A small wire with a big job!
As lithium-ion powered forklifts become more common across warehouses and industrial sites, understanding their unique safety features is essential. One critical yet often overlooked component is the earthing cable a small but vital part of the forklift’s electrical safety system. The issue Lithium-ion batteries operate at higher voltages than traditional lead-acid batteries and rely heavily […]
Safe Forklift Operation: Simple Habits for Safer Workplaces
Safe forklift operation Operating a forklift safely is not just about following basic rules—it’s about developing good habits that ensure efficiency and safety in the workplace. While many experienced forklift operators start strong, over time, they may fall into habits that could make them seem less efficient and, more importantly, pose serious safety risks. But […]
The Importance of Having the Correct Attachment on a Forklift
One critical aspect often overlooked is the use of the correct attachment for the specific task at hand. The right forklift attachment ensures optimal performance and safety, preventing workplace accidents and ensuring smooth operations. Forklifts are versatile machines that can be fitted with a range of attachments, including jibs, drum handlers, clamp attachments, carpet spikes, […]
Vertical load centre – The what?
Forklift load centre distances In forklift operation, understanding load centre distances is crucial for ensuring both safe and efficient handling of loads. These distances refer to specific measurements that affect the forklift’s stability and capacity to lift safely. Horizontal load centre distance This is the horizontal distance from the face of the forks (or from […]
Lead acid batteries – Boom!
Forklift and walkie stacker charging In my experience, there’s a surprising number of operators that are not aware of the danger when charging forklift or walkie stacker batteries. Forklift lead-acid batteries, are commonly used in industrial environments to power electric forklifts. During the charging process, these batteries can produce hydrogen gas as a byproduct. […]
Lithium battery fire! – which extinguisher?
Lithium batteries on forklift trucks For fires associated with forklift lithium batteries, the recommended fire extinguisher type is typically a Class D fire extinguisher, specifically designed for metal fires, including lithium. Additionally, some extinguishers with specialised agents, like Lith-X powder or certain clean agent systems, are designed to handle lithium-ion battery fires effectively. It is […]
Lithium ion batteries – Are your staff trained?
Li-Ion batteries (Li-Ion) for forklifts and walkie stackers We have all observed a large move towards Li-Ion batteries in mobile materials handling equipment across most industries over the past few years. Li-Ion batteries have advantages over nickel-cadmium or lead-acid which are still in use. Such advantages include shorter charge time, charge is held for longer […]
Don’t turn a blind eye – Lives may depend on it!
Unethical Assessments = Loss of Licences WorkSafe issued a warning to assessors, industry and the general public! A Perth assessor had his High Risk Work Licence accreditation cancelled for not properly assessing license applicants. In addition, he is disqualified from reapplying for accreditation for two years. As a result, a total of 24 High Risk […]
Pre-start safety check – 7 minutes tops.
I often conduct training and assessment of experienced forklift drivers to obtain either their LF class licence or a VOC. However, the feedback from these trainees is that the all-important pre-start checks are not a part of many workplace cultures. As a result, failing to do these quick and easy checks can easily lead to […]
Driver assessment resources – Free stuff.
Driver assessment resources – Free stuff. Onsite Forklift Licencing are committed to help ensure a safe work place when it comes to operating mobile plant such as forklifts and walkie stackers. To this end, in addition to our Nationally accredited forklift course, walkie stacker training and VOC offers, our website has access to free […]