flta uplift 20 - the fork lift truck association uplift 20.pdf · time to book your place – now!...

upliftIssue 20 Published by the Fork Lift Truck Association

Members onlineFLTA goes electronic

Awards 2005Vote, vote, vote!

Fork truckheritageHelp us save it

taking safetyseriously

taking safetyseriously

Safe User Groupwelcomes its 100th member

IN THIS ISSUE

FLTA members onlineThe internet and email communication are becomingmore and more significant as means of getting importantinformation to members quickly and efficiently. In fact,the enhanced efficiency we gain through electroniccommunication is crucial in enabling us to serviceincreasing numbers of members without overstretchingour resources.

The bright look and useful content of the website have met withmembers’ approval… and from the many thousands of visitscounted we can tell that both members and the public are makinggood use of it as a source of information. We want everyone inthe industry to see our website as the first port of call on almostany issue related to fork lift trucks. Once on the site, theydiscover useful information relating to materials handling issues,learn more about the FLTA… and, importantly, are guided towardstheir nearest member.

New sections developed in the last year have included one onThorough Examination. Our current priorities for developingelectronic communication include increasing our use of emailmessaging to keep members up to date and bringing themembers’ area fully online.

To start with, only members will have access to this area. Withinit you will find Security Alerts and other important messages, aswell as downloadable documents such as minutes andnewsletters. You will also be able to follow – and take part in –discussions on topics of shared interest and concern, which mayinclude some sensitive issues.

The members’ area will include:Further informationFrom time to time you will receive an email from the FLTAdirecting you to this area for further information on an importantsubject.

Security AlertsFrom its earliest days, the Association has helped protect itsmembers from criminal losses by notifying them of stolen trucks.If you are the victim of a theft, or if you have information whichmight assist in preventing or solving crime, please let us knowimmediately and we will post details here.

Uplift archiveHave you mislaid one of your Uplift newsletters? Now you candownload it from our online archive, exclusive to members.

FLTA minutesThe minutes of the FLTA Board meetings are reproduced hereexclusively for members.

Bulletin boardThis will be your own forum, as FLTA members, for discussingissues of shared interest or concern.

Remember that the members’ area is your area. Please help us to develop it by feeding back your ideason what it should contain.

These Awards encourage constant improvementby recognising and rewarding those individualsand companies who have made outstandingcontributions. If they are to have theirmaximum beneficial effect on our industry, theymust go to the most deserving recipients…which is why it is so vital that you should vote.

It only takes a few minutes. Simply read throughthe nominations on the following pages, tick theboxes on the voting card – photocopies, faxes etc.will not count – and post it to arrive by 31st January.

A voting card hasbeen enclosed.If it has beentaken, you canfind one in theDecember issueof ShD or theNovember/December issueof IHS.

Whether they’re up for an Awardor just looking for a great nightout, everyone’s a winner at theFLTA Annual Awards forExcellence 2005. Just makesure you book early and don’tmiss out!The Hilton Birmingham Metropole, famed forits excellent cuisine and its luxuriouslyappointed facilities, will be the venue for ourspecial 10th anniversary staging of theAnnual Awards ceremony on Saturday 26thFebruary. You can be there, on the spot, asone of the first to hear the eagerlyanticipated Awards announcements.

Entertainment will include an energetic setof music and dance from Intrigue, covering avariety of chart hits from the 60s to thepresent day. Also on the bill is King Masco,“The King of African Dance Music”. The funwill go on and on into the early hours.

We couldn’t have done it without…The sponsors and supporters of the Awardsdon’t just help to make the event go with aswing. Quite simply, without them therewould be no event. We thank each andevery one of them for their generouscontributions.

Dates to rememberDeadline for voting 31st January 2005Awards event 26th February 2005Time to book your place – now!

How to bookYou can book tickets individually or in tablesof ten. A special table-arranging serviceensures that everyone is placed with a goodmix of like-minded company – and not nextto a competitor!

