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 equipment. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists would document any 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. Drivers are required 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.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are around one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole 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 delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each and every machinery, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of equipment. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be checked too. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.