Maintaining is an essential aspect in a warehouse setting although it is often overlooked. Mistakes happen when you don’t pay attention when handling the forklift. However, not performing at par with standards is a significant cause of accidents. Regular checks can limit the occurrence of some of these harmful accidents.
Forklift maintenance
Electric and gas-powered are powered industrial trucks according to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Appropriate maintenance of the forklift is an essential aspect to limit costly accidents. Maintenance procedures guarantee safety when using the forklift. A regular maintenance schedule is a necessary form of preventive maintenance. Ignoring maintenance encourages injuries and accidents. So, ensure to keep a maintenance schedule with regular updating to remain at par with standards.
Benefits of forklift maintenance
Accident prevention
Negligence by drivers is the major cause of forklift accidents. However, other accidents result from poor maintenance of equipment. It is important to have solutions in place to limit all kinds of accidents. This requires preventing them from happening in the first place. The best solution to prevent accidents when using the forklift is regular maintenance. Ensure to undertake scheduled maintenance to prevent accidents resulting from forklifts in your workplace.
Passing OSHA inspections
At the time of OSHA inspection, it is important to have all industrial equipment such as forklifts meeting safety standards. This requires having a maintenance plan including purchase forklift parts to limit operation problems. Efficient working forklifts protect you from fines on failing OSHA inspections. Appropriate forklift maintenance saves your company a significant amount in the long run. This also protects your business from the reputational damage that results from frequent accidents at work.
Workplace safety
Forklift maintenance and fully trained operators enhance workplace safety. Keeping your forklifts running efficiently requires handy mechanics and a maintenance team. Smaller organizations lacking a dedicated maintenance team have to take proactive measures. This leads to the next section of appropriate forklift maintenance tips for workplace safety.
Essential forklift maintenance tips
Properly working safety features
Some of the safety features on a forklift that need regular maintenance include horns, backup signals, and backup signals. Having these safety features not working properly makes your workplace prone to accidents. So, never hesitate to get these fixed immediately. Keeping the safety features in good condition ensures that you pass OSHA inspections to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. Having an appropriate maintenance plan ensures having all forklift safety signals working properly.
Checking tire pressure
Tires are essential aspects of forklift maintenance. Poorly inflated tires encourage bad turns, load shifts, and various other accidents. The driver’s manual has details on checking tire pressure. The pressure should equal or a bit below the standard pounds per square (PSI) rating. Fully inflated tires are necessary for colder months. Forklifts that operate outdoors during hot weather should have PSI below the recommended rating. The interior air pressure expands slightly during warm temperatures.
Checking for leaking hoses
Never ignore tiny leaks on your forklift. These might seem like small problems but have the potential to cost you much more in the future. The rule of thumb is to identify the root causes of the leaks and have them fixed immediately. Leaks are likely to worsen over time. Make regular checks on the hoses as part of your forklift maintenance routine. When not sure of what to check or tell a faulty hose, the site safety supervisor surely knows what to do.
Ensure straight forks
A forklift is very helpful when handling heavy loads in a warehouse. However, ensure that the forks keep loads stable while lifting. This is essential for safe movement and transporting of heavy loads during the various shifts. A tiny bend in the forks impacts safety and performance. For any slight bend in the forks, have them repaired or replaced to limit accidents.
Keeping the forklift manual handy
Powered forklifts come with a step-by-step maintenance manual. Keep this handy just in case you have to troubleshoot something. Understanding appropriate handling of the forklift as instructed in the manual guarantees a safer workplace. It also enhances the life of your equipment significantly. Handling the forklift according to the manufacturer’s instructions limits costly errors and prolongs the lifespan of your truck.
Regular inspections
It is very important to have a forklift maintenance schedule. However, don’t ignore regular or random inspections. Look out for fluids and noise when making turns. This allows staying on top of things knowing the bigger picture is taken care of. Random inspections back up regular maintenance schedule offers an extra safety measure to prevent accidents and injuries in your working environment.
Bottom line
Forklifts handle heavy loads in a warehouse efficiently and conveniently. Just like other machines, parts on the forklift wear out over time and need replacement. Understanding preventive maintenance and appreciating its benefits allow making the most of your investment in this equipment. Most significant is the ability to limit accidents and injuries in your workplace.
