Forklift Compliance: 5 Regulations You Need to Know About Now
If your business uses forklifts, then you need to be aware of forklift legislation and how to comply with the rules and regulations.
As well as making sure that you stay on the right side of the law, being compliant means that you know you’re doing everything you can to keep your employees safe at work. Here are five pieces of forklift truck legislation and guidance that you need to know about.
Related read: How to Create a Culture of Health and Safety in the Workplace
The TCM FHB40-55: Our Newest Electric Truck
TCM is excited to announce the development of its newest electric forklift truck, the FHB40-55.
Designed to provide material handling operations with the highest standards in comfort, efficiency and safety, this electric 4 wheel counterbalance truck offers all the power and handling of a traditional engine truck but with zero emissions and a low total cost of ownership.
Read on to discover all about its key design features and how your operations could benefit.
Interested in finding out more about the FHB40-55? Contact our team today.
Market-leading operator comfort
This new counterbalance truck is designed to be comfortable for operators and easy to use, even on the longest of shifts. As well as making the trucks more pleasant to operate, this can improve operator health and safety, reducing working days lost due to physical strain.
Ergonomic controls and seating allow operators to take control with minimal effort. The mini steering wheel provides precise control and means that visibility is better than in most forklifts.
The truck’s hydraulic levers are positioned for maximum comfort, and electronic finger-tip control means that operators can carry out every operation they need to, without needing to lift their hand — even if they’re wearing gloves.
This truck is also incredibly quiet. In fact, it runs almost silently and has the quietest hydraulic pump on the market. The noise pollution produced by many forklifts can make it difficult to think clearly and work efficiently. Not only does this lead to lower productivity levels, it can raise sickness levels and staff turnover. In this new truck, the near-silent operation means that your operators can work effectively without being affected by noise-related fatigue or stress.
The FHB is suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation. It has internal climate control to allow operators to easily adjust to their environment, with integrated air conditioning and instant heat. There is excellent ventilation, with windows that open easily when needed. And it’s showerproof to allow seamless outdoor working — whatever the weather.
Related read: 3 Ways to Balance Forklift Operator Comfort with Efficiency
Enhanced safety and security
The TCM FHB40-55 electric truck has an obstacle-free design that gives operators a clear, all-round view of their surroundings from the cabin, even when enclosed. There’s no need to lean dangerously to see what’s ahead — operators have full visibility without straining or stretching. The inside of the operator compartment is also deliberately made out of dark materials, which helps to reduce reflections on the windows that can impede vision.
Advanced driver assistance calculates and adjusts speeds automatically. The hill hold function prevents the truck from rolling backwards when on a ramp, and load sensing monitors the truck’s lift, tilt, speed and load weights to make automatic performance adjustments.
The lighting in the FHB is also particularly good, meaning that this forklift can be easily and safely used in any conditions, including low light and bad weather. The truck has mast, overhead guard and rear-mounted lights that illuminate the load and its surroundings, rather than the truck itself, allowing the operator to easily see what they’re working on at all times.
Safety lights activate automatically as needed depending on the direction of travel. They also define safe boundaries around the truck for nearby workers. And the driving lights allow flexible operation, with a low beam, front, stop and tail lights, optional beacon and indicators.
Related read: How our electric counterbalance range ensures operator safety
Built for power and efficiency
The TCM FHB40-55 electric truck is designed for energy efficiency — vital to lowering your total cost of ownership — while offering all the power of a large-engined vehicle. In this respect, the FHB40-55 handles much more like a large-engined diesel forklift to operate but with a quietness and efficiency that equivalent engine models cannot match.
The power boost accelerator can be activated for an instant power boost, such as when travelling uphill or for particularly heavy loads. The torque boost automatically adjusts the truck’s motor torque, improving performance by allowing it to maintain speed on ramps and inclines.
On top of this, the FHB40-55 comes with a choice of lead acid or lithium-ion batteries, so you can decide which battery type works best for your operation.
Easy for operators to use
The FHB40-55’s ease of use will be welcomed by operators and warehouse managers alike. Its clearly visible displays provide all the information operators need without distraction, including lifting and loading messages, alarms, and instructions, while its intuitive design means operators will be able to get the most out of the vehicles in as little time as possible.
