Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable 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. Operators must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year around 100 people are injured in forklift accidents in the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 people will be injured seriously because of a forklift accident. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on every manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule will contain various basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter would have to be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected also. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.