Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Having a proper maintenance program for forklifts will help to increase the lifespan of the machine and is also a critical factor to the safe use of the machine. Completing regular forklift inspections and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to guarantee the efficient and safe use 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 issues. 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 must complete the inspection from the beginning of their shift. If any major problems 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 about 100 individuals are injured in forklift accidents within the United States. Statistics show that about 20,000 people would be injured seriously because of a forklift mishap. This number represents 54 individuals per day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. A lot of these mishaps could be easily prevented if the forklift had been correctly serviced and maintained. 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 mishap.
Things to be Serviced
In the owner's instruction manual of every machine, the manufacturer will include a maintenance schedule. These schedules will differ greatly, depending on the manufacturer and the kind of machine. Each schedule would consist of various basic things. For example, in a combustion engine, the engine oil and the oil filter should be periodically replaced. Hydraulic levels will need to be inspected also. Be certain to check hoses for any indications of cracking. Additional items include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.