Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machine to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis will help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation 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 possible 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 should 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 issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the US, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each machinery, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Each schedule will contain a variety of basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would need to be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected as well. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.