Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machinery to run effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift check ups and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe 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 OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers must complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these mishaps could be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on every manufacturer and each type of forklift. Each schedule would contain various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil will need to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels would need to be checked also. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.