Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the equipment to run safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis will help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential 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. Drivers need to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be used until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 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 mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would vary depending on each and every manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Every schedule would contain various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be checked as well. Be sure to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional things include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.