Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to function effectively and safely. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all 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. 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the United States, there are approximately one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single mishap.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of each and every machinery, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machinery. Every schedule will contain various basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels will have to be checked too. Be certain to inspect hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.