Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the equipment to run effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists would document any possible 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 must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year about 100 individuals are injured in forklift mishaps in the USA. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people would be seriously injured as a result of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these mishaps can 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 would pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each and every manufacturer and each model of forklift. Each schedule would contain a variety of basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels would have to be checked as well. Be sure to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.