Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the machine. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the efficient and safe use of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all 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 have to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would differ depending on each manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule will consist of various basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked too. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.