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 machine. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any possible 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 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are approximately one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and every type of forklift. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels should be inspected as well. Be certain to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.