Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machinery. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential issues. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators need to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the US, there are roughly one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each and every manufacturer and every kind of forklift. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels must be checked too. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional things involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.