Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to guarantee the safe and efficient use of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any potential problems. 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. Drivers are required to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each and every year approximately 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps within the United States. Statistics show that roughly 20,000 people will be seriously injured as a result of a forklift accident. 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 correctly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on every manufacturer and every type of forklift. Each schedule would contain various basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels will need to be inspected as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.