To book your seat…phone 01256 381441email [email protected] or…fax 01256 381735

Award categoriesEmployee of the Year (individual)Supplier of the YearServices to the Fork Lift TruckAssociation (individual) Services to the Fork Lift Truck Industry (individual)Apprentice of the Year Safety (product or service)Environment (product or service)Ergonomics (product or service)Innovation (product or service)Lifetime Achievement (individual) Design Achievement (individual or team)

The nomineesAn amazing 27 nominations have made itpast the selection panel’s expert scrutiny tobecome finalists in the important categoriesof Safety, Environment, Ergonomics andInnovation. Almost double last year’s total,and an all-time record for the Awards, thisfigure shows that competition for the Archiesis fiercer than ever.

The variety and quality of the nominations isexceptional, and we are particularly pleasedthis year to have received our first entry froma Safe User Group member.

Everyone’s a winner

Use your vote!

See over for fulllist of Nominees

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HYSTER EUROPEJ1.60-2.00 XMT ACX SeriesElectric Fork Lift Truck

To promote safety, the JXMT ACXincludes features such as operator pincode access. This allows managementto monitor each driver’s operatingperformance so that any weaknessescan be identified and corrected. Usershave the option of a ‘daily checkfunction’, to compel each driver tocomplete a series of checks on thetruck at the start of the working day.Individual drivers can select, or beallocated, a performance level – via thedash display – matching their own skilllevel or the task in hand. In addition,all models are fitted with the HysterAutomatic Park Brake which stops thetruck as soon as the operator’s footleaves the pedal.

JUNGHEINRICH (UK) LTDDFG/TFG 425-435 IC EngineCounterbalance

Jungheinrich DFG/TFG 425-435 trucksprovide excellent travel and operatingstability without a costly or service-intensive system. This is achievedthrough implementing the simplestphysical laws during construction: highsteering axle suspension; extremelylow centre of gravity; large track width;long wheelbase. The benefits gainedinclude optimum load distribution,exemplary straight travel anduncompromising stability whencornering. The operator recognisesgreat safety reserves even at highspeed without load. One advantagethat impressively highlights the superiorsafety concept of this series is that fullloads are raised absolutely safely to5000mm without any capacityreduction.

LONG REACH CO. LTDLong Reach Pallet Puller

Made from welded steel, and powdercoated, the Pallet Puller fits onto a forkto assist operators in unloading palletsfrom vehicles. When unloading fromthe rear of a vehicle, the first twopallets are removed by fork truck. Thesecond two should then be turnedaround, using a hand pallet truck, andmoved towards the rear for unloading.With insufficient space to turn thepallets, all sorts of dangeroustechniques have evolved over theyears. The Pallet Puller does the jobsafely and quickly. Moreover, it isoperated solely by the fork truck driver,thus eliminating the dangers of bringingassistants close to fork trucks.

MONDI PACKAGING (UK) LTDFork Lift Truck Licence andSafe Driving Diploma

Having identified a need for ongoingmonitoring of fork lift operations, FLTInstructor David Zelaskowski hasdevised a Fork Lift Truck Licence and aSafe Driving Diploma for the company’s

own internal use. The licence containsan endorsement section which promptsaction by management when a driverhas three endorsements. At the otherend of the spectrum, the diplomarecognises the achievement of anaccident-free year. In this way, safety ishighlighted, good practice isencouraged and a balance is struckbetween reward and punishment.

PALLETCAP LTD - Palletcap

Palletcap is a highly visible warningcone that, when placed on top ofvulnerable freight, instantly identifies itas fragile… without the need forreading and interpretation of labels. Ina split second it tells busy fork liftoperators to avoid loading anything ontop of it. Accidents of that kind costthe industry many millions of poundseach year in damages, compensationclaims, administration, lost customersand battered reputations. Thisingeniously simple but effective solutionis cheap to buy and comes flat-packedfor easy distribution and storage.

ENVIRONMENTBRIGADE ELECTRONICS PLCBroadband Sound (bbs-tek®)Movement Alarm

Both forward and reverse low-noisealarms have been redesigned to makethem more usable for indoorapplications. Brigade uses multi-frequency broadband sound technology(bbs-tek®) instead of the traditionalsingle-frequency sound of aconventional alarm. The sounddissipates much more quickly, isdirectional and is localised in thedanger zone, resulting in an enormousreduction in noise nuisance andcomplaints. The unique localisationfeature means that in busyenvironments you can tell instantlywhere the sound is coming from and,therefore, which vehicle is moving.

CAT LIFT TRUCKSN Range 1.5 to 3.5 Tonne ICEngine Counterbalance

The new cleaner-burning engines andlow-emission exhaust systems of thesetrucks mean a better atmosphere forall. In the diesel version, pre-combustion chambers ensurecomplete burning, while a distributor-type fuel injection pump minimises the‘traditional’ diesel black smoke at start-up and reduces emissions generally.The LP gas version’s sophisticatedengine management system, includinga 3-way regulated catalytic converter,ensures minimal emissions. A spark-arresting cyclone muffler and sootparticle filter are among the extraexhaust system options on offer.Buyers can also choose between lowand high exhaust exit positions,depending on the needs of theparticular working environment.

EURO DAEWOO UK LTDG25E Plus CounterbalancedFork Lift

The low-emission G25E Plus four wheelLPG counterbalance controls air andfuel intake to regulate exhaustemissions. The engine controller usesengine exhaust gas oxygen sensors,engine speed and manifold pressuresensors to regulate the air/fuel mixture.The system reduces exhaust emissionson the G25E-3 model by 80%. Otherkey features include a 3-way catalyticmuffler and a closed-loop carburationsystem. Sound-deadening and spark-arrest features help further inpreventing environmental pollution.

JUNGHEINRICH (UK) LTDETV/ETM 320-325 Reach Truck

The 2.0 to 2.5 tonne 3 Series reachtruck achieves an energy reclamationof up to 30% through regenerativemast lowering and truck braking.Uniquely for a truck of this type in themarket, Jungheinrich’s tests haveproven that every fourth lift will besaved. The advantages to thecustomer are: lower electricity costs;shorter battery charging times;extended shift operation for truck andbattery; longer battery life.

WATTS INDUSTRIAL TYRESPLC – Solid Tyre Recycling

In 2003, a crisis loomed for theindustry – in the form of an EU directivebanning disposal of whole tyres inlandfill sites. With no practical meansavailable to shred solid truck tyres, thecost of legal disposal seemed set torocket. Thankfully, Watts has foundthree ‘project partners’ with machinerythat can be adapted to fragment thetyres into a mulch for gardening or intocrumb suitable for use in makingsurfaces for indoor equestrian arenas,sports pitches, playgrounds and otherflooring. In addition, Watts now hasthe capability to re-manufactureselected used tyres. This is all greatnews for the environment and theindustry.

ERGONOMICSBT ROLATRUC LTDPro Lifter M Hand Pallet Truck

The new BT Pro Lifter M takes thecompany’s innovative Pro Lifter conceptone step further – into motorisedhorizontal travel. This hand truck makeslight work of moving and preciselypositioning heavy loads thanks to anintegrated drive unit with electronicspeed control. The only physical effortrequired from the operator is that ofpumping the handle to lift the load, andsteering the truck once it is moving.This will provide significant ergonomicbenefits in any application that useshand trucks. A simple pair of electronicbuttons on the handle determines traveldirection and speed.

The NomineesSAFETY

BRIGADE ELECTRONICS PLCBroadband Sound (bbs-tek®)Movement Alarm

Both forward and reverse low-noisealarms have been redesigned to makethem more usable for indoorapplications. Instead of a conventionalalarm’s single-frequency sound,Brigade uses multi-frequencybroadband sound technology (bbs-tek®). The sound dissipates muchmore quickly, is directional and islocalised in the danger zone. Thisimproves conditions for the workersand means that the alarm is morelikely to attract attention – unlike aconventional alarm which mayeventually be ignored by workersbecause they hear it all day… oftenwell outside the danger zone. Theunique localisation feature means thatin busy environments you can tellinstantly where the sound is comingfrom and, therefore, which vehicle ismoving.

CASTELL SAFETYINTERNATIONAL LTD – Salvo Drive-away Prevention System

Salvo prevents articulated trailers frombeing driven away from bays duringloading/unloading. Such ‘drive-aways’are a common cause of very seriousaccidents involving fork lift trucks. Theproduct employs Trapped KeyTechnology to interlock the air brakes ofthe trailer to the operational aspects ofthe loading/unloading process – namelythe opening of the door, the operationof the dock leveller, the functioning ofthe traffic lights or any combination ofthese. In effect, it forces the driver toimmobilise the trailer beforeloading/unloading can begin andensures that it remains immobilethroughout the process. Crucially, thesystem is both cost-effective andsimple to install/operate.


