Forklift-Related Accidents You Do Not Want To Have
Forklift fork inspections are something that you should do regularly to maintain safety at your workplace. A lot of times, people don’t inspect the forklift forks for safety. Hence, leading to a lot of workplace accidents and problems.
Forklift forks are one of the key parts of a forklift. Like any other parts of the vehicle, it is prone to damages and wears over time. As long as you are using it, there are bound to be issues that come with it. Nothing lasts forever.
Why Inspect Forklift Forks?
The answer is pretty obvious: to ensure that the forklift fork is in proper conditions at all times. When it is damaged, it’s imperative to repair or replace it to prevent any work downtime.
Inspect Your Forklift Forks for These Problems
Surprisingly, most of the forklift fork damages come from the floor. There will be damages coming from the loads. There can also be many factors that contribute to the wear and tear (and damages) of it. Here are some problems you should inspect your forklift forks for.
1. Cracks on the forklift fork
Cracks on a forklift fork can be caused by falling loads and rough usages. Worn and cracked forks can be dangerous as they can lead to serious consequences. Cracks on forklift forks are often caused by carrying heavy objects. It can also be caused by falling objects that are too heavy too.
Having a cracked or damaged fork can contribute and entail additional costs. You will need to buy a new pair of forks to replace the forklift. At the same time, you may have to pay for the transshipment costs for loading and unloading goods. Sometimes, you may even have to pay for the unforeseen medical cost of an impaled or hurt workman.
2. Forks that wear too thin
It’s no big news that forks are worn out after many years of carrying heavy objects. They can bend, have hair fractures, and get thinner. It depends on how you plan on using the forklift. If you plan on using it to carry light items after discovering the tear, we guess that it should not be too much of a problem. However, if you plan to continuously carry heavy objects, then you will have to switch it out to newer forks.
We will advise you to replace it anyway, as because you never know what accidents a worn forklift fork will get into. Better be safe than sorry.
3. Fork backrest, mast, and chains should be well-balanced
For any damages done to forklifts’ forks, there is a good chance that it also affects the backrest, mast, and chains. Depending on how the forklift fork is damaged, it’s best that you check its backrest, mast, and chains to see if they are in the right condition. It should not be off-balance. They should be solid and in place.
If it is off-balance and not in the right place, it’s a tell-tale sign that it should be replaced as soon as possible. Don’t wait to replace it as it may become an accident.
How Do You Extend The Forklift Fork’s Lifespan
Nobody likes to keep replacing the forklift fork. A lot of business owners would rather they can keep their forklift forks for as long as possible. Here are some easy and simple steps to prolong the lifespan of a forklift fork.
a. Quick clean-up of the forklift fork
Sometimes the easiest way to maintain the forklift fork is to keep it clean. Wipe away any stains that got onto the forklift fork. Stains may corrode the forks away if left there in the long term.
b. Oil the forks regularly
Machinery tend to become still if they are not oiled properly and regularly. Oil your forklift forks when needed. If you need to find out what are the right forklift oils for your vehicle, check here for more information.
c. Use it in the right manner
If you are to use a forklift for anything other than its intended purpose, then there is a good chance you will damage it. It’s the same thing with a forklift fork. If you use it to carry objects that are heavier than its weight load, then don’t be surprised if it breaks.
Always use the forks for their intended purposes: carrying objects. Also make sure that you don’t carry objects that are too heavy for a forklift fork to handle. Either use a bigger forklift with bigger forks, or use a truck to help.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we will advise you strongly to inspect your forklift regularly for any damages. Regular inspection of your forklifts will ensure that it lasts longer than you’d expect it to. If you ever need any inspections or repairs for your forklift forks, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.