LOCAL RULES: WAC 296-863

Washington forklift daily inspection report requirements

Your Washington forklift daily inspection report has 3 rules to meet. ReportDraft puts every one on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

  • The daily inspection, following the manufacturer's instructions
  • Unsafe trucks removed from service
  • Seat belts or lap bars used when the truck has them
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Washington runs its own workplace safety program, and its forklift rules (chapter 296-863 WAC) replace the federal standard there. They tie the daily inspection to the manufacturer's instructions, require seat belts to be worn when fitted, and require written training records. Here is each rule with a link to the official text.

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

Forklift daily inspectionWASHINGTON / 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

3 Washington rules on your checklist, including the daily inspection, following the manufacturer's instructions.

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 Washington requires

  • Powered industrial trucks are inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions, daily before being put into service and after each shift when used around the clock (by a person the employer designates, from either shift or otherwise); deficiencies found are reported and correctedWAC 296-863-30010
  • Any truck not in safe operating condition is removed from service; a fuel system leak, a clogged water muffler screen or other muffler part, an exhaust emitting hazardous sparks or flames, or a part hotter than normal in a hazardous way removes it from service immediately until the cause is eliminatedWAC 296-863-30005
  • Repairs are made by authorized persons with parts equivalent to the original design, never in Class I, II or III hazardous locations; fuel and ignition repairs involving fire hazards are done only in designated locations, the battery is disconnected before electrical repairs, and the LPG container valve is closed for repairs in a garage unless the engine must runWAC 296-863-30015
  • Operators use restraint devices such as seat belts or lap bars when the truck has them; no one stands under the elevated part of a truck, puts any part of their body between the mast uprights, or rides unless authorized and in a safe place; fire aisles, stairways and fire equipment stay clearWAC 296-863-40005
  • Trucks are operated according to the manufacturer's instructions, and operators obey traffic rules and workplace speed limits, yield to emergency vehicles, and keep about three truck lengths behind the truck aheadWAC 296-863-40010
  • Operators complete a training program of formal instruction, practical training and an evaluation before operating, trainees drive only under direct supervision of a qualified trainer, and the employer keeps written records of each operator's training and evaluations with the operator's name, training date, evaluation date and trainer; refresher training follows an accident or near miss, unsafe operation, a poor evaluation, a different or modified truck, or changed workplace conditions, and operators are evaluated at least once every three yearsWAC 296-863-60005 ยท WAC 296-863-60010, -60015

Daily inspection and removal from service

Every forklift is inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions, daily before it goes into service and after each shift when it runs around the clock. The employer can designate who does it. Anything found is reported and corrected.

A truck that is not in safe operating condition comes out of service. A fuel leak, a clogged muffler screen, sparks or flames from the exhaust, or an overheating part takes it out immediately. Repairs are made by authorized people with parts equal to the originals, in safe locations, with the battery disconnected for electrical work.

Operating and training

Operators wear the seat belt or lap bar whenever the truck has one. Nobody stands under raised forks or reaches through the mast, riders are only allowed when authorized and given a safe place, and fire aisles and equipment stay clear. Operators follow the manufacturer's instructions and workplace speed limits, yield to emergency vehicles and stay about three truck lengths back.

Operators finish formal and hands-on training and an evaluation before driving, with trainees supervised directly by a qualified trainer. The employer keeps written training and evaluation records, retrains after accidents, near misses or unsafe driving, and re-evaluates every operator at least every three years.

Common mistakes

  • A generic checklist that skips items the manufacturer's manual lists.
  • Letting a truck run with a seat belt that will not latch.
  • Keeping a propane truck in service with a leak "until the end of the shift".
  • No written record of operator training and evaluation.
  • Following too closely behind another truck in busy aisles.

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.