Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts would help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing forklift inspection regularly and performing preventive maintenance on a routine basis would help to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the machine.
Daily Checklist
In any forklift maintenance program, the daily checklist is an important tool to have. These checklists will document any potential 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. Operators 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 problem has been fixed.
Maintenance and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Within the United States, there are approximately 100 deaths related to forklift mishaps and statistic show that nearly 20,000 people are seriously injured as well. This number represents 54 people a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these mishaps could be prevented easily if the forklift had been properly serviced and maintained. In several circumstances, it might seem like a cost savings to delay or skip regular maintenance, although, these savings will pale in comparison to the cost of one 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 vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machinery. Every schedule will consist of a variety of basic items. For instance, in a combustion engine, the oil filters and the engine oil will have to be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels will have to be inspected also. Be sure to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items involve the brakes, the transmission and the electrical systems of the forklift.