How to Avoid Forklift Truck Failures: A Complete Guide
Forklifts are indispensable tools in many industrial and warehouse environments. However, their misuse or improper maintenance can result in serious accidents, property damage and even loss of life. To ensure safety and efficiency in forklift truck operation, it is essential to know and avoid common faults that can occur. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to avoid forklift failures, comply with safety regulations and perform proper preventive maintenance.
Avoiding Forklift Truck Failures: Major Failures and Causes
Forklifts can experience a variety of failures, many of which are avoidable with proper caution and attention. Some of the main failures and their causes include:
Excessive Loads and Improper Distribution: Overloading a forklift truck or improperly distributing the weight of the load can cause loss of stability and increase the risk of tipping or collapse.
Lack of Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance, such as insufficient lubrication, worn parts and lack of inspections, can lead to sudden mechanical failures during operation.
Lack of Personnel Training: Forklift operators must be adequately trained in safe handling, loading and unloading techniques, as well as relevant safety measures. Lack of training can result in operating errors and accidents.
Causes of accidents:
Safety Regulations
Complying with safety regulations is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. Some of the key regulations include:
Personnel Training: All forklift operators must be properly trained and certified to operate the equipment safely.
Regular Inspections: Forklift trucks should be inspected regularly to detect any defects or potential safety problems.
Use of Protective Equipment: Operators should wear personal protective equipment, such as helmets and reflective vests, to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Essential Clothing for Forklift Truck Operators
A crucial part of forklift operator training is understanding the proper clothing to wear: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The following are the various components that make it up:
Forklift Operation Attire
A loose-fitting jumpsuit with wide sleeves that does not interfere with driving, adapted to the weather. External pockets, loops or other parts that can get caught in the controls should be avoided.
Gloves to Facilitate Forklift Truck Operation
Resistant and flexible gloves that do not hinder driving.
Footwear Suitable for Forklift Truck Operation
Safety shoes with metal toecaps and non-slip soles, especially if the operator also performs manual handling tasks at his workstation.
Safety Helmet
It is highly recommended to wear a safety helmet to protect the head from possible impacts.
Lumbar-Abdominal Belt
Useful for long working hours and irregular traffic areas.
Other Protective Equipment for Forklift Truck Operation
When driving or working in areas of reduced visibility, it is recommended to wear a reflective vest, especially if there are other vehicles circulating in the same space. Although not mandatory, hearing protectors are recommended if the noise level to which you are exposed exceeds 87 dB.
Preventive Maintenance
A well-planned preventive maintenance program is essential to ensure safe and efficient forklift truck operation. Some important maintenance practices include:
Daily Inspections:Before each shift, operators should perform visual inspections of the forklift for any signs of wear or damage.
Regular Lubrication: All moving parts of the forklift truck should be lubricated regularly to prevent premature wear and mechanical failure.
Timely Repairs: Any problems identified during inspections should be addressed immediately with appropriate repairs to prevent them from becoming major problems.
How to Avoid Forklift Failures
In short, avoiding forklift truck failures requires a combination of caution, proper training, compliance with safety regulations and a rigorous preventive maintenance program. By following these guidelines, companies can protect their personnel, prevent property damage and promote a safe and productive work environment.
At Globen we carry out an exhaustive follow-up and maintenance of our entire fleet of forklift trucks for rent. We are your trusted company for machinery rental, contact us and we will advise you on what type of machinery is best suited to your needs.
