Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machinery. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any possible 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
In the US, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 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 several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and each model of forklift. Each schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.