THE FORKLIFT TRUCK TRAINING CENTRE

Category Counter Balance

Avoid long term damage to your Forklift – Our top tips

It goes without saying that forklifts play a huge part in any busy warehouse. As such a key piece of equipment, it’s vital they are looked after properly to avoid long term damage. Here’s our advice for keeping your forklift in top condition.

Adapt your maintenance schedule as required. Over the years its important to keep an eye on maintenance trends for each vehicle – by assessing the needs of your equipment in previous years, you can adapt your maintenance schedule to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.

Where are you keeping your forklift? When you’re not using your forklift, make sure it is kept somewhere dry. Reducing the risk of exposing the forklift to the elements will protect vital components and electrical parts, ensuring your vehicle is in top working condition for the long haul.

Look after your battery. The battery is a crucial part of your forklift and any leaks or damage to it can leave the whole forklift out of action. Check the battery regularly in a dry place to ensure you minimise the risk of oxidation.

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

Forklift checklist for warehouse supervisors

Warehouse supervisors are busy – especially at Christmas time! With forklift operation being vital to the running of any successful warehouse, here’s a checklist of everything every warehouse supervisor needs to consider when it comes to forklift fleet management.

Start with training. Make sure all forklift drivers are trained in using and maintaining their equipment. Colleagues who aren’t operating forklifts should have up to date and regular training to ensure they remain safe around moving forklifts, including where the pedestrian zones start and finish.

Who’s operating your forklifts? At no time should anyone who doesn’t have up to date forklift training operate any forklift vehicles. All team members should know who can operate forklifts and who can’t.

Safety measures for forklift operators are a must. Operating a forklift is just the start – it’s vital that everyone is operating them safely too. Forklift operators should have regular training in safe loading, PPE and safe routes around the warehouse. Training must include reminders to use seat belts at all times, to prevent falls.

In addition, warehouse supervisors must ensure everyone is adhering to COVID-19 guidance, keeping everyone safe at all times.

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

Reduce Forklift Accidents Risks – our Top Tips

A safe forklift operation is hugely important for the safety of all staff and to ensure your warehouse keeps operating efficiently – but mistakes are easy to make! Here’s our top tips for reducing the risk of accidents when operating forklifts.

Stay safe when mounting/dismounting. Steps on forklifts can be fairly small and can become worn down when in constant use – make sure you wear suitable footwear at all times and if the steps become too worn down to use safely consider replacing them.

Steady your load before you move. Take extra care to make sure the load is stable and secure before moving – and don’t try to steady the load during movement. If you have a problem whilst moving, stop safely and re steady the load.

Only operate the truck from inside. Don’t try to operate the forklift if you aren’t sitting in the designated drivers’ position, and once inside don’t lean or reach outside of the vehicle, in case it becomes unsteady.

Make sure everyone knows the rules! All staff should be fully aware of forklift safety; make sure staff are well briefed regularly on this and provide signs and guidelines as reminders.

For flexible and affordable forklift training, book with us today – to book your training, contact 03333 442949 or [email protected].

Top tips for keeping your forklift in perfect balance

Forklifts are an incredibly important and useful addition to any warehouse – but not properly loaded they can be incredibly dangerous. It’s vital that you avoid forklift overturns at all times – here’s our top tips.

Plan your load. Don’t overload the forklift and make sure you load it with care, spreading the load evenly. Consider the nature of the load as well, whether or not the product you’re carrying is stable – if not, you may need to adjust your driving.

Think about the environment. Check the condition of the surfaces you’ll be driving on before setting off, and note any slopes or changes to the surfaces so you can adjust your driving accordingly.

Keep it smooth. Lower your forks when driving to increase your stability and drive slowly and smoothly – keep a consistent speed and react to turning corners early to avoid any mistakes caused by late reactions.

Be safe. Wear a seatbelt and adhere to all safety measures at all times – if you’re not sure what they are, make sure you do your homework!

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

Conducting a thorough Forklift inspection

Forklifts are a vital component of any warehouse, without a doubt. Conducting regular and thorough forklift inspections can have a huge impact on your fleet effectiveness – here’s why and how.

Why bother? Forklift inspections are important because they save time and money in the long run. By checking your forklifts regularly, you can be sure your equipment is in good working order and quickly identify any required repairs early on before they become a more serious problem. A faulty forklift can be dangerous too – so inspect regularly to avoid damage or accidents.

When should I check my forklift? At the end of each shift, or at least daily, depending on whether or not the equipment is being used 24/7. Any inspections must be conducted by a qualified forklift driver.

What should I check for? Start by checking the outside of the forklift for any visible damage. Check tyre pressure and fluid levels are correct. You should also test the brakes, horn and any additional safety measures to ensure they are in full working order too.

Forklift maintenance is everyone’s business – make sure everyone is aware and informed to keep your forklift fleet in tip top shape!

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