Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all possible problems. 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 should complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be used until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year around 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the USA. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people would be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and each and every kind of forklift. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would need to be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.