How to operate a forklift safely

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Health and safety is hardly the most exciting topic but, let’s face it, it’s important, especially when dealing with heavy machinery. Over time, it’s easy to let standards slip as you become more familiar with your workflow and environment. Shortcuts are taken, basic protocols ignored – this invariably leads to on-site accidents which could easily be avoided.

These accidents can have a transformative impact on employees’ lives and potentially ruin your business. So, why not take 30 seconds to refresh your memory on these basic forklift safety tips?

While you may assume some of these are “common sense” (and let’s be honest, they really should be…), the most dangerous thing you can do when operating heavy machinery is assume anything. These tips are an excellent starting point for following health and safety guidelines in the workplace.

 

Drivers must have a licence

Those operating forklifts should have the proper training and must have obtained the requisite licence to operate the equipment. This may seem obvious, but there are lots of drivers out there who have never had any formal training. Make sure you insist on verifying the license before letting anyone in the driving seat.

 

Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) should be worn at all times

Operators must always wear a hard hat, high visibility jacket and safety shoes while operating the forklift. Operators must also ensure that all clothing is reasonably fitted, as loose fitting garments may get trapped in the forklift’s exposed mechanical components.

 

Always examine the condition of the machine before use

Drivers should always examine the condition of the forklift before undertaking any tasks in the vehicle. Key things to examine before using the machine including brakes, steering, controls, warning devices, mast and the tyres. If there is a noted fault with any of the above, the forklift must not be used and decommissioned for repair.

 

Consider your warehouse environment

Operators should always adhere to all worksite rules and guidelines. For example, observe clearly designated roadways for vehicles, height and weight limits. Operators should also be mindful of the overhead guard, load and mast when entering and exiting buildings.

Do not drive near any exposed edges as this may cause the forklift to fall over said edge, potentially causing serious injury to you and your colleagues.

 

Drive at a safe speed

The forklift is not a vehicle built for speed or performance. Ensure that you drive at a reasonable speed in the warehouse to lower the element of danger. Take all corners slowly to minimise the risk of tipping.

 

Ensure your load is stable, secure and not overloaded

Before undertaking your journey, check your load is free from damage and has been set up in a stable manner. If you decide to stack loads, check for any overhead obstacles.

Ensure that the load is tilting backwards with the forks low before setting off. This increases the stability and minimises the risk of tipping.

Do not, under any circumstances, lift loads that are unstable or you deem to be unsafe. Spread the load evenly across both forks and use securing measures, like straps, if necessary.

 

Ensure visibility is good

It is important to make sure you can see the racking in which you are positioning your load clearly. If visibility is poor, get the assistance of a lookout.

When your shift ends

After use, ensure that the forklift is parked in the designated area. Fully lower the forks and apply the parking brake, turn the forklift off and remove the key. Never leave a running forklift unattended.

 

And finally…

Send this onto a friend who you think needs a refresh on their forklift safety….

 

Are you looking for expert forklift training in the Croydon area? Get in touch with our friendly team now!

 

 

 

Manual vs Electric Pallet Trucks: what’s best for me?

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Moving freight or items safely and effectively is a key challenge for any warehouse owner or industry professional. With a wide range of manual and electric pallet truck options on the market, which is best for your current workflow and processes and why should you potentially consider one over the other?

Pallet Trucks in the Modern Warehouse

Pallet trucks are an environmentally friendly and potentially safer alternative to deploying a forklift in your chosen space. They can be deployed with less extensive training and carry a minimised risk of accident and injury due to their design and focus on lighter loads, making it easier to handle materials in confined spaces and more effective when it comes to loading and unloading.

When it comes to deciding what option is best for your unique needs, there are a number of advantages for both.

Manual Pallet Trucks

Wide Choice: Manual pallet trucks encompass a wide selection of makes and models for your specific warehouse needs. This can include fully certified used models, up to date cost-effective options, and types that will suit your individual needs and the materials being transported. This can be for dedicated stocking, moving units from zone to zone, or a wealth of different options. If you’re looking for a tool to fulfil a specific purpose, manual trucks will almost always be a sure bet.

Increased Safety: By their nature, manual pallet trucks carry smaller loads and move slower than electric models. While their more advanced counterparts may have failsafes to prevent overloading, the hard limit imposed by a manual lift means that employees will be less at risk from heavy loads. Issues such as ‘mousetrapping’ or injury to others from mechanical forklifts can also be avoided entirely.

Cost Effectiveness: Due to a lack of moving parts or complex machinery and electronics, manual trucks can often be far more cost effective to run than electric trucks. This reduced cost can act as a powerful force multiplier when it comes to productivity, allowing you to get more ‘bang for your buck’ through acquiring more manual than electric trucks and allow more of your employees to pitch in and ensure that key targets are hit.

Reduced Maintenance: Manual pallet trucks are powered by a straightforward hydraulic lift, meaning that – aside from minor maintenance on wheels and the overall integrity of the unit – they will only require minor ongoing care. If breakdowns due to heavy or intensive use are a concern, selecting a model with a strong seal on its hydraulics can help ensure that breakdowns and risk of lost productivity are minimised.

Electric Pallet Trucks

Improved Capacity: Due to the additional power of a motor, electric pallet trucks have the ability to safely carry much more weight than a manual truck. This hugely increases the range of items that your employees can handle and can allow you to automatically check weight tolerances or deploy auto-locking mechanisms in cases of spillage or overload. If your business involves heavy goods handling, this can often prove to be a powerful value-add.

High Speed: Many electric pallet trucks are motorised which allows them to travel at speed in a loading and unloading area. This can often be much faster than a worker pushing a manual truck or even an individual operating a forklift. This can help you get more out of your team by increasing the amount of work that they can safely accomplish in a given timeframe and help improve the efficiency of your internal supply chain even when operating over large sites or warehouses.