Safety is paramount on the CAT Nrange. A particularly low centre ofgravity eliminates the need for ‘bolt-on’stability devices. Exceptional visibility –through the unique construction of theclear-view mast, fork carriage andoverhead guard – offers a 30% greaterviewing window. Unusually for an ICengine truck, a seat switch preventsthe truck from moving, and hydraulicsfrom functioning, unless the driver issecurely seated. An automatic return-to-neutral prevents a truck setting offunless the direction has beendeliberately ‘recycled’. Powerful roadlights are automatically activated whenthe truck enters low light locations, forsee-and-be-seen safety.

Storage HandlingDistribution Albury Asset Rentals Chloride Motive Power Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Narrow AisleDaewooCalor

Awards Sponsors


This truck’s operator compartmentfeatures a space-age fingertip controlunit and totally adjustable armrest,delivering a greater level of comfort andprecision than any other hydrauliccontrol system. The uniqueconstruction of the clear-view mast,fork carriage and overhead guardoptimises all-round visibility. Theadjustable, full-suspension seat andfully floating powertrain keep the drivercomfortable, alert and in command.The generous display panel providesextensive information including travelspeed. Driving is easy thanks to aresponsive steering wheel, a high-efficiency hydrostatic system, auto-stylepedals and precisely positioneddirectional lever. The steering columnhas a memory, allowing the driver tomaintain the ideal driving position.

EURO DAEWOO UK LTDSwing-down LPG Gas Bottle Carrier

The HSE manual handling regulationsspecify that weights above 10kg shouldnot be lifted away from the body atshoulder height. All standard gasbottles weighing 16kg therefore exceedthis limit. The swing-down bottle carrierallows safer access and exchange ofgas bottles near to the body at elbowheight, via a unique pivot and gasspring support system. The weight ofthe gas bottle is balanced by the springpressure to allow a slow lowering andraising into the correct position. As wellas making the handling of gas bottlesvery easy, this system reduces the riskof spinal injury.

HYSTER EUROPEJ1.60-2.00 XMT ACX SeriesElectric Fork Lift Truck

The ergonomic features of this threewheel, front wheel drive electricpowered fork lift inspire driverconfidence and controllability withclass-leading manoeuvrability. Key tothe confidence factor are two new,innovative developments: the HysterAutomatic Park Brake, which isautomatically applied when the truckcomes to a standstill, and the Hyster E-Hydraulic Armrest with mini levers,which offers the driver exceptionallyprecise yet effortless handlingoperation. The remarkable comfortfeatures provided by the driver’scompartment include a fully adjustable,full-suspension seat and steeringcolumn, conveniently sited hydrauliclevers, performance options selectablevia the dash display, and the uniqueHyster Monotrol pedal for easy directioncontrol.

STILL MATERIALS HANDLINGLTD – CS-20 Low Level OrderPicker

The CS features a new “fly-by-wire”steering and control console which islight in operation and needs onlylimited arm movements by the operatorcompared to conventional tiller-steeredmachines. All controls are withinfingertip reach so that the operatordoes not have to change grip positionto activate the lift, lower or hornfunctions. The new sculpted backrestwith convenient hand-hold for easymounting and dismounting providessuperior lateral stability for safety andreduced risk of back strain whenmanoeuvring. A sprung and paddedfloor plate, which acts as a dead manswitch, ensures vibration-free travel andreduced leg fatigue over the workingshift.

INNOVATIONBT ROLATRUC LTDReflex E-BAR

All BT Rolatruc Reflex B-series and E-series reach truck models feature theinnovative E-BAR. “E” stands for“efficiency” and “effective integrationwith warehouse managementsystems”. The E-BAR is a universalmount for warehouse managementdevices such as thin-client PCs, radiodata terminals and barcode readers. Itcan be equipped with an integral 12VDC power supply, ensuring that theReflex B/E is ready to fit into anyapplication.

