Forklifts are useful for transporting goods in factories, warehouses, and cold storage areas. However, operators must consider several issues when operating a cold storage forklift. Paying attention to these issues when operating a forklift in a cold storage area can make this tool work inefficiently. 

Meanwhile, inefficiency in forklift operations can increase business costs. In addition, the forklift use in cold storage areas also raises certain safety issues. 

Getting to Know Cold Storage Areas: Characteristics and Handling

A cold storage is a warehouse in which its temperature is lower than the room temperature. This storage is excellent for storing products that cannot stay fresh at room temperature. The characteristics of cold storage are as follows. 

• It has temperature control and insulated panels. 
• The warehouse temperature ranges from 8oC to -35oC. 
• Cold storages offer the advantages of extending product life and maintaining quality and freshness. 

Managers must take particular steps to get maximum benefits from cold storage. Here are some of them. 

• Cold storage managers must regularly monitor cold storage temperatures. Modern cold storage typically has automated systems to detect unusual temperature changes and correct these errors. 
• Managers must properly rotate the stock, that is, issuing/selling old stock first and keeping new stock. Therefore, they can reduce the risks of spoilage. 
• Managers must clean and maintain cold storage and their equipment regularly. Therefore, the storage will have a longer lifespan. 

3 Things to Pay Attention to When Using a Cold Storage Forklift 

Managers can use forklifts to pick up and store products in cold storage. However, using a forklift in these areas can cause condensation on the machine. Condensation and refreezing are essential issues with cold room forklifts. 

Condensation occurs when operators store a cold room forklift in a warmer area or move it to a warmer area. When operators use this forklift again in a cold storage area, the condensation will refreeze. 

Condensation and freezing can prevent the forklift from working efficiently. Therefore, cold room forklift operators must pay attention to the following 3 aspects when operating this equipment. 

1. Properly Store Forklifts After Use

Operators must store cold room forklifts in a dry room with a temperature above the freezing point. Make sure condensation occurs slowly or does not occur at all. 

They may store the forklift in a warm room if it is impossible to slow down or prevent condensation. After that, ensure the condensation forms and evaporates. Operators can use a fan to speed up the evaporation. After all the condensation liquid has evaporated, they can use this forklift. 

2. Forklift Operation Strategy in Temperature Change Applications 

Some operators must operate cold room forklifts in cold storage and warmer areas, for example, loading areas. This application causes more serious condensation and freezing problems. 

However, operators can minimize the negative effects of condensation and freezing by implementing proper forklift operating strategies. One of the strategies is to limit the frequency of forklift operations in warmer areas. 

Moreover, operators can plan for forklift routes. Therefore, their forklifts are in a cold area for as long as possible. Operators must also ensure proper operational sequences. 

3. Forklift Safety 

Operating a forklift in a cold storage area can increase the risk of slippage. Therefore, operators must take particular steps to reduce this risk. 

Choosing a Forklift for Cold Storage Areas 

Choosing the ideal cold room forklift can reduce safety and condensation issues in cold room forklift operations. One of the recommended forklifts for cold storage areas is the battery-powered Toyota forklift. 

Toyota designs this forklift for areas with normal and alternative temperatures. Therefore, this forklift is suitable for cold storage areas. In addition, this battery-powered forklift is energy efficient and has no emissions. 

The safety features of this forklift are also highly sophisticated. One of them is SAS (System of Active Stability). This feature keeps the forklift stable even on slippery cold-storage flooring. 

Moreover, there is also an OPS (Operator Presence Sensing) feature. This feature prevents the forklift from moving or operating itself without an operator.  Cold storage forklift operations must pay attention to the safety and condensation issues during operations and storage. You can choose a Toyota Forklift to overcome these issues. Please visit TRAKNUS Contact Center for more detailed information about this forklift.