrity, and safety systems. All types of forklifts used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, ports, and construction sites are covered.
Why is it mandatory?
- Legal requirement: The Work Equipment Regulation (Annex III) mandates periodic inspections of lifting/conveying equipment.
- Job security: Forklift accidents are among the most frequent fatal/injury incidents in workplaces (tipping, crushing, falling loads).
- Operational continuity: Early detection prevents unexpected breakdowns and shutdowns.
- Inspection and insurance: A valid medical examination report is required for labor inspector audits and insurance processes.
Scope of Inspection
- Fork: Measurement of wear, cracks, deformation, and thickness.
- Lifting system: Mast, chain, hydraulic cylinder and leakage
- Brakes and steering: Service/parking brake and steering control systems
- Load indicator and capacity plate: Readability and accuracy
- Safety equipment: Horn, warning signals, driver protection cage (FOPS/ROPS), seat belt.
- Tires, battery/LPG and electrical components: General situation and security
Technical Criteria and Inspection Intervals (TS ISO 5057 / TS 10689)
| Control / criteria | Main or limit | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic inspection interval | Maximum 12 months (more frequent with heavy/abrasive use) | TS ISO 5057 Article 4 + Work Equipment Regulations, Annex III |
| Fork wear limit | Bıçak/sap kalınlığı orijinalin %90’ına inerse çatal servis dışı bırakılır | TS ISO 5057 clause 5.7 |
| Forked surface crack | Cracks cannot be repaired with welding → fork replacement is required. | TS ISO 5057 article 5 |
| Load test | Static and dynamic testing at nominal lifting capacity. | TS 10689 |
AES Innovation Inspection Process
- Preliminary: Vehicle information, capacity plate, and previous reports are reviewed.
- Visual examination: The forks, mast, hydraulics, brakes, and safety equipment are checked.
- Function and load test: Lifting, braking, and steering systems are tested under load.
- Measurement: Fork thickness is measured, and non-destructive testing is applied at necessary points.
- Reporting: The non-conformity, repair recommendation, and subsequent inspection period will be communicated.
Commonly Encountered Nonconformities
- Wear, cracks, or permanent bending in the forks.
- Leaks in hydraulic cylinders and hoses.
- Brake and parking brake malfunction
- Capacity plate and load indicator are unreadable.
- Lack of driver restraint equipment (cage/belt)
- Tension difference and wear in the lifting chain.
Relevant Standards
Forklift and stacking machine inspections; TS ISO 5057 (Inspection and repair of fork arms), TS 10689 (forklift periodic inspection) and TS ISO 3691 / TS EN ISO 3691-1 This is carried out in accordance with the Industrial Vehicle Safety Regulation and the Work Equipment Regulation. (Forklift inspections are outside the scope of AES's TÜRKAK accreditation and are carried out by our authorized engineers.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a forklift be inspected?
Legally, this should be done at most every 12 months. In demanding, multi-shift, or abrasive environments (ports, mines, cement factories), the authorized person may specify a shorter period.
When should the fork be replaced?
Bıçak veya sap kalınlığı orijinalin %90’ına indiğinde ya da çatlak tespit edildiğinde çatal servis dışı bırakılır; çatlaklar kaynakla onarılamaz.
Are pallet trucks and stacking machines also included?
Yes. Power-driven pallet trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, and similar stacking machines are also subject to periodic inspection as lifting/conveying equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Forklift periyodik kontrolü ne sıklıkla yapılmalı?
İş Ekipmanlarının Kullanımında Sağlık ve Güvenlik Şartları Yönetmeliği’ne göre forklift ve istif makineleri, ilgili standartlarda aksi belirtilmedikçe en az yılda bir (≤12 ay) periyodik kontrole tabidir. Yoğun veya zorlu kullanım koşullarında daha sık kontrol önerilir.
Forklift kontrolünde nelere bakılır?
Çatal aşınması (TS ISO 5057’ye göre kalınlık kaybı sınırı), çatal ve şasi çatlakları, kaldırma/eğme hidroliği, fren ve direksiyon, kaldırma zinciri ve taşıyıcı, koruyucu kafes ile uyarı sistemleri kontrol edilir; gerektiğinde yük testi (TS 10689) uygulanır.
Çatlak bir forklift çatalı kaynakla onarılabilir mi?
Hayır. TS ISO 5057, çatal çatlaklarının kaynakla onarılmasına izin vermez; çatlak veya aşırı aşınmış çatal yenisiyle değiştirilmelidir.
Forklift periyodik kontrolünü kim yapabilir?
Periyodik kontroller, konusunda yetkili mühendis veya teknik personel tarafından yapılır. AES Innovation bu kontrolleri yetkili mühendisleriyle bağımsız olarak gerçekleştirir.
Free: Forklift Inspection Checklist
Download the free practical inspection checklist for your forklifts and stacking machines: