Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the equipment to function safely and effectively. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the safe and efficient use of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists would document any potential issues. 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. Drivers should complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year roughly 100 people are injured in forklift mishaps in the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number translates to represent 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been properly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay routine maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of each machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machine. Every schedule will contain various basic items. Like for example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be certain to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.