Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the equipment to run safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the equipment.
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 can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators have to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are around one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can be easily prevented 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 one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule will contain various basic things. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels would need to be inspected also. Be certain to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.