0 7 tips to help forklift operators increase warehouse safety

Habits of the safest forklift operators in Queensland

In our last article, we asked, are your forklift inspection routines putting your business at risk? With around four deaths caused by forklift accidents every year in Australia, in this article, we give you seven tips on how to operate your forklift safely in the workplace. These are the habits of the best forklift operators in Queensland.

1.    Communicate constantly

Even though as a forklift operator you’re in something of a cocoon in the cab, communication with those around you is probably one of the most important things to do. Constantly making sure that people know what you’re doing and where you’re going helps in two ways. First, they’ll be warier of your presence. Second, you’ll be warier of theirs.

2.    Always secure the load

Hard-to-handle loads are more prone to topple. Unevenly distributed loads are more likely to cause forklift instability. Never transport an unsecured load on a forklift: one item falling can lead to a domino effect, and suddenly the entire load has gone.

3.    Plan your route around the warehouse

Warehouses can be busy, complex places. Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there. Some channels may be too narrow or have dangerous obstacles. Operating a forklift can be challenging and enjoyable, but a warehouse is not a slalom course or a racetrack. Always select the easiest and safest route around a warehouse, even if it’s a little further to travel. Be careful of other warehouse users, too: you may have to wait while another process is being completed.

4.    Park up safely when your shift has finished

Always park in an authorised location, lower the fork, set controls to neutral, put the brake on, turn off the ignition, and remove the key.

5.    Inspect your forklift regularly

Your pre-shift forklift inspection is the most important one to make. Check everything from oil and water to seatbelts, electrics, and coolants. Don’t neglect the check: it could save lives.

6.    Pay special attention to battery and hydraulic fluid

Your battery needs to be fully charged, and your hydraulic levels must be maintained. A mishap with either of these could cause a breakdown or fork failure. If this happens, you could be the cause of a serious accident in the warehouse.

7.    Know the forklift tyre warning signs

Your forklift tyres are integral to the job your forklift does. They are often the most overlooked piece of forklift equipment. When you inspect your forklift, don’t forget the tyres. Here are the warning signs that your tyres need to be replaced, which are different for pneumatic and cushion tyres:

• Wear and tear take its toll on pneumatic forklift tyres. You should inspect for cuts, grazes, and tread wear. Look at inner and outer edges and the centre of the tyre for signs of balding. If the cord is visible, the tyre needs replacing immediately.
• On cushion tyres, you should look out for flat spots, tearing, and cracks. These issues have different causes, and if they are happening regularly then you should have a tyre expert help you to identify why. If your tyres have worn down to the 50% wear line, you should replace the tyre immediately.

Worn or poorly inflated forklift tyres are one of the main causes of poor forklift safety in the warehouse. Worn tyres make for an unstable forklift, an uncomfortable drive, and they add to fuel consumptions and maintenance cost.

To find out about our comprehensive tyre services for forklift operators in Queensland, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your business and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

0 Are your forklift inspection routines putting your business at risk?

What should forklift operators check, and when?

While most forklift accidents are caused by the operator (they get complacent about safety, and push boundaries to speed up work processes), many could be avoided with a daily forklift inspection. In this blog post, you’ll learn what your forklift operators should be checking before they begin work and at the end of a shift.

How bad can a forklift accident be?

It’s easy to assume that a forklift accident will, at worst, lead to damaged goods, or perhaps a mechanical problem with the forklift. Unfortunately, statistics show otherwise. According to Safe Work Australia, since 2003 there have been 61 deaths caused by forklift accidents in Australia.

In addition to these fatalities, there are regularly more than 900 serious injury claims each year, because of forklifts. A serious injury claim is one that causes one week or more of lost time from work. The industries where most serious injury claims are made are manufacturing, followed by transport, postal, warehousing, wholesale, and then retail.

And get this: the average time off work as a result of incidents with forklifts in 2014/15 was 5.4 weeks, at an average cost of $11,043 per claim.

Australian industry is losing, on average, around 4,860 weeks of productive work, just because of forklift accidents!

