Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to function safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists would document any possible problems. 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 are required to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year around 100 people are injured in forklift mishaps within the United States. Statistics show that around 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many 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 delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of every machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machinery. Each schedule would contain a variety of basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels would need to be checked as well. Be certain to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.