Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to run safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any possible problems. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists could also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers must 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 issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift accidents and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of each equipment, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Every schedule would consist of various basic things. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels must be checked as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other things include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.