Environmentally Friendly: A helpful alternative to operating with a forklift truck, an electric truck’s battery motor will produce no fumes and be more efficient and cost-effective to run than its counterpart. However, unlike the manual jack, the electric truck’s battery will need to be correctly disposed of over time, which is your responsibility as an owner to ensure is conducted safely and securely.

Flexibility: Given the nature of modern business, there may be a need to change your working practice, shipping methods, or focus of your business. Selecting an electric pallet truck means that you can future proof your business against change by selecting a durable piece of equipment that can accommodate a range of professional approaches, products, and aid compliance with any forthcoming green energy regulations.

Depending on your needs, an electric or manual pallet truck can be a powerful, cost-effective value add for your business. Taking the time to validate what specific role you need them for and ensuring that they suit your current resource and manpower needs will make sure you are fully accommodated every time.

If you want to learn more about the comprehensive range of manual and electric pallet trucks available to buy or rent, please do not hesitate to contact our team directly T: 0800 195 9831 and let us know exactly what you need.

Buying a used counterbalance truck? Here’s what you need to look out for

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There are some great offers in the used counterbalance marketplace at the moment. However, to really get the best value from your new machine(s), you’ll need to do your research.

Similar to when you’re buying a new car, a lift truck’s owner may hold their cards to their chest: not telling you important details about your truck’s history or issues.

If you’re considering a secondhand lift truck, it’s crucial that you work with a supplier with a great reputation. And, just as with a car, it’s important to thoroughly examine the forklift before you purchase it.

It’s important to bear in mind that the decision to buy secondhand increases the danger of breakdowns. Before you commit, you should ask yourself three questions:

– How much will it cost your business if the lift truck is out of action?
– Is yours a hard-wearing or high-intensity operation?
– Will your truck be operating for four hours or more each day?

Have you answered yes to any of these? Then you just might be better off investing in a new lift truck or, as an alternative, you might benefit from purchasing a used machine which can be called upon when breakdowns occur.

Whatever your needs, here are some questions to help you get the best deal on a used truck.

1) Is it the right counterbalance truck for the job?

Regardless of whether you choose to buy new or used, it’s good practice to ask for quotes for new equipment, alongside used, from three or more suppliers. This allows you to identify any variances, such as mast height or capacity, so you get the right equipment for your application.

2) Is my dealer reputable?

Your dealer should be able to provide you with recommendations and references. It’s also worth asking for details of any accreditations they hold.

3) Do the details add up?

Make sure that the forklift bears the CE mark. This shows it’s approved for use within the EU. If your truck doesn’t have this, you may have problems when the time comes to sell it, access an operator’s manual in English or get parts for it. And, should that truck be involved in an accident, the lack of EU-approval may invalidate your insurance.

4) How many hours has the truck worked?

Just like your car’s odometer, your forklift’s hour-meter tells you how much is ‘on the clock’. Experts suggest that an hour of lifting is equivalent to motoring in a car at 30 mph. It’s good practice to verify the meter reading by requesting the machine’s service record. (This also lets you check its service history.)

5) How does it start up?

A forklift represents a significant investment for many businesses. That’s why it’s important to inspect the truck in person and take it for a ‘test drive’ before committing to purchase. If you have an in-house service engineer, it’s worth bringing them along for sound advice.

With counterbalance trucks, it’s best to begin with a truck that hasn’t been started recently. Because the engine is cold, it allows you to spot any issues with smoke levels. The engine should turn over easily. If it fails to, then this could be a sign of ignition problems.

6) Is the mast a smooth operator?

Test its mast movement – laden and unladen. It should operate smoothly without sticking. There shouldn’t be any movement within the mast channels or between the mast and the carriage.

When loaded, keep an eye out for the mast creeping forward. This may indicate problems with seals, rams or valves.

Under LOLER, your masts and chains must be examined – prior to sale – by a competent person. This can be confirmed by requesting a Report of Thorough Examination from the vendor.

7) How do the forks look?

Inspect the counterbalance truck’s forks carefully. Be on the lookout for cracks and damage, and look for wear by checking heel thickness. This is specified by the truck’s manufacturer. Where this isn’t available, please refer to ISO5057.

It’s important that the fork fits the truck well. If it fits loosely, this may mean there’s wear or damage to its hanger or carriage points.

8) Do the tyres match the truck?

Always make sure that your truck has the right tyres fitted – otherwise they may wear prematurely. Also keep an eye out for uneven wear. It can be sign of axle alignment issues which are expensive to fix.

We’ve prepared this helpful checklist to help you spot issues with used forklifts before you commit to purchase.

Be alert to:

  • Any damage to the overhead guard or load backrest
  • Low oil pressures
  • Wear to rings or valves
  • Damage to the radiator
  • Rust particles in the engine coolant
  • Discoloured transmission fluids
  • Bowed mast channels
  • Scored mast or cylinder rods
  • Leaky hydraulic control valves
  • No official CE mark
  • Damage to fork arms (cracks, welds, excessive wear)
  • Cracks or signs of re-welding to the chassis
  • Rusting of the chassis
  • Uneven tyre wear
  • Excessive motor noise when travelling fully loaded
  • Black, sooty residue from the exhaust
  • Harsh braking
  • Operator manual in a different language
  • No Report of Thorough Examination

Whether you choose to buy new or used, we recommend you give it the same time and consideration you would give to buying a car.

At Radnes, we are experts in the sale of new and used forklift trucks. Our wide range of counterbalance and warehouse trucks ensure that, whatever your budget, need or deadline, we can assist you.

For further information, please call us on 0800 195 9831 or email us at sales@radnes.com