Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a vital factor to the safe use of the machinery. Completing forklift check ups regularly and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis will help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation 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 potential problems. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers have 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
In the United States, there are roughly one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of each and every equipment, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machine. Each schedule would contain various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be checked as well. Be sure to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.