Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any 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 are required to complete the inspection from the beginning 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 United States, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each and every manufacturer and every model of forklift. Each schedule will consist of various basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.