TL;DR
This pre-use vehicle checks toolbox talk covers the few minutes before every shift that catch faults before they cause a crash: brakes, steering, horn, lights, forks, tyres and leaks. If anything is wrong, record it, tag the vehicle out and report it.
Run this pre-use vehicle checks toolbox talk with forklift operators, reach truck and tug drivers, and anyone who takes a site van or car out. It takes about five minutes and lands best standing next to a real vehicle. The crew should leave knowing what to check, how to record it and when a vehicle must not be used.
Why do pre-use vehicle checks matter?
Most vehicle faults give a warning first: a soft brake pedal, a weak horn, a drip under the mast. A daily check is the cheapest chance to catch them.
In the US, OSHA 1910.178 says industrial trucks must be examined before being placed in service, at least daily. A truck found defective or unsafe must be taken out of service until it is repaired, and repairs must be made by authorized people. OSHA also links to sample daily checklists for powered industrial trucks.
For road vehicles, CCOHS describes a daily circle check: a walk-around before use that also spots people, posts or holes near the vehicle. Rules differ by country and vehicle type, so check the rules where you work.
Talking points for your pre-use vehicle checks toolbox talk
- Do it before the first move, every shift. A check after you've already driven around the yard misses the point. Make it the first thing you do with the keys.
- Test the things that stop and warn. Brakes, parking brake, steering, horn, lights, reversing alarm and seat belt. If it can't stop or warn people, it isn't ready.
- Look underneath and around. Check tyres for damage and pressure (or cuts and chunking on solid tyres), and look for oil, hydraulic or battery leaks on the floor.
- On forklifts, check the lifting parts. Forks for cracks or bends, chains, mast, hydraulic hoses, and the load backrest. Raise and lower once without a load.
- Write it down, even when it's all fine. A recorded check shows the vehicle was safe when you took it. A gap in the log is a question nobody can answer later.
- Tag it out if it fails. Don't "nurse" a faulty truck through the shift. Remove the key if your site allows, tag it, and report the fault.
- Only drive what you're trained and authorized to drive. Being able to start a vehicle isn't the same as being cleared to use it.
Example to share with the crew
For example, an operator notices the horn on their reach truck is faint during the morning check. It still works, so they nearly tick it as fine. Instead they write it down and report it.
Maintenance finds a loose connection that would have failed within days. In a busy aisle, a horn that dies mid-shift is a pedestrian injury waiting to happen. Ask the crew which "it still sort of works" faults they've let slide.
Pre-use vehicle checks checklist
- Brakes and parking brake tested
- Steering, horn, lights and reversing alarm working
- Tyres in good condition, no visible damage
- No fluid, fuel or battery leaks
- Forks, chains, mast and hydraulics checked (forklifts)
- Seat belt and operator restraint working
- Check recorded on the site checklist or app
- Faulty vehicles tagged out and reported
Questions to ask the crew
- What faults have you found during pre-use checks?
- Is our checklist realistic to complete, or does it get rushed?
- What happens on this site after you tag a vehicle out, and how long does the fix take?
How to close the talk
What this pre-use vehicle checks toolbox talk comes down to: a vehicle that fails the check doesn't move until it's fixed. Report faults to your supervisor or maintenance team straight away, and record them on the checklist. Pair this with the forklift and pedestrian safety talk, or browse more toolbox talk topics.
Toolbox talk sign-in sheet
Print this page to get the talk and a blank attendance sheet on paper.
- Date
- Location / crew
- Presenter
| # | Name | Signature |
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| 8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is checked in a pre-use vehicle check?
Typically brakes, steering, horn, lights, warning devices, tyres, fluid leaks, seat belt and, on forklifts, forks, chains, mast and hydraulics. Use the manufacturer's manual and your site's checklist for the full list.
How often do forklifts need a pre-use check?
In the US, OSHA 1910.178 says trucks must be examined before being placed in service, at least daily. Many sites check at the start of every shift.
What should be in a pre-use vehicle checks toolbox talk?
What to check, how to record it, what counts as a fault, how to tag a vehicle out, and who is allowed to drive which vehicle.
What do I do if I find a fault?
Don't use the vehicle. Record the fault, tag it out of service following site rules, and tell your supervisor or maintenance team.
Sources
This toolbox talk is general safety information. Adapt it to your site's procedures and follow the regulations that apply where you work.