Forklifts are an essential part of any busy warehouse. To keep everything functioning, it’s vital that a healthy forklift fleet is well maintained – here’s our top tips.
Make maintenance routine. Everyone in the warehouse should adhere to routine maintenance of all forklifts, inside and out. Routine maintenance means potentially big forklift problems can be identified sooner rather than later, and forklifts beyond repair can be swiftly replaced without any big and costly surprises.
Monitor fleet usage. Are you using all forklifts to their full extent, or are you perhaps under using or even over using your forklifts? By monitoring how and when each unit is used, you can build up an effective picture of what your warehouse needs in terms of a healthy forklift fleet.
Keep up with training! Make sure all of your forklift operators have the training they need to use their equipment and keep it in top condition.
By keeping on top of your forklift fleet health, warehouses can ensure continued productivity in a fast paced and demanding environment.
For more information about our FLT forklift training services, contact us on 03333 442949 or [email protected]
Don’t get us wrong, there aren’t groups of people out in the woods for days to get a picture of a forklift like there are for Bigfoot. But that doesn’t stop the people from creating myths and rumours about forklifts.
In today’s age, it can be difficult to tell which of these myths are true, and which are false. Besides, if HairyTrucker478 on Twitter claims that his brother’s bosses’ wife says it’s true, it must be true… right?
Luckily for you, we’re here to set the record straight. Here are 6 forklift truck myths, and the facts behind them.
You Need a Forklift License – False… Kind Of.
Bottom line – there is no such thing as a forklift license. So, technically, this is false.
This is a myth as there is no such thing as a forklift license. This is based in truth, however. As not anybody can drive a forklift in a professional environment.
To drive a forklift professionally, you’ll need official certification. This shows that you’ve taken the appropriate courses and have proven to have the skills necessary in order to operate a forklift truck safely. This certification is often mistaken as a license. This is why we say that needing a forklift license is false. Because it is. You need a forklift certification instead…
Operating a Forklift Is Easy – False.
Again, this comes down to how you word this.
Driving a forklift is, for the most part, straight forward. If you’re able to drive motorised vehicles such as cars and lorry’s, then you’re most likely able to drive a forklift. Your turning circle is drastically different when comparing a forklift and a lorry, for example. But, other than this, you’re probably able to drive a forklift with little to no issues.
However, this myth is that ‘operating a forklift is easy’, not driving. Because driving and operating are two completely different things.
Operating a forklift includes manoeuvring the vehicle whilst carrying heavy or fragile loads. It also includes the lifting and placing of heavy or fragile goods, whilst adhering to health and safety regulations, whilst also hitting deadlines. So, the idea that operating a forklift can be easy is flat out wrong. If anything, operating a forklift in a busy warehouse is one of the hardest jobs in the industry.
Forklift Training Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot – True.
As soon as people see the word ‘training’, they automatically assume it’ll be expensive. But it’s not as expensive as you may think.
As a business, training your employees to be qualified forklift operators can be a smart move. Just one forklift operator can improve the productivity of your business immensely. So, imagine what 4 or 5 can do.
If you’re searching for a new job, a forklift qualification can be a great asset to your CV, allowing you to apply for a wider range of jobs. Some of which will pay more than those that do not require a forklift qualification.
Considering day rates for forklift training are around £80 to £90, with an average of 3-5 days needed, it’s a cheap price for the benefit it brings. Therefore, we consider this ‘myth’ to be true.
Experienced Forklift Operators May Still Need Supervision – True.
In many job positions, the experienced members of staff do not need as much supervision. With some needing none at all. However, even experienced forklift operators will require supervision from time to time.
“But why? If they’re qualified and experienced, they don’t need it!” I hear you saying. And please, allow me to explain why this ‘myth’ is true.
Experience and qualifications are needed in order to drastically reduce the risk of injury whilst operating a forklift. However, they don’t eliminate every risk. And this is what even experienced forklift operators will need supervision for.
For example, limited visibility is an issue every forklift operator will face, often on a regular basis. This is not something you can train for or have enough experience to never encounter. There are always going to be variables that will affect your performance. Variables that can be helped with the use of supervision.
Therefore, we consider this ‘myth’ to be true.
Electric Forklifts Are More Hassle Than Regular Ones – False.
If we had a penny for every time we’d heard this myth, we’d have about £2.04.
Every style of forklift (gas, diesel, and electric) comes with both benefits and disadvantages. Each type is suited to a different environment, business, and use. So, to dismiss a specific style of forklift because they ‘are more hassle than regular ones’ is insane. Not to mention that we’re not sure what these people mean when they say ‘regular ones’.
