Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any potential issues. 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 beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are roughly one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps can 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, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machine. Each schedule will contain a variety of basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected also. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.