Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to function effectively and safely. Completing forklift check ups regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential issues. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year about 100 people are injured in forklift mishaps in the USA. Statistics show that about 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously as a result of a forklift accident. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's guidebook of each and every equipment, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machine. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.