How can you reduce forklift accidents in the workplace?

To reduce the number of accidents, injury claims, and fatalities caused by forklifts in the workplace, it is, of course, essential that forklift operators observe forklift handling rules always. Regular training and retraining may be necessary, and supervisors should emphasise safety over speed.

However, over and above operator error, many injuries and fatalities could be avoided by ensuring equipment is properly inspected before and after the operation. Unfortunately, forklift inspections are often neglected, with sometimes catastrophic results.

When should forklift inspections be carried out?

Operators should certainly inspect their forklifts before starting work. Yes, the warehouse may be busy, and the forklift operator will get the blame for holding up loading and delivery. Truck drivers are waiting, and their time is running down. But none of this is an excuse for shoddy safety routine.

Checking the forklift at the beginning of the shift should be the operator’s first priority. It could save their life and the lives of others. When the shift is finished, the operator should inspect the tyres again.

There is no excuse for not inspecting your forklift before a shift begins or when a shift ends. Forklift operators, supervisors, and the business should ask themselves what is more important – avoiding a ten-minute delay in delivery, or avoiding a death or serious injury on site?

What if problems are found?

If a problem is uncovered during a forklift inspection, there is only one course of action to take: pull the forklift from service. Get the problem fixed. If the forklift’s tyres are the issue, have them repaired onsite. The forklift should not be put back into operation until it is deemed safe to do so.

What should be on your forklift inspection checklist?

Each operator should have a pre-operational checklist to complete. Forklift manufacturers may supply examples, but you may need to update and modify according to your actual operations. A simple tick list of checks will ensure the operator carries out a thorough inspection, and that your operation is a safer place to work.

Here are a few suggestions as to what should be checked at every inspection:

• Check oil, water, and hydraulic fluid level
• Check and test mast chains
• Make sure that the load backrest functions properly
• Check finger guards
• Test seatbelts, horns, and lights
• Check the brakes and steering
• Look for visible signs of forklift damage
• Examine electrics, including cables, wires, and batteries
• Take notice of coolant levels, and ensure air filters and radiators are in good condition
• Check the condition of forklift tyres – look for cuts and gouges
• Check forklift tyre pressures

Also, the operator’s manual and log book should be with the vehicle always.

Check your forklifts and stop costly accidents occurring

It’s simple really. Any accident at work will harm your business. There will always be a cost involved. At best, this may be a few hours of work lost. At worst, an employee or workplace visitor could pay with their life. Your company’s reputation will suffer, as will its finances.

Ensuring that your forklift operators carry out pre-shift checks and complete a comprehensive checklist will help to reduce accidents in your workplace – all of which are avoidable.

On top of the obvious safety issues, regular checks will mean problems are discovered early. Downtime will be reduced, as will maintenance costs: caught early, small maintenance issues shouldn’t become large and expensive mechanical problems.

To find out about our comprehensive tyre services for forklift operators in Queensland, contact Darra Tyres today.

Keeping your business and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

0 Forklift Tyres – When is it time to replace your forklift tyres?

Forklift Tyres – The signs that it’s time to change your tyres

Your business relies on forklifts and the forklift tyres. Without them, merchandise doesn’t get shifted from factory to warehouse. It doesn’t get loaded onto your trucks, your customers don’t receive their shipments and you might not get paid. The less downtime your forklifts suffer, the more efficient your operation is. The more money you make.

When monitoring these beasts of burden, it’s easy to concentrate on the engine and hydraulics and forget the forklift tyres. They are perhaps the hardest working of all forklift components. Toyota trucks estimated that the average forklift tyre carries over 9,500 lbs. There are no suspension systems to help spread that weight. Every single ounce of your load relies on a single ring of black rubber.

A while ago I wrote about how to choose and maintain forklift tyres to cut costs. Here, I’ll discuss why it’s so important to know when to replace your forklift tyres. I’ll also describe the warning signs that your forklift tyres are wearing.

The job that forklift tyres do

Forklift tyres carry heavy loads. Even the steer tyres carry more than 1,000 lbs. Tyres that are in good condition:

• Help to soften the driver’s ride
• Contributes to keep the forklift stable
• Reduce driver fatigue
• Decrease fuel consumption
• Reduce forklift maintenance costs

If your forklift tyres are in bad condition, your workplace efficiency could suffer. Increased driver fatigue could lead to safety issues. And then, of course, there are the cost issues: increased fuel bills, and the effect of downtime.

How do you know your forklift tyres need replacing?

There are three main types of forklift tyre. The signs that they are wearing are different for each. Cushion (or press-on) tyres are pretty much shot when a third of their rubber is worn. Pneumatic tyres need to be examined for tread wear. Resilient (or solid pneumatic) tyres can be worn down to the wear mark on the sidewall.

Forklift cushion tyre danger signs

Cushion tyres wear slowly but can be damaged easily. Watch for the following danger signs that all indicate a tyre change is needed:

• The top of the tyre has worn down to the wear line.
• If bits of rubber have fallen off, or there are chunks taken out of the tyre, it needs replacing.
• Flat spots, where one part of the tyre is balder. It is usually caused by tyre spinning, sharp braking, or misalignment of wheels.
• Tearing by sharp objects. It causes imbalance and can tip the forklift.

Forklift pneumatic tyre danger signs

Pneumatic tyres are most commonly used outdoors. Watch for these danger signs:

• Under or over inflation will affect the stability of the forklift and increase wear. It also affects traction, reducing braking power.
• Cuts in the tyre can cause sudden loss of air. It could cause the forklift to tip. If the cord is visible, or you notice frayed cord piles, your tyre needs replacing.
• Bald patches should be checked for at all points on the inside and outer edges of the tyre, as well as its contact surface.
• There’s a two-inch rule that says after two inches of tyre height is gone, almost 20% more stress is put on the vehicle. However, it’s probably better to rely on tread depth.

Forklift resilient tyre danger signs

If there is no damage to resilient tyres they can be used until wear takes the rubber down to the wear lines on the sidewall. However, you need to observe all the warning signs for both cushion and pneumatic forklift tyres, because resilient tyres are a cross between the two.

If your forklift tyres wear too much, your forklift performance will suffer. You’ll use more fuel, and safety could be compromised. The extra pressure on other moving parts (including the engine) could cause unnecessary and expensive damage. Your tyre maintenance programme should be a core part of your safety check routine as well as your vehicle maintenance regime.

The forklift tyre tips above will help your productivity and safety, and you can always contact us (by Skype, telephone, or on our contact form) to get expert advice at our West Brisbane forklift tyre shop. Hey, we’ll even come and replace them for you.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,

Kevin Wood

0 Forklift Tyres – How to Choose and Maintain Forklift Tyres and Cut Costs

Lengthen forklift tyre life to cut your costs

When it comes to forklifts, the forklift tyres might be just about the most crucial moving part. (OK, apart from the forks) They’re also the silent partner in your daily work routine. Your forklift truck tyres must be man enough for the job at hand, but they should also be like a good kid – seen and never heard.

The choice you make for your forklift tyres depends on the work you’ll be doing, the weight your truck lifts, and the environment in which they’re used. When it comes to forklift tyres, there’s a big choice. You’ll have to decide between different types of forklift tyres, different treads, different compounds, and a host of ply ratings.

Here, I’ll run through your forklift truck tyres and the choice you have. I’ll offer some advice on handling and maintenance, getting the right forklift tyres and treating them properly to help make your workplace safer. Your forklift tyres will last longer, and your costs will fall.

How to choose the right forklift tyres

When you come to our Brisbane tyre shop for new forklift tyres, it helps to be prepared to answer a few questions. Simple things like:

• Where do you use your forklift? In a warehouse, or outside? Heat affects tyres.
• What type of surface is the truck driven on? Smooth, cobbled, concrete, etc.
• What weights will the forklift be lifting and moving?
• How about turning and how often will the forklift be making tight turns?

