Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machine to run safely and effectively. Completing forklift inspection regularly and doing preventive maintenance on a regular basis will help to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the equipment.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists will 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 need to complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major issues are found, the forklift is not to be put into service until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Each year approximately 100 people are injured in forklift accidents in the United States. Statistics show that around 20,000 people would be seriously injured because of a forklift accident. This number represents 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 maintained and serviced. In some 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
The manufacturers owner handbook would include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will vary depending on each manufacturer and each type of forklift. Every schedule will consist of various basic items. For example, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be replaced sometimes. Hydraulic levels must be inspected too. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Other items include the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.