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 operation of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any potential 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 are required 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 issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot 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 routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and every model of forklift. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.