As the winter months continue the change in temperature and weather conditions may affect the reliability and operation of forklift trucks, warehouse equipment and the safety of those operating them.
It’s important to make sure you are prepared for winter, so we have provided you with five top tips for ensuring the safe operation of trucks during this time
1. Operator protection
Wear suitable clothing; ensure you are wearing warm hats, gloves, jackets and other clothing that can handle cold conditions. In addition, make sure your clothing is highly visible so that you can be seen in times where visibility is limited.
2. Forklift protection
Make sure your forklift is fully equipped for the winter months. If forklifts do not have cabs make sure you get a forklift cover and ensure your forklift is equipped with the right tyres for winter use (we will cover this in more detail in a later blog). It is also important to consider the lighting on the truck; poor visibility may mean that bulbs need to be changed.
3. Maintenance
Winter demands extra maintenance, starters, chokes and other operating components take a beating in the wintertime. So, it is important to ensure that your truck is being checked regularly. Consider regular service packages to ensure you never miss a vital service.
4. Daily checks
Safety should be paramount to any operation. Each shift should always start with a series of daily checks to ensure that all equipment is safe to operate. Ensure you follow the supplier’s recommended daily/weekly checks as outlined in the operator’s manual. Daily check sheets can also be downloaded from the free resources section.
5. Forklift operation
Whilst operating the forklift, drive carefully and only go as fast as the conditions will allow. Ensure good visibility, make sure front and rear lights are used, screens are clean, and wipers are operational and in good condition. If conditions prevent you from working safely, stop working.
If you would like to book a winter service or need advice on how to prepare for winter, please feel free to call us on 01454 261831 or email Ben@liftruckservices.co.uk.
