Forklift OHS Inspections
& Compliance Certificates — Vaal Triangle
Operating an uninspected forklift puts your employees at risk and exposes your business to prosecution. Duane's performs thorough OHS Act-compliant inspections and issues the compliance certificates your business requires.
What the OHS Act Requires
Section 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No. 85 of 1993), together with the Driven Machinery Regulations, requires that every forklift operating in the workplace be inspected by a competent person at least once per year and after any significant repair or modification.
The employer is legally responsible for ensuring the forklift is safe for use. A valid compliance certificate demonstrates due diligence and is often required by insurers, clients and the Department of Employment and Labour during workplace inspections.
What We Inspect
Our inspection covers every critical safety system as required by the OHS Act and SANS standards.
Load Rating & Capacity Plate
Verify the rated capacity plate is present, legible and accurate for the machine's current configuration.
Overhead Guard Integrity
Structural inspection of the overhead guard for bends, cracks, welds and correct mounting.
Fork Condition & Cracks
Visual and dimensional inspection of forks for wear, cracks, bends and proper locking.
Tyre Condition
Tyre wear, chunking, cuts and correct inflation or press-fit condition assessment.
Brakes & Steering
Service brake, parking brake and steering response test under operating conditions.
Lights & Horn
Operational check of headlights, reverse lights, warning lights and horn.
Hydraulic System
Visual leak inspection, lift and tilt function test and mast alignment check.
Seatbelt & Safety Features
Seatbelt condition and retractor function, deadman switch, tilt alarm and other safety interlocks.
The Compliance Certificate
Upon successful inspection, Duane's issues a written compliance certificate that includes: the date of inspection, the inspector's name and qualification, the forklift's make, model and serial number, a summary of items inspected and their condition, and the date by which the next inspection is due.
This certificate should be kept on site with the forklift and produced on request by a labour inspector, insurer or client.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to maintain OHS-compliant forklifts carries serious legal and financial risks.
- Criminal liability for the employer and responsible manager under the OHS Act
- Heavy fines issued by the Department of Employment and Labour
- Insurance claims rejected if a forklift involved in an accident has no valid compliance certificate
- Clients refusing access to their premises for non-compliant machines
- Increased risk of serious injury or death to operators and bystanders
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is an OHS forklift inspection required?
The OHS Act (Section 23 and the Driven Machinery Regulations) requires that forklifts be inspected at least annually, or after any significant repair or modification. Many insurers and clients require a current compliance certificate before allowing a forklift on their premises.
What happens if my forklift fails the inspection?
If a forklift fails inspection, we provide a detailed written defect report listing every non-conformance. You can choose to have Duane's repair the defects and re-inspect, or use the report to instruct another repairer. We do not certify a forklift that does not meet the requirements.
Is the certificate accepted by the Department of Labour?
Yes. Our compliance certificates are issued by a competent person as defined under the OHS Act and are accepted by the Department of Employment and Labour as proof of forklift inspection compliance.
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