Forklift Inspector - CraneTech

Forklift Inspector

Ensure your forklifts operate safely through qualified, in-depth inspections of powered industrial trucks and forks, in accordance with OSHA 1910.178 and the applicable ANSI/ITSDF B56 standards. Participants learn how to assess structural integrity, mechanical systems, and safety devices to prevent unplanned downtime.

Is Forklift Inspector the right course for you or your team?

Your company operates forklifts and needs qualified personnel who can perform periodic inspections.
You want inspectors who can evaluate equipment condition and compliance beyond daily pre-use inspection and identify issues early before they become costly repairs.
You prefer training delivered on-site and tailored to your specific fleet and work environment.
You recognize that thorough, consistent inspections protect people, equipment, and productivity—and help keep your maintenance, safety, and operations teams aligned.

You and your team will be able to:

Perform detailed forklift inspections that meet OSHA 1910.178 and the applicable ANSI/ITSDF B56 standards (B56.1 – B56.6)
Identify wear, corrosion, and structural deficiencies requiring corrective action before they lead to failures or expensive repairs.
Verify the condition and operation of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems.
Minimize equipment downtime by catching issues early and ensuring operators, inspectors, and maintenance personnel follow consistent inspection and maintenance criteria.
Document findings and prepare inspection reports that meet compliance and audit standards.

Training Options

At Your Facility

Delivered directly at your location for real-world relevance, fleet-specific application, and minimal downtime.

Train-the-Trainer

Prepare your in-house instructor(s) with ready-to-teach material and evaluation forms.

Topics Covered

Inspection requirements for powered industrial trucks and the ANSI/ITSDF-mandated annual fork inspection
Forklift types and configurations (vertical mast and rough-terrain telescopic), and determining the correct ANSI/ITSDF B56 standard
Mechanical and structural component evaluation
Hydraulic, fuel, and electrical system assessment
Forks, carriers, and LPG cylinder inspection
Safety devices, labeling, and operator compartment elements
Documentation, tagging, and compliance reporting

Compliance

OSHA 1910.178 – Powered Industrial Trucks
ANSI/ITSDF B56 – Forklift

Training format

Two days of classroom and hands-on training focused on technical, compliance-level forklift and fork inspections. Includes evaluations to confirm knowledge and competency. Participants receive documentation verifying successful completion of training and evaluation, enabling the employer to designate the individual as a qualified inspector in accordance with OSHA and ANSI/ITSDF requirements.

Prerequisites

• Forklift or material-handling experience recommended

• Basic mechanical understanding preferred

Materials included

• Participant manual and inspection checklists

• OSHA and ANSI/ITSDF reference materials

• Qualification documentation for employer designation

Related Courses

Mobile Crane Inspector

Overhead Crane Inspector

Pedestal Crane Inspector

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should forklifts be inspected?

OSHA 1910.178 requires forklifts to be inspected before each shift and maintained in a safe condition. While OSHA does not require an annual inspection of the forklift itself, ANSI/ITSDF standards do require an annual inspection of forks. This course teaches the deeper, technical inspections employers rely on to evaluate forklift condition beyond daily checks.

What standards govern forklift inspection?

Forklift inspections follow OSHA 1910.178 and the applicable ANSI/ITSDF B56 standard—B56.1 for vertical-mast forklifts and B56.6 for rough-terrain telescopic handlers.

Can this training be customized for our fleet?

Yes. On-site sessions can be tailored to your specific forklift types, attachments, and company procedures.

What’s the difference between operator and inspector training?

Operator training covers safe operation and daily pre-use checks. Inspector training focuses on the in-depth technical evaluation required for annual or periodic compliance inspections.

Does Crane Tech offer refresher or requalification training for forklift inspectors?

Yes. Crane Tech offers refresher training and written/practical evaluations to support continued inspector competency. Evaluation results are valid for two (2) years, and earlier refresher training or re-evaluation may be appropriate when inspection standards change, equipment types are added, or inspection responsibilities expand.

Training Programs

CCO Certification Prep

Discover

Forklift Inspector

2-Day Course

Is Forklift Inspector the right course for you or your team?

You and your team will be able to: