Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly would 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 would document any 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. Drivers have to 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
In the United States, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these mishaps 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 regular maintenance, although, 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 would differ depending on each and every manufacturer and every model of forklift. Every schedule will consist of various basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.