When you know the stresses and strains your forklift tyres are subjected to, we’ll tell you whether you’ll be best buying pneumatic or solid forklift truck tyres.

What type of forklift tyres are available today?

There are several different forklift tyre types, each ideal for different working environments. They include:

·      Solid forklift tyres

These are the most common. They’re good on a level and smooth surfaces, including indoors. That’s because they’re solid, reliable and puncture-proof (why they’re sometimes called ‘puncture-proof tyres’). However, they’re not immune from being damaged nor from daily wear and tear.

You’ll need to consider driver comfort: solid tyres won’t cushion on a bumpy terrain, which could be bad news for your back – and increase the possibility of damaging any goods being moved or your staff over the longer term.

In short, solid foklift tyres are great on smooth, even surfaces either indoors or outdoors. They last a long time but aren’t ideal for heavy loads or drivers that are susceptible to back pain.

·      Pneumatic forklift tyres

Pneumatic tyres offer more comfort and are the best type for use on rough ground. The downside with pneumatic forklift tyres is that they are not puncture proof. There’s always a premium for comfort.

To help protect the tyre from damage – and help with safety – it will have a deep tread and be made from a wear-resistant rubber compound. Because they’re air-filled, they provide a cushioning effect between the ground and the forklift, reducing wear on the forklift.

·      Cushion forklift tyres

A cushion tyre is made with a metal band that has rubber attached to it. They’re smaller than pneumatic tyres, so are better for working in enclosed and tight spaces. The name ‘cushion tyres’ might be somewhat misleading – they shouldn’t be used on rough ground, but are a good option for indoor warehouse work.

·      Polyurethane forklift tyres

You might find that the best tyre choice for you is a polyurethane compound – which could be ideal if all the work is indoors. These are also pressed on to fit. They’re best used indoors, and their small rolling resistance helps to lengthen their useful life.

·      Non-mark forklift tyres

Solid, non-mark tyres are designed to reduce tyre marks on floors. The downside is that they don’t last as long as other forklift tyres. Generally used by food processors.

·      Foam-fill forklift tyres

In many ways, foam fill tyres are like a cross between pneumatics and solids. They’re filled with a resin to make them puncture resistant. They act as a cushion on rough ground, and so are best for use where comfort is a factor, but the possibility of a puncture is high.

Looking after your forklift tyres

Damaged or rapidly worn tyres are costly and inconvenient. The driver who does a few doughnuts at the end of a shift may not understand that his bravado could be costing him a pay rise because of the extra tyres that have to be bought over the year. Apart from reminding forklift operators of the need to be responsible for their machinery, here are a few more things you can do to help your forklift tyres last longer:

Check inflation and loading

• Check your forklift tyres every week, and make sure that they’re inflated to the right pressure for the loads they’ll be supporting
• Make sure that each tyre valve is capped to prevent dirt getting in
• Don’t bleed the tyre of air

Store your forklift tyres correctly

Even when not in use, tyres suffer wear. If you leave them in the heat or in direct sunlight, the rubber will begin to decay.

• Don’t keep tyres for more than a few months at the most
• Store in a cool, dark place
• Try to avoid getting oil on your tyres

Forklift driver education

Poor drivers damage tyres. Make sure all your forklift drivers:

• Don’t do doughnuts
• Drive at lower speeds
• Brake gently
• Corner correctly
• Don’t lock wheels to turn
• Don’t go where the tyres aren’t designed for

Get the best forklift tyre advice in Brisbane

Don’t let your loads, drivers, and bottom line suffer from poor forklift tyre choice. If your drivers are off work with aches and pains more than they should be, your forklifts die earlier than they ought to, or your forklift tyres fail at regular intervals, come and speak to us in our Brisbane forklift tyre shop. We’ll help you to get the most out of your forklift tyres from day one.

If you’ve got any questions or queries, call our team on 3333 5510 now. We’re here to help.

Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road, (and warehouse)

Kevin Wood