We’ve recently gone over how to properly prepare your forklift trucks for the winter months, but it’s not just ice and snow that you may need to worry about when it comes to adverse weather conditions. The dark and cold days also bring plenty of rain and drizzle with them and no matter what type of forklifts you mainly use, from reach trucks to counterbalance forklifts, safety should never take a back seat.

With this in mind, we wanted to look at some key points to consider when operating any forklifts in particularly rainy conditions.

Operating a forklift in the rain

We’ve talked extensively about forklift safety in the past, from how it’s being taken to the next level, to how forklift injuries occur and how to prevent them. However, we’ve hardly touched on operating this sort of equipment in heavy rain, so here are some pointers:

• Make sure you always know what the weather conditions are going to be like before heading outdoors, so that you can properly prepare.
• It’s always important to avoid distractions and keep focused, but this because even more critical in heavy rain, where surfaces can be slippery and visibility can be poor. So always stay focused.
• Drive the forklift slowly and carefully in rainy conditions. Let’s face it, you would drive a car slowly in inclement weather, so taking extra care with a forklift will be even more important.

Wear the right rain gear

When the weather is wet and rainy, of course you need to wear the appropriate gear so that you’re not uncomfortable, and distracted. If you’re operating a forklift in wet conditions for long periods of time, then wearing well ventilated gear is essential. You’re boots should have treads so that you can walk on slippery surfaces, as this will prevent a potential fall. Also, your gloves should preferably have a non-slip grip.

Stay focused in poor visibility

Rainy conditions can play havoc with visibility, and if you usually find it difficult to see properly in inclement weather, then you’ll have to really focus when you’re trying to maneuver a forklift. Even when conditions are clear it’s important to always make visibility a priority. So when rain sets in, consider investing in a quality forklift cover to make things easier for you.

If you’re looking to purchase a new Forklift or used forklift then H&F Lift Trucks is here for you. Give us a call today on 0800 298 8790 for more information.