Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machinery to function safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists will document any 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. Drivers are required to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year approximately 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps in the United States. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 individuals will be seriously injured as a result of a forklift accident. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular 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 each manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Each schedule would consist of 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 checked also. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.