Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts require a proper maintenance program to help increase the equipments lifespan and is an essential factor in allowing the machine to run effectively and safely. Completing forklift inspection on a regular basis and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the efficient and safe use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists will document any potential issues. They are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or the OSHA. The daily checklists can also be audited by OSHA during any routine inspection. Drivers are required to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift could not be utilized until the issue has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
In the US, there are approximately one hundred deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that almost 20,000 individuals are seriously injured too. This number translates to represent 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly maintained and serviced. In some circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to skip or delay regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of a single accident.
Items to be Serviced
The manufacturers owner instruction manual will include a recommended maintenance schedule. Schedules will differ depending on each manufacturer and every model of forklift. Every schedule will consist of a variety of basic things. Like for instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil must be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels would have to be inspected also. Be certain to inspect hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.