Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machine to run effectively and safely. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient 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. Operators should complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year about 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps in the USA. Statistics show that around 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented 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, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each manufacturer and every model of forklift. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would have to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be checked also. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.