Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machine to function safely and effectively. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to guarantee the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any possible problems. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers must 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.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each and every year around 100 individuals are injured in forklift accidents in the USA. Statistics show that around 20,000 individuals would be injured seriously as a result of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 individuals a 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 regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and each kind of forklift. Each schedule will contain various basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels should be inspected also. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.