Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a vital factor to the safe use of the machinery. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to guarantee the safe and efficient use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would 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 are required to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift could not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are around 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on every manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Every schedule would contain a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil will need to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.