Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to guarantee the safe and efficient use of the machine.
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 Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. 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 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
Within the United States, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of every equipment, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of equipment. Each schedule would contain various basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected also. Be sure to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.