Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to run effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance regularly would help to guarantee the safe and efficient use 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 possible problems. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators are required to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year roughly 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps within the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 people will be injured seriously because of a forklift accident. This number represents 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 some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would differ depending on every manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule would consist of various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels will need to be inspected also. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.