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 forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all 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. Operators should complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be utilized 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 accidents 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 accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and each and every type of forklift. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would need to be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.