Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a vital factor to the safe use of the machinery. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any possible problems. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are around 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and every type of forklift. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.