Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the machine. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all 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 have to complete the inspection from the beginning 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
Within the United States, there are around one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and each and every kind of forklift. Each schedule will consist of various basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil would need to be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected as well. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional things include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.