Solid Lift Truck Tire Safety
Over 200 deaths per year in North America are a result of lift trucks, or forklifts. Proper maintenance and inspection of forklift tires can help to lessen the risk of mishaps.
Pre-Work Check
Before the start of each shift, the tires on the lift truck should be checked for signs of damage and wear. The air pressure inside the tires must be checked to ensure the pressure is not very low. Having a tire pressure which is low could make the machinery susceptible to tip-overs when lifting loads.
Kinds of Tires
The selection of tire type should be based on the type of surface wherein the lift truck will be used. For indoor use, lift trucks with solid rubber tires are recommended. For surfaces that are smooth, tires tend to be smaller. Larger pneumatic tires are great for lift trucks being used outdoors. Pneumatic tires could grip rough surfaces well since they have rubber tread and are air-filled.
Other Considerations
Any lift truck utilized on a continual basis must be checked at the end of each shift, based on OSHA guidelines. The tires should be inspected again for any sign of damage, like for example wear or cuts.
Forklift Safety
If you or your employees are going to be using forklifts, proper training in forklift safety is essential. Lift truck mishaps could result in serious personal injuries or death and lead to unmanageable financial hardship. Even minor mishaps can cost you and your company money if the lift truck or the goods are damaged during an accident. Be sure you truly know a lot about issues involved in lift truck safety.