Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the machinery. Completing regular forklift check ups and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the equipment.
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 should complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year roughly 100 people are injured in forklift mishaps in the United States. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people will be seriously injured because of a forklift accident. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would vary depending on each manufacturer and each type of forklift. Every schedule will consist of various basic things. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be checked too. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.