Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any 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. Operators have to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are around 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each manufacturer and every kind of forklift. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would have to be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels would need to be checked as well. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.