Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a vital factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing regular forklift check ups and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all possible 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. Operators are required 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many 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 regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each and every manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Every schedule will consist of various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.