LOCAL RULES

California forklift daily inspection report requirements

Your California forklift daily inspection report has 2 rules to meet. ReportDraft puts every one on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

  • The operating rules posted and enforced
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California runs its own workplace safety program, Cal/OSHA, and its General Industry Safety Orders cover forklifts in Article 25 of Title 8. Drivers check the truck at the beginning of each shift, report anything unsafe to a foreman or mechanic, and wear the seat belt when one is provided. Here is each rule with a link to the official text.

Last reviewed October 13, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Forklift daily inspectionCALIFORNIA / SAMPLE

Sample notes, 111 words

Company: Lakeside Distribution, Dock B
Truck: FL-07
Make and model: Toyota 8FGCU25, propane
Hours: 11,482
Date: 10/09/2026, 1st shift
...
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We sorted 17 items into 4 sections and flagged 2 to fix soon.

  • Fix soonVisual check (truck off)

    Seat belt latch won't stay buckled

  • Fix soonOperating check (truck running)

    Backup alarm not working

  • Worth watchingVisual check (truck off)

    Capacity plate faded, can't read the load center

2 California rules on your checklist, including the driver's check at the beginning of each shift, reported to a foreman or mechanic if unsafe.

Filled in for you

Company or siteLakeside Distribution, Dock B
Truck number or IDFL-07
Make and modelToyota 8FGCU25, propane
Hour meter reading11,482
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What California requires

  • Drivers check the vehicle at the beginning of each shift; if it is unsafe, they report it immediately to a foreman or mechanic, and it is not put in service again until made safe; no truck is operated with a leak in the fuel systemCal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3650 (t) (7), (8)
  • Every employer using industrial trucks posts and enforces a set of operating rules that includes the applicable rules listed in section 3650 (t)Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3664 (a)
  • When the truck manufacturer provides an operator restraint system such as a seat belt, it is used; only authorized drivers trained under section 3668 operate the trucks, no one rides on the forks, and no one stands, passes or works under an elevated part unless it is blockedCal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3650 (t) (1), (4), (6), (33)
  • A truck is unattended when the operator is more than 25 feet away or out of sight: brakes set, mast vertical, forks down, and either power off (wheels blocked on an incline) or wheels blocked front and rear; within 25 feet and in view, the load engaging means is lowered, controls neutral and brakes setCal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3650 (t) (16), (17)
  • Name plates, model numbers, type designations and load capacity markings are kept legible by the employer, and trucks with non-factory front-end attachments are marked with the combined weight and capacityCal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3650 (b) (4), (d)
  • Each operator is competent, shown by completing formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation before operating (trainees under direct supervision of a qualified trainer), with refresher training after unsafe operation, an accident or near miss, a poor evaluation or a different type of truckCal. Code Regs., tit. 8, s. 3668

The start-of-shift check

At the beginning of each shift, the driver checks the truck. If it is unsafe, the driver reports it right away to a foreman or mechanic, and the truck stays out of service until it is made safe. No truck runs with a fuel system leak. The employer posts and enforces a set of operating rules drawn from section 3650 (t).

Name plates, type designations and load capacity markings are kept legible, and trucks fitted with non-factory attachments carry markings for the combined weight and capacity.

Operators and operating rules

Only authorized, trained drivers operate trucks, and they use the seat belt or other operator restraint whenever the manufacturer provides one. Nobody rides on the forks or stands under raised forks unless they are blocked. A truck left more than 25 feet away or out of sight has its brakes set, mast vertical and forks down, with the power off or the wheels blocked.

Operators complete formal and hands-on training and an evaluation before driving, and get refresher training after an accident, a near miss, unsafe driving, a poor evaluation or a change of truck type.

Common mistakes

  • Checking the truck once a day when it runs on several shifts.
  • Running a propane truck with a leaking coupling.
  • No posted operating rules at the site.
  • Operators who do not wear the factory seat belt.
  • Walking away from a truck with the forks raised.

Sources

Last reviewed October 13, 2026. Next review due January 13, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.