Climate change is expected to make British weather even more unpredictable and with UK industry so heavily reliant on forklift trucks, how can it affect the movement of goods, and what impact could it have on businesses? Materials handling specialist Barloworld Handling looks at how operations can run smoothly, reliably and safely during the cold winter months and the summer floods.

It is estimated that up to 100,000 forklift trucks operate outdoors in the UK, so it is important to ensure that they are specified correctly and are properly serviced if required to operate in cold, wet and/or hot weather. Getting this wrong could lead to downtime and staffing issues which can significantly affect a company's output. Barloworld Handling, one of the UK's largest materials handling organisations, helps customers select the appropriate equipment and provides a quick response maintenance service to allow operators to work to full capacity whatever the weather.
Health and safety is a high priority for materials handling operations and requires special attention when there are hazardous weather conditions. To ensure vehicles are performing correctly and safely, Barloworld advises operators to implement regular checks and services for braking systems as well as other vital components such as hydraulics, engine cooling systems, batteries and electrical systems.

Ice or rain may create slippery surfaces either outdoors or on loading bays, for example, so training drivers to be more cautious with their speed and supervising them where necessary helps to reduce a number of safety risks. Good housekeeping also plays an essential role in safety by preventing slips and trips as well as preventing vehicle downtime. For example if a vehicle is required to operate in a muddy environment around debris such as leaves or oil, it is important to regularly clean the equipment to prevent parts becoming blocked or clogged, leading to malfunction.

Engines need protection from cold weather and Barloworld provides oils and lubricants to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. The company is the UK distributor for Hyster trucks with machines equipped to function in extreme weather conditions of temperatures as low as -18 degrees C if required or, thanks to their advanced engine management systems, in tropical heat.
In the winter months, daylight and visibility is reduced for both drivers and pedestrians, so extra lighting and beacons help to maximise the number of hours in the working day safely.

Such miserable conditions can also have an effect on morale and productivity, so it is vital to keep up employee relations and provide comfortable working conditions. Forklifts can be modified to incorporate cabs or covers, windscreen wipers and heaters to make sure the driver is comfortable for the entire shift. Barloworld also suggests companies provide staff with winter proof clothing such as waterproof jackets, body warmers and gloves. These extra precautions can raise staff spirits helping to reduce absenteeism and ensure operational demands are met efficiently.

In support, Barloworld uses state-of-the-art technology to provide customers with an efficient support service 24 hours a day and in any weather conditions. It uses a web based vehicle tracking system which allows a more efficient and speedy service response. The system is applied to the entire Barloworld fleet of 550 service vehicles which means dispatchers are immediately able to assign the nearest engineer according to skills required, and improve planning to incorporate schedules and routes. The efficiency of this system was demonstrated in 2007 when floods blocked many UK roads. Barloworld was able to find alternative routes in problem areas and avoid service delays.

As the climate changes, it is even more crucial that companies check the detail of their service provision to ensure they are prepared to face all weather conditions. With satisfaction levels reaching over 96% in a recent survey, Barloworld believes that its service is now the new benchmark in lift truck service support.