Answering Common Questions about OSHA Guidelines for Operator Training

Operator training is a very important aspect of OSHA guidelines pertaining to the operation of heavy equipment such as forklifts and cranes. Adhering to OSHA guidelines ensures safety in the workplace and avoidance of problems associated with violating OSHA guidelines. Operator training, is not an event but a continuous process which has to keep pace with constant changes and new information. To help, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding OSHA guidelines for forklift operator training.

Do Operators have to be trained for every make and model in my fleet?

Training your operators for every make and model is not required. However, they must receive adequate training on every ‘type’ of forklift, such as pallet jack or order picker and sit or stand forklifts, among others. Basic instruction will obviously be required for the ‘controls’ as an operator moves to a different make of the same type they were using.

When are refresher courses mandatory?

Refresher courses are not really necessary according to OSHA guidelines, except in instances where there are changes in the warehouse / jobsite or a new type of forklift. Refresher courses are also necessary when operators get poor evaluation, have been involved in an accident, or other similar circumstance.

Do I need a valid driver’s license to train as an operator?

Short answer, ‘No’. Long answer - A forklift operator is only required to be trained and certified with all the training records being kept safely by the employer.

Who qualifies as a trainer?

There is no cut-and-dried definition of who qualifies as a trainer. However, according to OSHA, it has to be a person in possession of knowledge, training, and experience. They must have demonstrable evidence that they are skilled and experienced in training and evaluating forklift operators. This can be in the form of a degree, certification, or professional standing, among others.

The Bottom Line

Safety around the warehouse or at job sites is crucial, which is why operator training ranks in priority, along with good forklift maintenance. If you are on the hunt for forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent in Atlanta, oem forklift parts, or forklift service, Accurate Forklift is the place to go. We are a market leader in the provision of everything forklifts. Call us today at 770-692-1455 or mail us at sales@accurateforklift.net.

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping your Forklifts in Tip-Top Condition

Forklifts enjoy widespread use in different industries for a variety of lifting and hauling requirements for heavy and bulky items. That is perhaps the reason why they are something of a permanent prominent feature on OSHA violations list. Violations often involve use of wrong forklift accessories, lack of operator training, failure to install oem forklift parts, and inadequate forklift service. The importance of good forklift maintenance can never be overemphasized. Let’s take a look at some of the attributes of a well-maintained forklift truck.

Attributes of a Well-Maintained Forklift

• Tires and wheels must be in a safe working condition
• The battery must be in a good working condition and fully charged at all times
• There must be no jerks or jumps when operating the clutch and gearshift
• All brakes must be in a position to stop a truck that is loaded to capacity. This includes the deadman brake
• The horn, reverse alarm, and other safety sounds must be working and clearly audible
• All gauges and lights must be working properly
• All liquid levels (fuel, water, and oil) must be maintained at safe levels by eliminating leaks
• All restraints, including seatbelts, must be present and operational
• Tilt mechanism must move freely and hold properly
• There must be no damage (wear, cracks) to the forks, hydraulics, and lift mechanism
• Forks must be free of any sort of dirt including grease and oils
• Only standard forklift accessories must be used or installed. Refer to the user manual or speak to your forklift dealer if unsure.
• Only oem forklift parts or compatibles recommended by the manufacturer must be installed.
• The forklift must not produce and suspicious noises when you run the engine or get to work

We are your Partner!

If you are looking for a forklift dealer that gives you access to a full gamut of forklifts, forklift accessories, forklift parts, and related services, Accurate Forklift is your destination. We offer used, and salvage forklifts for sale, as well as forklift accessories and parts. Our forklift technicians are also well placed to help you with the best advice for your maintenance and workplace safety efforts. Call today to discuss your requirement with an expert and hear how we can help. Just dial  770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net.

Tips to Improving your Forklift Battery's Life Span

The use of electric forklifts has increased over the last decade due to the rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. Electric forklifts present huge benefits in terms of savings which can be eroded if no close attention in the absence of proper battery care, among other mentionable forklift parts. Preventative maintenance checks on your forklift battery allow you to increase its lifespan by up to 40%, effectively cutting down maintenance costs and bolstering safety significantly.

5 tips to attaining maximum battery life potential

Invest in OEM batteries

Regardless of how good your forklift maintenance is, the quality of your forklift battery largely determines its life span. Invest in good quality batteries for your forklift to make sure that it performs efficiently and you don’t have to frequently replace it. Accurate Forklift offers forklift batteries from reputable brands, among other OEM forklift parts.

 Do not let the battery go below 20%

When your battery has discharged 80% of its power, it is a good time to recharge it. The discharge meter for most batteries will reach the critical level when 80 percent of its power has been used. Going beyond this mark can reduce the truck’s performance since hydraulics and traction will be compromised. The forklift’s electrical components will also start overheating, which is not good for the motors and other components.

Refrain from quick recharges

Even in a system where the charging protocol is well designed, forklift operators tend to sometimes perform quick battery recharges during lunch breaks, a phenomenon known as opportunity charging. In as much as this reduces downtime in full shift operations, the battery’s efficiency to charge will be reduced and at some point, it may even stop charging altogether, at which point a new battery will have to be purchased.

Check the water level in the battery 

Water is very important in maintaining good battery health. The water gets heated up, and with time, the water its level will decrease. Regular checks of the water level is required to prevent formation of a brittle and dry surface on the plates which can cause permanent damage to the battery. Top up with distilled water without overfilling the battery as and when necessary.

Clean the battery

One of the main reasons why forklift batteries fail before their time is sulphonation. This is a natural process wherein white sulfuric acid crystals get attached to the lead plates and diminish its capacity to accept and hold a charge. The presence of white crystals on the head plates even when cleaning is done regularly, means your battery and forklift are no longer operating to their full potential and you should consider buying a new battery.

Get OEM forklift parts at Accurate Forklift

Inspect your electric forklifts’ batteries to make sure it operates optimally. Make sure to replace it as soon as becomes damaged beyond repair or proves defective. Contact Accurate Forklift for premium quality and competitively priced batteries and all your forklift parts. We provide a comprehensive selection of forklift parts for all the popular makes such as Toyota, Nissan, Caterpillar, and Hyster. Call us today for the best deals on forklift parts for sale in Atlanta. We are a one-stop-shop for all things forklifts including salvage forklift parts in Atlanta. Contact us today at 770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net to get answers to all your questions on forklift parts for sale.

Common Must-Know Forklift Problems

Proper and regular forklift maintenance is important to ensure their efficient and safe operation, keep expensive repairs at bay, and eliminate downtimes.  The ability to identify problems in their infancy or anticipate and eliminate frequently occurring issues is very valuable. If you have just bought your forklift for sale, this blog helps you hit the ground running by providing useful information on some of the common must-know forklift problems.

Steering

The steering can often cause maintenance issues and pose great risk if it goes for extended periods without getting checked. Make sure the fluid levels are always right and that the steering gears are not worn out. Get the forklift inspected immediately if the gears exhibit signs of wear. Include steering checks in your regular forklift maintenance routine

Lift

The lift mechanism of a forklift can also experience frequent problems if it goes without forklift service on a regular basis. If the forklift is experiencing problems or exhibiting erratic behavior when raising and lowering the mast, there could be issues with the hydraulic system. The problem could be due to depleted levels of hydraulic fluid or a clog in the system.

Electrical problems

Forklifts have many electrical components that can present serious problems if the truck goes without regularly scheduled forklift maintenance. However, the battery can also cause electrical parts to malfunction if it is way past its time. This may also result in your forklift having difficulty or failing to start. Replace the battery immediately to fix the problem and be sure to check it regularly for leaks and fluid levels, among others.

Tires

Your forklift tires can also compromise performance, damage the suspension, or even pose a serious risk if they go without maintenance checks.  Worn or damaged tires compromise the suspension and the forklift truck’s ability to lift loads. Check your forklift tires and replace them as and when necessary. Also make sure any forklifts for sale or forklifts for rent have good tires on them before entering into any deal.

Let us help

If you are looking for a reputable provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta, we are here to help. Accurate Forklift offers forklifts for sale and forklifts for rent as well as a comprehensive range of parts for Caterpillar forklifts, Nissan forklifts, Hyster forklifts, and Toyota forklifts as well. Call us at 770-692-1455 or mail to sales@accurateforklift.net or rentals@accurateforklift.net for details on how we can help.

5 Important Forklift Battery Care Tips

After finding the best forklift for sale in Atlanta, it is important to assign a certified and experienced operator, as well as know how to maintain it. Apart from ensuring the general good health of your forklift, the battery also deserves special attention. Without the proper care, it is easy for your forklift battery to suddenly get weak, fail to maintain a proper charge, or malfunction. Such a scenario negatively impacts your operations by failing to cater to your forklift truck’s power requirements for the duration of a day’s work. Let’s look at 5 ways you can increase the life of your forklift battery. 

Maintain the battery

The first and perhaps obvious way to increase the life of your forklift battery is to make sure that it receives proper maintenance. Proper forklift maintenance helps make sure that it does not wear out or deteriorate at an abnormal rate. Some of the steps you can take include keeping the terminals in a tip-top condition, keeping away corrosion and rust, as well as checking for any battery acid leaks. 

Charge after an 8-hour shift

Knowing the proper frequency to charge your battery helps enhance its lifespan. According to expert advice, doing so after an 8-hour shift is the best way to achieve that objective. Also make sure that all forklift truck batteries are fully charged before the start of a new working day. Instruct all forklift operators to keep an eye on the power levels throughout every day to nip problems in the bud. 

Keep away from ‘Quick charges’

Quick charges are out of the question. Proper full battery charging has no shortcuts. This is one of the notable ways you can avoid damaging the battery and adopting an inefficient approach. Talk to your provider of forklift repairs in Atlanta on the best charging practices if you run into problems associated with improper battery charging. 

Charge in a ventilated area

You need to charge your forklift battery without any disruption or occlusions and also keep away oxidation. This can only be achieved by charging it in a well-ventilated area. Oxidation results in rust, which negatively impacts the battery life. Talk to your provider of forklifts for sale in Atlanta for tips on how best you can design such an area. 

Do not over discharge

Abnormal discharge loads cut short the life of your battery. Avoid discharging more than 80 percent of your batteries. When you go shopping for a forklift for sale in Atlanta, find a battery that gives you the best discharge curve. Ask your provider of forklift repairs in Atlanta to check your battery every time the truck goes for maintenance or repairs. Make sure your forklift operators are educated on the best battery care practices