Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the equipment to run effectively and safely. Completing forklift check ups on a regular basis and doing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an important tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all possible problems. 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 are required to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are around one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 people are seriously injured too. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year. A lot of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In several circumstances, it may seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, however, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's instruction manual of each and every machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of machinery. Every schedule will consist of various basic things. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels should be checked also. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Other items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.