Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing regular forklift inspections and doing preventive maintenance regularly would help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all potential issues. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators need to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year about 100 individuals are injured in forklift accidents in the USA. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people will be seriously injured as a result of a forklift accident. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of every equipment, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machine. Each schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be certain to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.