Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the machinery. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the safe and efficient use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists will document any possible issues. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers need to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be used until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are roughly one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these mishaps can be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would vary depending on each manufacturer and each model of forklift. Each schedule would contain various basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected too. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.