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 effectively and safely. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to guarantee the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
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 OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers 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
In the US, there are approximately one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several 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 accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each and every manufacturer and every kind of forklift. Every schedule will contain various basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected too. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.