3 Things You Must Check Every Month—Periodic Voluntary Inspection / Article 151-22 [Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, Article 151 Series]
📋 Today's Article
Article 151-22: An employer shall conduct a periodic voluntary inspection of forklifts at least once every month regarding the following items. However, this shall not apply to the period during which a forklift is not in use for a period exceeding one month. (i) Presence or absence of abnormalities in the braking system, clutch, and control system. (ii) Presence or absence of abnormalities in the cargo handling system and hydraulic system. (iii) Presence or absence of abnormalities in the head guard and backrest. 2. For the forklifts mentioned in the proviso of the preceding paragraph, the employer shall conduct a voluntary inspection regarding the items listed in each item of the same paragraph when starting to use them again.
🗺️ In a nutshell?
Inspect 3 items once a month. If it has not been used for a month or more, inspect it before starting to use it again.
✅ How is this different from the previous one (Article 151-21)?
The previous one was a 'once-a-year, 9-item' inspection. This one is the monthly version.
Article 151-21 → Once a year, 9 items, detailed inspection of the entire vehicle
Article 151-22 → Once a month, 3 items, frequent checks of particularly important parts
To put it simply, the annual inspection is a 'comprehensive checkup' and the monthly one is a 'monthly check.' These two function as a set.
📣 Why is a monthly check necessary?
Brakes and cargo handling systems are used hundreds of times every day. Wear and deterioration can progress even within a month. An annual inspection alone would miss abnormalities that occur in between.
The purpose of this article is to prevent major accidents by checking frequently once a month.
🗺️ The 3 inspection items
1. Braking system, clutch, and control system
These are the devices for stopping, switching, and operating.
Brakes → Can it stop properly?
Clutch → Is there any abnormality in power switching?
Steering wheel, etc. → Is there any discomfort in operation?
Abnormalities such as brakes not working or heavy steering can lead directly to serious accidents while driving.
② Cargo Handling Equipment and Hydraulic Equipment
This is the equipment used for lifting and lowering loads.
Forks, mast, chains, etc. → Check for deformation, cracks, and wear
Hydraulic pumps, cylinders, etc. → Check for oil leaks and abnormal pressure
If there is an abnormality in the hydraulic system, there is a risk that the lifted load could suddenly fall.
③ Head Guard and Backrest
These are safety devices that protect the driver.
Check for deformation or cracks
Check if they are securely fastened
These two are vital devices that protect the driver's life. They are useless if they are broken.
📣 Trivia
You are also required to record the results of the monthly inspection and keep them for 3 years (Article 151-23). Don't forget to not only "do it" but also "keep it as a record."
✅ Summary
When? → Once a month
What to inspect? → Braking system, clutch, and steering system → Cargo handling equipment and hydraulic equipment → Head guard and backrest
What if it hasn't been used for a long time? → Be sure to inspect these 3 items before starting use
What about records? → Mandatory to keep for 3 years
📋 References/Sources
Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, Article 151-22
Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, Article 151-21
Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health, Article 151-23
Next time, we will explain Article 151-23. Stay tuned!
Safety first again today! See you next time.