The FHB40-55 also makes shift or operator changes easy, with quick release locks and 180-degree opening doors. For those with lead acid batteries, your battery changes and water level checks will be faster. Lithium-ion battery users will benefit from being able to charge their trucks without the need to open any of the doors.
Choose the right options for your operations
Whether you’re just starting down your electrification journey or you are looking to upgrade your existing electric fleet, the TCM FHB40-55 has much to offer.
Available in 6 different models, including a compact chassis model that’s ideal for tight spaces, and a high-performance model for intensive work, we’re confident you can find an FHB to meet your operational requirements. There are four capacities available: 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 tonnes.
Interested in finding out more about this FHB40-55? Click the button below to contact our team.
Also, please note that some features mentioned may be options. Please consult your dealer representative for full details.
Forklift Battery Types: Which Is the Most Economical?
Most warehousing operations will use one one of two main battery types to power their forklifts: lithium-ion batteries and lead acid batteries.
A third type exists, nickel cadmium batteries, but these are costly and can be difficult to handle. They’re ultra-reliable and are right for some businesses, but for most, lead acid or lithium-ion will prove more economical.
Warehouse Sustainability Ideas: 5 Top Tips
The warehousing industry is becoming increasingly aware of sustainability and environmental impact. The logistics side of the supply chain has attracted most attention, with estimates suggesting it creates between 5.5 and 13% of global greenhouse gas production. However, today's high-tech warehouses come under scrutiny too: carbon emissions from material handling in warehouses and sorting facilities account for 13% of overall supply chain emissions.
5 Common Forklift Driving Mistakes You Shouldn't Ignore
There's no getting around it: unsafe forklift driving can result in serious accidents. The British Safety Council says that 25% of workplace transport injuries result directly from forklift truck accidents, and these injuries can be life-changing.
As an employer, you would be liable for employee medical costs in the event of an accident. These can run from £40,000-£200,000, but legal and other costs can also escalate. That's why it's in everyone's interest to ensure forklift driving safety – to protect your workers, drivers, fleet and your business too.
With that in mind, read on for 5 forklift driving mistakes you shouldn't ignore.
Related Read: The True Cost of Forklift Accidents Revealed
Dealer Spotlight: How Altegra Is Helping Its Customers Adapt
Our dealer network is dedicated to helping TCM customers adapt as their business needs evolve and their circumstances change. In recent months, this has become even more crucial. Read on to discover how Altegra is helping customers adapt.
Why Wet-Cell Battery Technology Could Surpass Lithium-Ion
With electrification gaining increasing coverage in the run-up to the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel engines, lithium-ion is a hot topic. However, it might not necessarily be the best solution for your business’ unique operation. Read on to find out why.
Looking Ahead: 3 Future Material Handling Challenges You Need to Prepare For
The challenges associated with material handling are growing, with forthcoming legislation driving change in regard to EU directives, emissions regulations, and fleet electrification. At TCM, we’re committed to helping you navigate that change and prepare for the future.
TCM Dealer Summit 2019 Reveals the Latest Material Handling Industry Trends
On 10th April 2019, TCM dealers from across Europe gathered at The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Birmingham to discuss the past, the present, and the future of the material handling industry. TCM also announced some exciting new product launches.
How Our Electric Counterbalance Range Ensures Operator Safety
Our Electric Counterbalance range has been designed to balance operator safety, comfort, and efficiency for optimum warehouse performance. Read on to discover the latest safety features we’ve added and how they keep operators up and running.
How to Prepare Your Business for the Electrification of Your Forklift Fleet
Is your business taking steps to prepare for electrification? Don’t wait until 2030 — now is the time to research your options, educate your team and plan for the future before the regulation comes in.
The Benefits of Switching from ICE to Electric Forklifts
This month, Andrew Helan from GNB is giving us expert insight into batteries and their growing role in the material handling industry. Here we have post number three of four, which looks at why making the switch to electric forklifts from ICE could benefit your business.
