There are three main stages of operation. Those stages are: Pre-Operation, Traveling and Maneuvering, and Load Handling. Right now we’re going to start with the first stage: Pre-Operation. What you do before you operate a forklift is perhaps the most important part of the process. This is where you have the chance to identify anything that would make the forklift unsafe and to ensure the forklift isn’t defective or in need of repair. If it is, it needs to be removed from service immediately, you’ll need to document the problems, and report them to your supervisor. Let’s go over what the inspection entails.