Operating Safely In Winter Conditions.
We’ve rapidly approached Winter and with everything else going on, we’re here to make sure that you’re putting your safety measures in place before its too late! So, here are some easy tips to check off to help you get through…
Site Preparation
Salt Spreading
If you have an outdoor area you’re operating in, salt spreading in an essential part to keeping everyone safe. By using salt, the freezing point can be lowered which forces the ice to melt and prevents the water from freezing or re-freezing. Without any ice on the ground, staff or site visitors wont be at risk of slipping over and potentially injuring themselves.
Signage
Have you got the necessary signs to ensure you’re warning anyone coming on site, (staff or visitors) about the dangers of entering? Make sure everyone is aware that they need to be wearing the right protection to ensure their safety and they’re not entering any ‘un-safe’ zones.-
Forklift Check List
Anti-Freeze
If you have a diesel truck on site, you will need to make sure that you have enough anti-freeze in the coolant system. If the coolant freezes it will block the engine up and cause a number of issues from overheating. This is a simple solution but if forgotten it cause a whole lot of complicated problems.
If you need anti-freeze, please call our parts department to order some to your site. (Contact details below)
Lights, Beacons and Horns
Double, Triple, Quadruple check that all the lights are functional for the low-visibility conditions; the beacons are flashing and beeping when reversing; and your horn is properly working.
Protecting the electrics!
Make sure everything is covered up so that no snow, ice or water can damage the electrics.
Tyre Chains
Although in the UK its rare, we do occasionally get some snow. Like a car, you can get chains for a forklift tyre to give you extra grip. If you’re interested in a set of these for your truck, give us a call and we can get some ordered for you. (See contact details below).
Warm Up
Let the forklifts warm up before rushing them about the yard. You’re less likely to incur combustion and transmission related issues if you allow the engine to warm up and settle.
Operating the Forklift
Operator Clothing
Is your operator suitably dressed? To make sure they’re comfortable, focused and safe they will need waterproof ‘hi-vis’ jackets with a thick layer to keep them out of the cold / wind. It’s also important that they’re not wearing anything that may impair their vision.
SLOW DOWN!
The conditions aren’t like normal. You can lose control much easier with wet and icy surfaces and braking distances are much longer – be aware of this!
Company Policies
Let all staff and operators know of the company procedures when working in adverse conditions. It must be reinforced to be extra careful and vigilant on and off the materials handling equipment.
Hopefully you can apply the above to your business and keep everyone on site safe over the coming months. If you’re looking to purchase any products to help with your defence against the ice, make sure you contact us on the details below.
For more information or professional advice, you can contact one of our friendly team members on 01392 464656 or email us at info@westexegroup.co.uk
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