Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to run effectively and safely. Completing regular forklift check ups and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis will help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an invaluable tool to have. These checklists will document any possible 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 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.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are about one hundred 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 entire year. Many of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's instruction manual of each machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machine. Every schedule will consist of various basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected as well. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.