It’s obvious when you think about it. Tyres are what connect your forklift to the ground, so anything that adversely affects their grip will also increase the risk of an accident – which is why it pays to keep a close eye on them. There are several types of tyre checks you can implement:
First is the daily check by the driver. Quick and easy, this involves examining the tyres and the tread for anything unusual; checking that the rims are damage-free and there are no loose elements in the wheel itself. Heavy tear and wear or damage is a useful way of alerting managers to hazards such as rough terrain or kerbs, in which case, remedial action can then be taken.
It’s also important to be aware of different tyre types. For example, if the forklift has air-filled pneumatic tyres, you need to inflate them to the correct pressure for the load they carry. Solid tyres on the other hand, sport a wear indicator bar, which should be checked regularly.
Second, there’s the regular fleet check. This draws attention to excessively rapid wear, enabling managers to investigate and take measures if necessary. Also, tyre inspections are included in MLA’s scheduled preventative maintenance servicing, as it is a legal requirement to maintain the forklift to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Our conclusion: Training your drivers to spot and report damage and hazards is the most effective way to increase the life expectancy of your tyres. Performed daily, it means that problems can be resolved quickly. Paying attention to your tyres in this way pays dividends in safety and hard cash terms.
Action points:
This article was sourced from www.forkliftbriefing.com.
