Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential 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 have 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year approximately 100 people are injured in forklift mishaps in the USA. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 individuals would be seriously injured as a result of a forklift mishap. This number represents 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents can be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of each and every machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machine. Each schedule would contain a variety of basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter would need to be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels must be inspected as well. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.