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For many warehouses, forklifts are essential tools in moving goods quickly and efficiently. However, as powerful and heavy machines they can cause a lot of damage if the right precautions aren’t taken – here’s how to protect your warehouse from forklift wear and tear.

Invest in column and post protectors. It’s really as simple as that – make sure your shelving units and any internal posts are well protected from a direct hit from a forklift. Continued damage to the storage racks or internal posts can cause serious problems if not resolved.

Wire decks are a must. A wire deck has lots of benefits, including providing a better view of upper levels in a pallet rack, and protecting workers from falling items more effectively. With a better view, forklift drivers can operate their equipment more effectively and avoid mistakes.

Invest in bollards and guards. If you’ve got expensive or important equipment at risk from a forklift collision, use bollards and guards as a first line defence against a crash.

Plan your routes! If possible, indicating separate areas where forklifts and people can go, away from one another, will make avoiding accidents and forklift damage much easier.

For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected]

Warehouse management is complex and pressured, and knowing that forklifts are a vital part of an effective warehouse means that any warehouse supervisor needs to make sure the fleet and forklift operators adhere to guidelines to make for a safe and productive environment. Here’s our top tips.

Start with training! Only trained operatives should be driving forklifts, and other employees should be trained in forklift safety. If you’re looking for a training partner you can trust, contact us today! We provide an affordable and flexible forklift training service, according to your needs.

Promote good maintenance. Forklift operators should be encouraged to maintain their vehicles each time they are used and should be able to notice when a forklift needs some care and attention.

Everyone must be safe. Make sure there are clear guidelines in place for safe use of forklifts and for those working around forklifts. Minimising forklift use is a good start. Make sure workers are wearing hi viz clothing and plan your warehouse so pedestrians can move around the space safely.

Remind and repeat! Remind the team of safety measures regularly and encourage the team to talk about safety and maintenance procedures, including to ask questions where they are unsure. Signage will act as a constant reminder too.

For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected]

Forklifts are a vital resource in any and every warehouse – and to keep them working effectively, it’s really important they are well looked after. Forklifts need regular servicing to keep them in tip top condition – but what are the tell-tale signs that your forklift is due a service?

Battery power. Is the battery draining to flat quicker than it used to? If the battery is struggling to hold charge it’s a sure sign that an inspection is due.

Leaks. A leak might not look particularly problematic to begin with, but it’s very important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Forklifts operate using a number of fluids and a long term leak could result in the engine seizing up without the vital lubricants it needs.

Check the forklift mast chains. If chains are rusty, bent out of shape or corroded it’s time to repair or replace them – if you don’t take action straight away, you’re risking the whole thing seizing up mid operation!

It can be temping to leave servicing for another day, but chances are you’ll regret it – so ensure time is allocated to make sure forklifts are kept in great working condition!

For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected].

Forklift operation is a hugely important role with lots of responsibility. Getting your licence to drive a forklift is just part of the story though – here’s our top tips for being a better (and safer) forklift operator.

Check your equipment before you start. Even if someone else has been using the equipment before you, don’t assume that everything has already been checked and therefore is in top working order. Forklifts can be dangerous, so make sure you conduct a thorough inspection before you start – even if you’re in a rush!

Maintain your focus at all times. Once you’re qualified as a forklift operator it’s likely you’ll work with less supervision – make sure you practise staying focussed and safe at all times.

Stick to the rules. That means don’t overload your forklift at any time – know exactly how much weight your forklift can take and don’t go over it, otherwise the forklift can become unsteady. Keep an eye on your steed over ramps and around corners, and take your time!

Take your time when getting on and off your equipment. If you miss a step or take it too fast you could cause yourself an injury.

For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected].

Warehouses are busy places! One thing is for sure; in any busy warehouse, you’ll find both forklifts and pedestrians – and when the two mix accidents can happen. It’s vital that everyone understands the importance of safety – so here’s our tips for making sure both forklift operators and pedestrians stay safe at all times.

Start with signs! Warning signs might not be noticed every time, but they do serve as a constant reminder of safety procedures and could jog someone’s memory at just the right time.

Keep forklifts and pedestrians apart. Not always possible or easy, but where you can create forklift only and pedestrian only spaces, or two tracks for both to use separately where possible.

Make some noise! Warning sounds and lights can provide an immediate visual reminder to keep safe and help team members to avoid numerous easily done accidents.

Make sure everyone knows everyone. Helping forklift operators and pedestrians to know one another and therefore be accountable for one another is incredibly helpful for forklift drivers to be aware of who they can see (and not, as the case may be) when they’re operating their equipment.

Stay safe!

For more information about our forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected].