With manufacturing and logistics operations having been fully or partly shut down due to the events of recent months, there are specific risks associated with this downtime. Forklifts restarting after idle periods are more susceptible to fire, explosion, or machinery breakdown. Thorough pre-start up plans and checks are required to minimise the risks, particularly of fire and explosion. “First and foremost, consider if the operation has changed at all and if the equipment is still fit for purpose,” says Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager for Pyroban. “For example, are the trucks used in Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 areas ATEX compliant with the correct specification? And are they still safe?” Operators should also check whether the ATEX trucks are due their thorough examination and/or annual safety audit (Ex-ASA). In the UK, guidance from the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA), Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during lockdown was clear that despite circumstances disrupting ‘normal’ operations, that “scheduled maintenance, repairs and statutory inspections must be considered essential ongoing activities.”
This article was first published in the October 1st 2020 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
This October the Fork Lift Truck Association is launching a new campaign – FLTA Safety Drive. Initially spanning 6 weeks, the FLTA is highlighting a different safety topic each week. Starting with training and moving through forklift, driver and pedestrian safety, to battery maintenance and access control, the FLTA Safety Drive will promote the latest products and best practice within these areas.
Operators of LP Gas-powered warehouse trucks are increasingly switching to lithium-ion battery-powered alternatives as they look to maximize truck up-time, drive down running costs, reduce operational noise levels and eliminate exhaust emissions within their buildings. That is the view of John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd – manufacturer of the Flexi range of articulated VNA forklifts.
Doosan, the leading manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has launched a powerful new world-class range of Euro Stage V compliant IC engine counterbalance forklift trucks. The 9-Series offers an unbeatable combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, performance, driver comfort and durability.
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has launched the PS1000, its tyre solution for material handling applications. The press-on solid forklift tyre incorporates the Pit Stop Line innovation, specialised compounds and a new design to guarantee uptime, efficiency and safety for operators, while reducing total cost of ownership and environmental impact.
Hyster Europe has extended its range of electric counterbalance lift trucks with the introduction of nine new three- and four-wheel forklift models for lifts up to 3.5 tonnes. The Hyster J1.5-3.5UT four-wheel and J1.6-2.0UTT three-wheel electric forklifts are the latest models to join the Hyster UT series. Designed to be simple to use and easy to maintain, the new electric Hyster lift trucks provide affordability and reliability across industry.
As forklifts return to service after months of being idle, what better time to raise safety standards?
George Simpson
Features Editor
Comments are closed.