Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machinery to run safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift check ups and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential issues. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers need to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the US, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals 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 accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual would 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 example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be sure to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional things involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.