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 forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all possible issues. 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 could not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these mishaps could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's guidebook of each and every machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machine. Each schedule would consist of various basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter would have to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be inspected as well. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.