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.