WAREHOUSE SAFETY 2015 SUPPLEMENTBRITAIN’S ONLY FORTNIGHTLY MAGAZINE FOR THE INDUSTRY

TEL: 01923 272960 • EMAIL: MAIL@WAREHOUSENEWS.CO.UK • WEB: WWW.WAREHOUSENEWS.CO.UK

I.D. Systems’ pre-ops checklistspromote responsible and safe MHEoperations.

Ensuring material handlingequipment and operators are fit fortheir tasks at the start of a workingday or shift are - or should be -standard operating procedures.However, actually making sure theseprocedures are being followed can bea different matter: as much as fleetmanagers would like to rely on thediligence and conscientiousness ofemployees, enforcing and monitoringthe process by electronic pre-opschecklists is a much more fool proofthan the old manual paper trailmethodology, and inadvertently leadsto fewer accidents and lower MHErepair costs.

It is acknowledged that MHE fleetmanagement systems can play amajor role in improving safety bymaking operators more accountable,monitoring impacts and reducing thelikelihood of careless driving. Centralto this are pre-ops safety checklistssuch as those offered by I.D. Systems(UK) Ltd., a leading provider ofOEM independent MHE fleetmanagement solutions designed toreduce costs whilst improvingproductivity and enhancing safetyprocedures.

I.D. Systems is the pioneer of theelectronic pre-ops checklists and

continuously works on improving andexpanding this functionality. Today,key features are hierarchical andimpact-driven checklists.Furthermore, it is standard forchecklist questions to be tailored100% to the customers’ operationalrequirements and the type ofequipment being used.

The randomising of answers to pre-ops checklist questions furtherensures that an operator must activelyreview the response options prior toconfirming their answer. Thisinnovative feature eliminates the riskof operators simply “ticking the box”without reviewing the answer optionsfirst. Wrong/critical responses byoperators can automatically enforce alog-out procedure: operators will notbe able to use the truck in questionand the truck will wirelessly send amessage to the head of the workshopof its current log-out status.

Intermediate answers on the stateof trucks included in I.D. Systems’PowerBox™ and PowerFleet™products again offer more optionsthan a simple yes/no reply: thepossibility to enter a minor warningalert - without prompting the log-outprocess - can be recorded to enableprompt post-shift preventativemaintenance to be carried out,reducing major future repair or truckbreakdown events.

MHE fleet management systemscan also be used to ensure that only

trained operators can drive specifictruck types such trucks are not“borrowed” or inappropriately usedby other departments. Furthermore,the fleet manager can configurequestions to suit the requirements.Questions such as “Do you believethat you are wholly fit to drive thisforklift?”, “Are you wearingappropriate PPE?” or “Are you underthe influence of any medication?” canbe included to reinforce the messagethat operating a potentially dangerouspiece of equipment is not to be takenlightly.

Accidents with forklift trucks andother industrial materials handlingequipment are sadly still all toocommon. However, by using devicessuch as I.D. Systems’ holistic andcustomer configured pre-ops checklistfeatures in the all-important first fewminutes of a shift, fleet operators canincrease risk awareness, reducecomplacency and ensure thewellbeing of the workforce.

THE SAFER WAY2 SEMA2 SEMA has been taking steps tofurther clarify cantilever racking codechanges and formalise their “Guide toMethod Statements”.

3 Dexion3 Dexion don’t just manufacture andsell pallet racking and shelving storagesystems.

3 Narrow Aisle3 Narrow Aisle, is reminding truckusers of the importance of ensuringthat all operators are provided withhigh quality driver training.

4Business Sprinkler Alliance4 Changing the guidelines of theBuilding Regulations would benefitbusinesses in the UK.

4Beaverswood4 Frames4floors is the latest productfrom Beaverswood.

4 FLTA4 The FLTA’s National Fork TruckSafety Conference will be atLoughborough University.

5 Yale5 Yale has introduced a new ‘cheat-proof’ interlock system - ‘SmartBelt™’.

5 BAMA5 BAMA has launched a new set of 6warehouse posters entitled ‘WorkingSafely with Aerosols'.

6Hörmann (UK) Ltd6 Alan Jenkins, at Hörmann (UK) Ltd.,discusses what measures can be takento improve safety in the warehouse.

6Messagemaker6 Eye-catching LED traffic signspecialist Messagemaker has publisheda free Buyers Guide.

7 Briggs7 Briggs Equipment is to exhibit atSPE Offshore Europe 2015, it willpartner with Pyroban UK.

7 Sentinel Systems7 Visitors to the Sentinel Systems standat RWM will be able to view its widerange of advanced safety products.

8 Wagner8 Active fire prevention withOxyReduct® based on the example ofthe British Library.

www.id-systems.comID SYSTEMS

To start the day

As the first step towardsfulfilling customer orders,loading bays can be extremelybusy places. But with goods,vehicles and people allconverging, safety has to beparamount. Good workingpractises, well designed spaceand properly maintainedequipment are the key toaccident-free operations, saysTony Saunders of loading bayspecialists, sara LBS.

Successful companies havebusy loading bays, so personnelhave to be constantly alert andthe equipment must operateperfectly. It follows that

appropriate equipment must beprovided and fitted withinterlocks, light curtains,pressure pads and other safetyfeatures. Further, regularservicing and rapid repairs areessential.

Perhaps less obviously,loading bays have to be welldesigned if they are to be safewhilst also meeting the currentand future needs of theoperation. Also, regular trainingin appropriate working practisesmust be carried out.

At sara LBS we understandthat a complete service isessential for the end user tohave real peace of mind when itcomes to safety and reliability.

This is why we employ expertengineers who are able to workwith architects and contractorsto design solutions which areintegrated with the rest of thebuilding. We then supply andinstall our solutions and have anationwide fleet of maintenanceand repair engineers on hand forimmediate after sales support.

To ensure that equipment suchas loading bay doors and scissorslifts are always running perfectly,a contact for regular maintenancewith the manufacturer or anapproved service company is thebest solution. Ideally, the serviceengineers will be qualified toattend to all the equipment in theloading bay - regardless of

manufacturer. They will alsoknow about relevant regulationsand guidelines and may offersuggestions on best workingpractises, new equipment, etc.

Loading bay equipment tendsto be robustly built so has along working life and providesan excellent return oninvestment. However, muchadded value can be won bytaking the expert advice of themanufacturers and service team.

Probably the most obvioussafety worry in and aroundloading bays is vehiclemovements.

Large lorries often haverestricted driver visibility,particularly when reversing, but

also physically close to the truckin all directions. It is anunfortunate truth that the need tounload and/or load efficientlywill put both the driver and theground personnel under pressure.Therefore it is essential that

rigorous protocols are definedand maintained in relation to allvehicle movements.

sara LBS ensures safety

www.saralbs.co.uk

saraLBS

ID.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2015 16:56 Page 1