Take Care of your Equipment this Winter
MAINTAINING FORKLIFT TIRES
Every now and then the Pacific Northwest gets a crazy winter season, and whether you're a novice or an expert forklift driver, the ice and snow can throw any operator for a spin. To keep the work environment safe, it is imperative that you have procedures ready to be enacted should a winter storm hit. We hope that we won't have to combat any snowstorms or ice, but if we do, preparation is key.
REGULARLY CHECK AIR PRESSURE
This quick and easy maintenance item is important for forklift operators to check, and it should be completed during every pre-operation check. In cold conditions the pressure in the tires decrease. If the tires are under-inflated, poor traction is more likely to occur causing an increase in the chances of accidents. On the other hand, as temperature rises after a freeze, tires may over-inflate, causing blow-outs that take the forklift out of service.
INTEGRATE WINTER ACCESSORIES AS NEEDED
There are accessories available to maximize forklift use in cold conditions. One way to combat winter weather is to apply salt or gravel to the yard areas. This increases traction on slippery surfaces. If conditions worsen due to heavy snow and ice, chains are a good solution. Chains improve safe handling and reduce the likelihood of an accidents. Do not use chains if the ground is dry as this may cause damage to the asphalt or to the tires themselves.
From all of us at Norlift, we hope the winter weather will be mild and that your company is properly prepared should a snowstorm and icy conditions occur. Stay safe!