Learning to Drive a Forklift Is like Learning to Drive Any Other Vehicle – False…Kind Of.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the driving part of using a forklift is considered the easiest part. As, in this sense, they’re simple vehicles. However, no business will use forklifts for human transport only. Therefore, operating the various features of the forklift can be considered part of ‘driving’ a forklift.
So, if we’re taking this statement literally, then yes, learning to drive a forklift is like learning to drive any other vehicle. However, seeing as a large part of using a forklift involves elements not found in driving the likes of a car or lorry, this myth is false. Kind of.
Forklifts are unlikely to ever cause human beings a War of the Worlds-style crisis. Yet, the way some business owners talk about their preference, you’d think they have a personal vendetta against certain types of forklift.
There are 3 different ways of powering a forklift – gas, electric, and diesel. Each of which brings a range of pros and cons to both the operator and the business owner. So, when you’re deciding to invest in a forklift or two, you’re going to want to know these pros and cons, right?
There is no go-to forklift that business owners should be using. Because, as this list highlights, there are positives and negatives to each type. So, there are a few things you should consider before deciding which forklift to purchase:
Your budget.
Your carbon footprint.
The size of your workspace.
The location/covering of your workspace.
Your primary need for a forklift.
Once you’ve considered these 5 points, you’re ready to choose your type of forklift.
Luckily for you, we here at Flexistaff Solutions know a whole heap about forklifts. And we’ve decided to compile a list of the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of gas, electric, and diesel-powered forklifts. Isn’t that nice of us?
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Gas-Powered Forklifts.
Powered by either liquified petroleum gas or compressed neutral gas, this style of forklift is often considered the most popular available. However, this doesn’t mean they’re faultless, as they come with their own set of pros and cons.
Pros:
Lowest initial cost, perfect for smaller businesses to start off with.
Quieter than diesel, so less noise pollution for those working around it.
High travel speeds allow for more efficiency when transporting goods.
Widely available, meaning that purchasing both the units and the parts is easy.
Cons:
Fuel costs can rack up and become expensive, offsetting the positive of a low initial cost.
Up to 90% less power than diesel or electric-powered forklifts, bad for businesses looking to move large loads at a time.
Produces harmful fumes. These fumes are not as harmful as diesel, which is a positive of sorts. However, for the most part, this is still a negative.
Electric-Powered Forklifts.
Often called battery-powered, these forklifts are favoured in enclosed or indoor areas. But do the pros of a battery-powered forklift outweigh the cons?
Pros:
No Harmful emissions, a huge plus for businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint.
Quieter than most forklifts, a positive for workers using and around the forklift.
Recharging can be cheaper than fuel, a plus side for business owners looking to save money.
Accelerate and brake pedals only. No clutch or gears make it perfect for newly qualified operators.
Cons:
Higher initial cost, bad for smaller businesses looking to purchase a forklift.
Areas needed for recharging, a negative for businesses with limited space or resources at their disposal.
Not recommended for outdoor use, due to the large electrical components. Bad for businesses looking for equipment for outdoor use.
Diesel-Powered Forklifts.
If these forklifts were animals, they would be oxen. Hard-working, reliable, and powerful. These are the heavy-duty forklifts that mean business. But, as you can imagine, they come with a unique list of positives and negatives.
Pros:
Made for outside work and are durable in most weather conditions, perfect for businesses with outdoor and exposed work yards.
Lower service and fuel cost than a gas-powered forklift, making diesel-powered forklifts easy to maintain.
Simpler design in terms of engine and mechanics, making diesel-powered forklifts easier to maintain and repair.
Fuel gauges easily show when power is running low. When this occurs, the diesel is topped up, and the forklift can continue.
Cons:
Can be extremely noisy when operated, which isn’t ideal in a busy workplace such as a work yard.
A high number of harmful fumes are produced when in use, making diesel forklifts unsuitable for inside areas. This excludes many businesses from being able to use them. Bad for businesses looking to lower their carbon footprint.
Generally larger than electric or gas-powered forklifts, meaning they need a large area to operate. Which is, of course, bad for businesses that have anything other than a large operating area.
Conclusion.
This guide should help you to decide which style of forklift is best for your business. However, if you’re still unsure or you have any questions, get in contact. We’re more than happy to help!
Or, if you’re looking for forklift training & refresher courses, we provide those too! Click here for more info
Last year we highlighted some of the most common injuries and accidents forklift drivers should look out for. And, as time goes on, experienced FLT operators are becoming more aware of the dangers of using a forklift.
But with more and more people training to become FLT operators, there is always the risk of encountering accidents. Both in and around the warehouse. So, it’s important to remind yourself of the dangers you could encounter when using a forklift truck. And lucky for you, we’re highlighting them in an updated list for 2020.
