ARTICLE

Corrosion concerns

25 January 2013

Serious concerns have been voiced over the safety of chains and other components of fork lift trucks operated in potentially corrosive environments.The warning, from Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), follows rep

Serious concerns have been voiced over the safety of chains and other components of fork lift trucks operated in potentially corrosive environments.The warning, from Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS), follows reports of premature chain failures on counter-balance trucks at a salt works.

"When trucks operate under arduous conditions, especially in corrosive environments like a salt works, danger may be lurking just beneath the surface of a chain, or other component," explains CFTS technical manager Chas Day.

CFTS stresses that chains are a critical component of every fork lift truck. Day says: "They are designed, manufactured and rigorously tested to ensure they can handle the dynamic stresses a fork lift truck faces in day-to-day operation, but they are still vulnerable.

"Any corrosion on chains or components that can be seen with the naked eye is potentially hazardous," adds Day. "At the very least this warrants a closer inspection by a Competent Person, possibly including ultrasonic testing." A CFTS Thorough Examination will identify any signs of corrosive fatigue on chains or other fork lift truck components.
 
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