Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe operation of the machine. Completing forklift check ups regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a regular basis would help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will help to document any and all potential issues. They are required by the OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be used until the problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are about 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot 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 delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's instruction manual of each and every machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of equipment. Every schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.