If you’re looking for top-quality training or refresher courses for forklift drivers, click here. If not, continue reading for the forklift injuries and dangers to avoid in 2020.
Striking Pedestrians/Workers.
Hitting those around you with a forklift truck is more common than you may think. And, as comical as some viral videos make it look, these accidents are not to be laughed at. As the injuries they cause can be severe.
With low turning circles and surprisingly high speeds, FLT’s are nimble vehicles, which often takes people by surprise. Although often limited to a maximum of 10mph, getting hit by something that weighs between 2,000 and 4,500kg is going to hurt. And that’s without any goods being carried by the forklift, making it even heavier.
Worse still are the lifting forks of the truck itself. From personal experience, a relative of mine was involved in a forklift accident several years ago which still gives him problems now.
The operator of the forklift wasn’t paying attention and rushing to get the job done. Exceeding the speed limit, he struck my relative with the lifting forks whilst turning. Due to the resting level of the forks, they caught him just below the knee, severing muscles which required surgery to correct. After several months of resting and physiotherapy, he was able to walk again, but with a not-so-useful limp as a constant reminder. Not to mention the compensation paid out by the business, and the implications the FLT driver faced.
This is one example of an accident that happened because of a lapse of concentration. But the effects this accident caused were large and completely avoidable.
So, make sure you don’t encounter the same accident this year. Take your time and be aware of those around you, as well as making sure your co-workers are aware that a forklift is in operation. This will help to avoid any unnecessary dangers and accidents.
Tipping the Forklift.
Weight limits are there for a reason, but you’d be surprised how many people choose to ignore these in order of getting the job done faster. But ask yourself this – will the job get done faster overall if the forklift tips over?
Imagine it as though you have to carry the shopping from the car to the kitchen. You’ve got lots of items, but only two bags to use. If you carry too much in the bags, they’ll split and break, meaning you have to carry everything in by hand, making the whole scenario twice as long. Of course, this is an analogy. The bags are the forklifts, the shopping is the goods you’re moving, and you are the operator. Only, in the shopping scenario, it’s the shopping that’s at risk if you carry too much at once. When operating a forklift, it’s your co-workers, the goods, and you that are all at risk.
Tipping an FLT can result in serious injury or, in some cases, death. It’s a serious hazard, and that’s why the weight limits are there. Alongside this, you can also help to avoid this by driving safely and sensibly. If you need refresher courses on how to operate a forklift safely, click here.
Make sure not to become a victim of tipping a forklift this year. As not only do you put people at risk, but you may also become the victim of another scenario – viral videos.
Other Factors to Consider.
Here are a few other factors you should consider when operating a forklift. They’re not dangers as such, but they can cause accidents to happen if not taken into consideration. Acknowledging these before you take to the wheel of an FTL will help to avoid injuries and dangers occurring.
Ignoring Your Health.
It’s common for workers to operate forklifts when the operator is feeling a little worse for wear. Often because they think “It’s just a forklift, it’s not like driving a car”. In some ways, they’re right. You wouldn’t see a forklift driving along the m25. But, they’re also wrong, as operating a forklift when you’re tired or unwell can be as dangerous as driving a car in the same conditions.
As I’m sure you know, a forklift truck is a dangerous piece of equipment, and should only be operated by trained members of staff. However, being trained to use the equipment doesn’t qualify you to use the equipment regardless of your condition. If you’re tired, in pain, unwell, or anything similar, you should consult your manager or a member of management. As operating any kind of forklift in these conditions can result in serious injury. Not only for yourself but those around you.
So, before you step into the driver’s seat, consider your health – are you fit enough to drive the forklift with maximum concentration? Asking yourself this question may be the difference between your career as an FLT operator, and 2020 being your last year driving forklifts.
Dressing Appropriately.
This is a subject we will cover in more depth in the coming weeks. However, before you begin to operate any type of FLT, consider your clothing. A hi-vis jacket and sturdy boots with grip are a must, whilst ensuring your clothes aren’t restricting your movement.
This often comes down to management and workplace policy. Your employers may ask you to wear certain clothing whilst operating a forklift. So, it’s important that you always check before starting.
Conclusion.
There you have it, some dangers, accidents, and injuries to avoid this year. But remember that not all forklift accidents are avoidable. Sometimes, factors outside of your control can lead to an accident or injury, and nobody is to blame. But, it’s important to do everything you can to avoid any additional risk when using these dangerous machines.
If you do encounter an accident or incident this year, you should always follow the correct safety procedures. Contact your manager or supervisor and ensure co-workers in the surrounding area are aware of the incident.
A Beginners Guide to Forklift Trucks – Preparation and Operation.
