Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the equipment and is also a vital factor to the safe operation of the equipment. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the efficient and safe operation 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 problems. 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. Drivers 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 issue has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each and every year approximately 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the USA. Statistics show that roughly 20,000 individuals will be injured seriously as a result of a forklift accident. This number translates to represent 54 people per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these accidents could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip routine maintenance, however, these savings would pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's handbook of every equipment, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the type of equipment. Each schedule would consist of a variety of basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional items include the electrical systems, the brakes and the transmission of the forklift.