Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to run effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any potential problems. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues 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 roughly 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each and every manufacturer and each type of forklift. Every schedule will contain a variety of basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked 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.