Welcome to a brand-new series here on WeTrainFLT, that we’re appropriately naming ‘A Beginners Guide to’. Here, we will give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about the chosen topic.
We start with something we know an awful lot about – forklifts. More specifically, preparing the forklift for use, and how to operate a forklift in a safe and proper way.
As time goes on, we will create more blogs covering other areas of forklift use to ensure all you readers have the best possible source for forklift information. But, for now, let’s move on to our first point for forklift preparation and operation.
Preparations.
In this part of our guide, we’ll be covering the areas an operator must prepare before operating the forklift.
Forklift License.
Believe it or not, there is no such thing as a physical forklift license. But there is training and certification to operate a forklift safely and effectively. Rather than a license, it’s a certification saying you’re qualified to operative a forklift, but it’s often still referred to as a ‘forklift license’.
So, if you’re applying for a position that requests a ‘forklift license’ as a requirement, don’t fret. If you’ve got an active qualification to operate a forklift, this is what they’re looking for.
For help in acquiring your forklift ‘license’ aka certification, click here.
Checking the Forklift.
Like with any piece of heavy equipment, you should perform pre-operation checks before using the machinery. A forklift is no different. How to do this will be covered in your forklift training, and there are various online guides and videos if you’re in need of a refresher. However, the main checks include:
Water, oil, and hydraulic fluid levels.
Tire pressure and conditioning.
Fork condition.
Safety measures.
General wear & tear to the vehicle.
But these will vary depending on the model of forklift you will be using. So, ensure you’re performing the right checks for the appropriate model of forklift.
It’s easy to get into the bad habit of not performing these, but this is something you’ll want to avoid. After all, you wouldn’t want to fly in a plane or sail on a boat without someone checking it before use. Different businesses and employers will require pre-operation checks to be performed at different times, some being once a day, some being before every use. It’s important to check these if you work in an environment that uses forklift trucks.
Starting Up the Forklift.
Once you have mounted and started up the forklift you’re operating, it’s time for the operational inspections. Once again, these will be taught to you during your training or refresher courses, but the main inspections include:
Checking for any obstacles in your path.
Allowing yourself clear visibility (keeping a clear line of sight in the direction you’re travelling).
Ensuring headlights are turned on if the lighting is low.
Ensuring any spotters you’re using are ready to help.
Please note that these are not the only inspections needed before operating the forklift. Inspections will vary from model to model.
If you’re looking for refresher courses for your forklift certification, click here.
Operating the Forklift.
In this part of our guide, we’ll be covering the areas an operator must be aware of and check for whilst operating the forklift.
Visibility.
Operating a forklift is not like driving a car, and there is a common misconception that using a forklift is easy and relatively risk-free. However, when operating a forklift, there are many aspects you will have to consider that you may not have thought of.
Forklifts are often used in warehouse spaces which can have limited visibility. From tight spaces to low lighting, these all present a risk to not only the operator but to other workers sharing the space.
Ensure all precautions are made to limit the chances of an accident whilst operating a forklift. These include making sure all surrounding workers know a forklift is in operation, and ensuring all possible collisions are avoided.
As mentioned previously, visibility can be enhanced by the use of headlights in low-lit areas. Spotters can be used for improved visibility, and travelling at low speeds are all recommended to help improve visibility.
Speed.
Speaking of speed limits, hen operating a forklift, you must ensure you adhere to any speed limits in place. Not only will this limit the likelihood of an accident, but it will also ensure there is no damage or strain to the machine.
It can be tempting to drive at slightly higher speeds to ensure the job is done faster. But ask yourself if it’s worth the risk of causing an accident, potentially causing damage to goods, the vehicle, yourself, and others. We don’t think so.
For more information on the speed limits in place, speak to your site manager for the speed limit in operation in your workplace. With regards to the maximum speed a forklift can operate at, consult the appropriate model guide, either physical or online.
Load Limits.
Load limits are often ignored when using a forklift, which is extremely dangerous to both the operator and those around you.
When using a forklift, make a note of the safe load limit for the model you’re using. This will often be printed on the vehicle itself but can also be found in the appropriate guidebook or manual.
Although it may not be specifically mentioned, load limits also include the size and width of goods you’re transporting. It should go without saying that if the goods you’re transporting hang well over the sides of the forks, you should take extra care. Consider carrying fewer goods to lower the risk of collision.
Finding the right balance of staying within the load limit of the forklift and carry enough goods to make the forklift’s work effective can be tricky. But with a bit of experience, you’ll soon become the expert.
Conclusion.
There you have it, the basics for preparing and operating a forklift.
Think we’ve missed anything? Comment below letting us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to the guide!
If you’re looking for more information on forklift training and refresher courses, click here or get in contact.
