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 safely and effectively. Completing forklift check ups regularly and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will 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. Operators must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year roughly 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps within the United States. Statistics show that roughly 20,000 people would be injured seriously as a result of a forklift accident. This number translates to represent 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these mishaps could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each manufacturer and every type of forklift. Every schedule will contain a variety of basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would have to be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.