Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machinery to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the machinery.
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. Drivers need to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are approximately one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each and every manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule would contain various basic things. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be checked too. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.