Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machinery and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the machine. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly would help to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists would document any 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 should 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
Each year approximately 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the United States. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 people will be injured seriously as a result of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents can 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 routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of every machinery, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of equipment. Every schedule would consist of various basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be inspected also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items involve the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.