Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machinery to function safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift check ups and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any potential 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. Operators are required to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the US, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each equipment, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Each schedule will consist of various basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels will need to be inspected as well. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.