Checklist for Daily Forklift Inspection in Saudi Arabia (Free PDF Download)

April 11, 2025 hakeem.nala@gmail.com

Introduction
In 2023, a warehouse in Riyadh faced a SAR 30,000 fine after an uninspected forklift tipped over, injuring an operator and damaging imported goods. Investigators found the accident could have been avoided with a 5-minute daily inspection—a routine required by Saudi Labor Law but ignored by the company.

For businesses in Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced logistics and construction sectors, skipping daily forklift checks isn’t just risky—it’s a legal gamble. This guide provides a free, Saudi-compliant daily forklift inspection checklist (PDF download) and explains how to use it to avoid fines, accidents, and downtime.

Why Daily Forklift Inspections Are Critical in Saudi Arabia

1. Legal Compliance: Avoid Costly Penalties

Under Saudi Labor Law (Article 85), employers must ensure all equipment is safe for use. Daily inspections are mandatory, and failure to document them can result in:

Fines up to SAR 20,000 per violation (per forklift).
Facility shutdowns during investigations.
Lawsuits if operators are injured due to negligence.

Real-World Example: A Jeddah logistics company was fined SAR 15,000 in 2024 after an audit revealed missing inspection logs for 12 forklifts.

2. Safety in Extreme Conditions

Saudi Arabia’s harsh environment accelerates wear and tear:

Sandstorms: Clog air filters and damage engines.
50°C Summers: Overheat batteries and hydraulic systems.
High Humidity (Coastal Areas): Corrode electrical components.

Daily checks catch these issues before they become hazards.

3. Operational Efficiency

A study by Saudi Arabia’s General Investment Authority (SAGIA) found that businesses using daily checklists reduced forklift downtime by 35% and repair costs by 20%.

Free Download: Saudi-Compliant Daily Forklift Inspection Checklist (PDF)

What’s Inside the Checklist?
✅ Bilingual Format: Arabic/English for clarity.
✅ Aligned with SASO & GOSI Standards.
✅ Easy-to-Follow Sections: 5-minute visual guide.

[Download Your Free Checklist Here]

Daily Forklift Inspection Checklist: Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Pre-Operational Checks (Before Starting the Engine)

Tires & Wheels:
Look for cuts, cracks, or embedded debris (common in desert areas).
Check tire pressure (low pressure increases tip-over risks).
Fluid Levels:
Engine oil (ensure it’s between MIN/MAX marks).
Hydraulic fluid (top up if leaking—common in high-heat areas).
Coolant (prevent overheating in summer).

Pro Tip: Use a flashlight to spot leaks under the forklift.

2. Safety Features Inspection

Seat Belt: Ensure it latches securely (required by Saudi Civil Defense).
Lights & Horn: Test headlights, brake lights, and horn (critical for busy warehouses).
Backup Alarm: Verify it’s loud enough (≥ 87 dB as per SASO standards).
Overhead Guard: Check for cracks or dents (protects operators from falling loads).

Real-World Case: A Dammam warehouse avoided a collision when an operator noticed a faulty backup alarm during a daily check.

3. Operational Tests

Brakes: Test parking and service brakes on flat ground.
Steering: Ensure smooth left/right movement (stiff steering indicates hydraulic issues).
Lift Mechanism: Raise/lower forks to check for jerky movements.
Load Capacity Plate: Confirm it’s visible and legible (required by Saudi Labor Law).

4. Post-Operation Steps

Document Findings: Log issues in a physical/digital report (use our free PDF template!).
Tag Faulty Equipment: Use a red “OUT OF SERVICE” tag until repairs are made.

How to Use the Checklist Effectively

1. Train Your Team

Conduct workshops in Arabic/English to explain each checklist item.
Role-play scenarios (e.g., identifying a leaking hydraulic hose).

2. Go Digital

Use mobile apps to scan QR codes on forklifts and submit inspection reports instantly.
Store logs in cloud systems for easy access during audits.

3. Avoid Common Mistakes

Rushing Checks: A Makkah-based operator missed a cracked fork, leading to a load collapse.
Skipping Documentation: Undocumented checks = no proof of compliance.

Consequences of Skipping Daily Inspections in Saudi Arabia

Fines: SAR 10,000–20,000 per forklift (common in industrial cities like Riyadh and Jubail).
Catastrophic Accidents:
A Yanbu port forklift fire in 2023 (caused by corroded battery terminals) injured 3 workers.
Contaminated pharmaceutical products in Khamis Mushait led to an SFDA shutdown.
Loss of Business: Clients like NEOM require suppliers to submit inspection logs before contracts.

Why Use Arabian Tool’s Free Checklist?

Tailored for Saudi Conditions: Includes checks for sand, heat, and humidity.
Audit-Ready: Pre-formatted sections for GOSI, SASO, and Civil Defense requirements.
Printable & Shareable: Post copies in operator break rooms or charging stations.

[Download the Free PDF Checklist Now]

Need Professional Help? Let Arabian Tool Handle Compliance!

Daily checks are essential, but they’re only the first step. Arabian Tool offers:

SASO-Certified Inspections: Annual compliance certificates.
Emergency Repairs: Fix issues flagged in daily checks.
Operator Training: Courses approved by Saudi Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC).

Call to Action
Don’t risk fines or accidents—act today!

📥 Download Your Free Daily Forklift Checklist: [Click Here]
📱 Chat with Our Experts on WhatsApp: +966 54 323 5721
📧 Email: info@arabiantool.com

Protect your team, your business, and your bottom line with Arabian Tool!

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