Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to function effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all potential issues. 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. Drivers should 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 United States, there are roughly 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and each and every kind of forklift. Each schedule would contain a variety of basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels will have to be inspected as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.