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 run effectively and safely. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe operation 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 potential 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. Operators need to 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 issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year around 100 individuals are injured in forklift accidents in the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 people will be seriously injured because of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In some 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 one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of every equipment, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Every schedule would contain various basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter will have to be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels would need to be checked also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.