Warehouse Forklift Maintenance
Forklifts need a proper maintenance program to help increase the machine's lifespan and is an important factor in allowing the machinery to function effectively and safely. Completing forklift check ups regularly and performing preventive maintenance regularly will help to ensure the safe and efficient use of the machinery.
Daily Checklist
The daily checklist is an invaluable tool in any forklift maintenance program. These checklists would help to document any and all potential 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 need to complete the inspection from the start of their shift. If any major problems are found, the forklift can not be utilized until the problem has been fixed.
Safety and Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Every year around 100 people are injured in forklift accidents within the United States. Statistics show that approximately 20,000 individuals will be seriously injured because of a forklift accident. This number represents 54 individuals a day, 7 days a week, for the whole year. Many of these accidents can be prevented easily if the forklift had been correctly 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.
Items to be Serviced
In the owner's manual of every machine, the manufacturer would include a maintenance schedule. These schedules would 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 engine oil and the oil filter should be replaced periodically. Hydraulic levels would have to be inspected too. Be sure to check hoses for any signs of cracking. Additional things include the transmission, the electrical systems and the brakes of the forklift.