Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to run safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the equipment.
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 OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Operators are required to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift could not be used until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the US, there are about one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 individuals are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. Many of these mishaps 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 regular maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of one mishap.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner guidebook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on every manufacturer and every model of forklift. Each schedule will contain a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels must be checked too. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.