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 equipment. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would 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 should complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year around 100 individuals are injured in forklift accidents within the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously because 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 accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner manual would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules would differ depending on each manufacturer and each model of forklift. Every schedule will consist of a variety of basic things. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil will need to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be checked as well. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.