Protect pallet trucks from bad conditions with consistent maintenance in winter months
Whether being operated indoors or out, cold, wet and snowy weather has the potential to affect all pallet trucks used within the workplace. These temperatures have implications for logistics equipment as well as floors and storage facilities. Strain reduces the reliability of key components of many trucks, such as batteries and fluids used to aid their functionality, and any damage caused to these trucks can mean dipping into vital funds to provide replacements. It is essential to consistently maintain materials handling equipment in the winter months and after conditions such as the recent bouts of snowfall, or face potentially faulty equipment and lower productivity.
One of the first ways in which to stop the winter months from wreaking havoc on hand pallet trucks is to implement a thorough daily check routine. There may already be a regular check system in place, but making additions or altering them for the colder months can be beneficial. Checking the overall condition of the pump truck is paramount; this includes any lights, brakes, fluids or other controls that may affect the performance of the apparatus. These checks can help to catch any damage early so that it can be repaired accordingly. Check sheets are often available online or through the manufacturer.
Visibility is another important way to ensure trucks remain in good condition over winter. Whether it is supplying all employees with high-visibility garments or using extra internal and external lighting in winter in and around loading bays and nearby buildings, high visibility can go a long way to creating a measurably safer working environment. Darker mornings and evenings can often mean more hours working in limited visibility so taking measures to avoid working in dim lighting reduces crashes, mistakes and other accidental damage to hand pallet trucks, forklifts, high lift pallet trucks and other everyday equipment. Similarly, if delivery lorries are in operation in limited visibility, dark nights and winter mornings, it is important to verify that their reverse beepers and horns are in good working order before undertaking any sort of task.
Remember, pallet trucks need a good maintenance routine at all times but especially in the winter months.
