Forklift Maintenance
Checklists
A forklift should be checked by a qualified maintenance person for defects the first time it is placed into service and every day that the forklift is used.
If the forklift is used continuously, then a maintenance inspection should be checked at the end of each shift.
The maintenance department should conduct inspections of all forklifts at regular intervals. We have included samples of an operator's "Daily Forklift Safety Checklist" at the end of this module that can be adapted and attached to the forklift as a reminder to the operator to do this check. Some employers keep records of these daily checks.
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance is a reactive measure conducted only after defects are discovered.
It should be the duty of every operator to promptly report to the person in charge any mechanical trouble with the forklift, any bad flooring or obstruction in the aisles, and other safety hazards that are encountered. If a forklift is found unsafe then it must be removed from service until repaired by an authorized person.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is a proactive measure conducted according to a formal schedule to prevent defects that might affect forklift operation.
The forklift owner's manual will have routine checks and preventive maintenance tasks that must be done by a skilled maintenance person to keep the forklift in safe operating condition. Keep a record of this maintenance as well as any repairs that are made.
Maintain the forklift in accordance with rules prescribed by the manufacturer. These are some of the rules that forklift operators, who are responsible for maintaining their own equipment, should follow:
- When servicing electrical storage batteries, wear protective clothing to guard against chemical splashes and burns, rubber boots, rubber apron, chemical goggles, face shield and rubber gloves.
- Do not attempt to lift a storage battery without suitable hoisting equipment.
- Handle the storage battery carefully to prevent cracking the case and spilling the fluid.
- Change and charge batteries in locations designed for this specific purpose.
- Refuel internal combustion powered forklifts in the open or where ventilation will carry vapors away.
- Do not leave forklifts unattended or parked with the engine running.
- Turn off internal combustion engines before refueling.
- No smoking in service areas.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-1. Which type of maintenance is a reactive measure conducted only after defects are discovered?
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