Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the machinery. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all possible problems. 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. Operators 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 US, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner handbook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and each and every model of forklift. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels will need to be checked too. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things involve the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.