According to Australian Forklift Training , the standard procedure that forklift operators should follow when a fault is noticed with a forklift is to remove the ignition key, put an out of order sign or tag on it, and report the fault to the supervisor.
On some worksites, where there is only one key for that particular forklift, removing the key will prevent anyone else from using the forklift while the problem is being reported.
On worksites where multiple people have keys that can start the forklift, the practice of tagging the machine or putting an out of order sign or tag should be used to prevent it being used while the fault is being reported to the supervisor.
In the case of a suspected leak in the fuel system, forklift operators are also taught to turn the fuel off where possible (e.g., turning off the gas).
These are the basic procedures that forklift operators are taught when going for their licenses and when implemented can prevent accidents and damage to machines and equipment.
It is important that forklift operators (especially young, new and unlicensed ones) know exactly what to do, and who to tell when a fault is noticed.