Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all possible issues. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year roughly 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the United States. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people will be seriously injured as a result of a forklift accident. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's instruction manual of every machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Every schedule would contain a variety of basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels would have to be checked as well. Be sure to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.