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 regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all possible 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 are required 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 issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps 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 entire year. Many of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would vary depending on each manufacturer and each and every type of forklift. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected as well. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.