Temperatures in the cold storage facilities vary depending on the goods being stored and could typically range from -50C to -400C. These frigid temperatures severely impact the performance of your forklift truck. For a successful operation of a cold storage facility, you need the following:
- Forklift truck to cope with the frigid temperatures
- A safe working environment
- Regular maintenance and inspection of the forklift truck
- Appropriate Operator Training
- Operator comfort
Forklift truck to cope with frigid temperatures
To cope with extreme cold temperatures, you need a special forklift truck which has:
- anti-rust treatment on all metal parts,
- Rubber components that can operate at low temperatures,
- Siped low hardness polyurethane material tyres. Tyre siping is a process of cutting thin additional slits into the tread block of the tyre to increase surface area and improve traction. Developed by John Sipe in 1920s,
- the oil systems for the hydraulics can be filtered and trap moisture,
- low viscosity hydraulic oils,
- electrical systems with sealing or heating devices,
- Plugs that are filled with special grease,
- liquid crystal display requires sealing and heating device,
- The performance of the batteries is reduced by as much as 35% in cold temperatures. Therefore, choose the maximum capacity battery possible for the forklift truck
A safe working environment
Safe working environment is important as icy and slippery surfaces are a major hazard. Forklift trucks entering and exiting the cold storage let in humid air. The moisture in the air can freeze causing slippery conditions leading to forklifts skidding when braking or turning. Ice can also build up on forklift tyres and brakes, reducing their effectiveness. Carry out following measures for safe working in a cold environment:
- Regularly clear floors of ice and snow. Use salt or sand to improve traction in high-traffic areas,
- Keep floor surfaces free of potholes and cracks,
- Floor markings and signs should be visible and clear, even in low temperatures,
- Ensure that there is no condensation and frost on forklift truck mirrors windscreen and windows as this can impair visibility,
- Ensure cold storage facility is well lit. LED lights are better suited for a cold environment
- Keep emergency equipment, such as first aid kits and thermal blankets, readily available in case of an accident.
- Audible and visual alarms play a vital role in cold storage facilities, where ambient noise and reduced visibility can create hazards. These warnings can include alarms for low battery levels, exceeding speed limits, or encountering obstacles.
- For protection and longevity, forklift trucks should be parked outside the cold store in an ambient temperature when not in use or on charge. However, to further prevent condensation build up on the truck, which can become ice on re-entry, employers should ensure trucks first pass through a low humidity, 0°C temperature zone when leaving a cold or sub-zero area.
- Slower speeds allow for better control of the forklift, especially on slippery surfaces where understeer is likely.
- Avoid jerky movements –Gradual acceleration, braking, and turning reduce the risk of skidding.
- Keep a safe distance from other forklifts, racks, and workers to allow for unexpected stops or movements.
Regular maintenance and inspection of the forklift truck
Batteries should be charged at temperatures above 10°C, ideally at room temperature. This helps ensure the fastest possible charge time so that trucks are not left idle. To help extend battery life, reducing unnecessary downtime and maintenance, before starting a shift, a full battery re-charge should be accomplished and batteries should either remain in operation or be on charge.
Forklift trucks used in cold stores should have more frequent maintenance periods to ensure ongoing productivity. Regularly check braking system performance, condition of the tyres, wheels, forks, steering, battery and lubrication.
Forklift truck operators should carry out pre-shift checks to tackle any issues caused by moisture affecting the electrical components to reduce downtime.
Appropriate Operator Training
All forklift truck operators must receive adequate training from an accredited training provider as well specific job training and familiarisation to cope with the challenging environment of a cold storage facility
Operator comfort
A forklift truck with an enclosed cab which may include a heater is an ideal choice for operator comfort, especially if working a full shift. Where a forklift truck has no enclosed cab, suitable clothing and headwear must be provided to ensure comfort isn’t compromised and frequent breaks are recommended so that the operator does not spend too long in a cold environment. A cab with good visibility is recommended.
Strict adherence to above steps would ensure safe and productive work environment when working with a forklift truck in a cold storage facility.
Wallace School of Transport including Forklift Training in London is a fully accredited RTITB company with over 60 years’ experience. You can be trained either at your own work site or at Wallace Centre in Park Royal. If you have any questions, call Wallace Forklift Training on 020 8453 3440, choose option 3 or click here to email us.