Which of the following is NOT a check performed before forklift operation?

Before operating a forklift, operators are required to conduct several critical checks to ensure safety and operational efficiency. Among these checks, examining the lights, steering, and fluids is essential. These components directly affect the forklift's performance, safety, and the operator's ability to control the vehicle.

Checking the lights allows the operator to verify that all the necessary signals for visibility are functioning correctly, which is crucial for safe operation in various environments. Steering checks ensure that the forklift can be maneuvered effectively, preventing accidents due to loss of control. Fluid checks are vital for ensuring that the forklift has enough hydraulic fluid, oil, and coolant to operate safely and prevent mechanical failures.

On the other hand, assessing the exterior paint of the forklift is not considered a standard safety check before operation. While the condition of the paint may indicate the overall maintenance of the forklift or potential corrosion, it does not affect the operation of the machine in a way that impacts safety directly. Therefore, focusing on operational integrity and safety checks means that the exterior paint is excluded from the list of essential pre-operation checks.