Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the equipment. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all 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 must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year roughly 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the USA. Statistics show that roughly 20,000 people will be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number represents 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many 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 regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Each schedule will contain various basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels would need to be inspected too. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.