Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would 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 potential 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. Drivers are required 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 United States, there are roughly one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals 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 easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of equipment. Every schedule would contain a variety of basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would have to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels should be inspected also. Be certain to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.