CMP BATTERIES LTDMulti-Deck Battery Transfer Systems

These systems offer flexible solutionsfor the management of batteryrecharging for the full range of electricpowered warehouse trucks. Withincreasing property and land prices,most industries are looking to optimisespace utilisation. CMP’s systems helpthem achieve this by increasing verticalstorage of batteries and chargers abovethe traditional one or two levels.Chargers can be linked to a Chloridesoftware management system(CMP.Net) which fully controls therecharging process. This offers usersoptimum performance from theirbatteries, maximises battery life andincreases safety by alerting operativesto faults. Management can use thesoftware system as part of their costmanagement programmes byextracting reports.

CROWN LIFT TRUCKS LTDTilt Assist and CDM onESR4500 Series Reach Truck

When placing a load at height itbecomes almost impossible for a reachtruck driver to judge the amount of tilton the forks. Crown’s Tilt Assistautomatically brings them back tohorizontal, reducing the risk of pallets

being accidentally pushed off thebeams of the rack when forks are over-tilted. The value of this system isincreased when it is combined with thenew truck’s integrated height andweight indicator and Capacity DataMonitor (CDM), which gives an audiblewarning if loads are lifted above thecapacity shown on the data plate. Thisis particularly important on high-liftingtrucks where base capacity is 2000kgbut residual capacity at full height isonly 1000kg.

HYSTER EUROPEAutomatic Park Brake onJ1.60-2.00 XMT ACX Series

Introduced this year on the J1.60-2.00XMT ACX three wheel electriccounterbalance series, the innovativeHyster Automatic Park Brake systemgives drivers extra confidence andcontrol of the truck. As soon as theoperator’s foot leaves the accelerator orbrake pedal, the park brake isautomatically applied. The outstandingbenefits of this feature include excellentcontrollability and promotion of safeoperation on slopes. With theoperator’s foot removed from thepedals, the truck remains stationaryand will not roll backwards or forwards.In addition, this system eliminates theneed for driver effort, as there is noneed to manually apply or release thepark brake.

JUNGHEINRICH (UK) LTDETV/ETM 320-325 Mast Reach Cushioning

The Jungheinrich patented mast reachcushioning system is an advance inreach truck productivity. Standard onthe ETV/ETM 3 series, above 7 metresthe cushioning system reduces mastsway in high racking applications by upto 80%. It works by dampening themast as it reaches its furthermost pointwithin the mast channels. This benefitsthe customer by improving cycle timeand hence productivity – throughdrastically reducing the time theoperator has to wait for the mast tostop swaying. The saving in timemeans an operator can also positionthe load more safely and accuratelywithout damage to the racking or theload.

LONG REACH CO. LTDPallet Puller

Made from welded steel, and powdercoated, the Pallet Puller fits onto a forkto assist operators in unloading palletsfrom vehicles. When unloading fromthe rear of a vehicle, the first twopallets are removed by fork truck. Thesecond two should then be turnedaround, using a hand pallet truck, andmoved towards the rear for unloading.With insufficient space to turn thepallets, all sorts of dangeroustechniques have evolved over theyears. The Pallet Puller does the jobsafely and quickly. Moreover, it isoperated solely by the fork truck driver,thus eliminating the dangers of bringingassistants close to fork trucks.

NARROW AISLE LTD –FlexiGAS LPG PoweredArticulated Fork Lift Truck

This product is the result of a designteam’s quest to be the world’s first toapply the flexibility of an IC engine to atrue warehouse truck. Fitted with anintelligent 3-way catalytic converter, itssystem is clean enough for internaluse. Hydrostatic transmission gives theprecise control of traction required in awarehouse, while allowing retention offront wheel drive which is critical foryard work. Customers now have atruck that can operate around the clockwithout the need for battery changes…and one which still turns in aisles asnarrow as 1650mm alongside the Flexielectric.

STILL MATERIALS HANDLINGLTD – MX-X VNA CombinationOrder Picker / Stacker

Instead of making a range of machinesto cover individual capacity and liftheight requirements, STILL hasproduced a single machine to meet allrequirements using a range ofcompatible ‘mix and match’ modules.This approach has reduced the numberof parts required to build the machinesby around 60% and allows the enduser to select the bestprice/performance ratio to suit eachapplication. The choice ofconfigurations includes: capacities from500 to 1500kg; lifts up to and over15 metres; standard or highperformance operating profiles;different battery sizes; and theenhanced Optispeed feature. In effect,it offers a bespoke product at off-the-peg prices.

TRANSLIFT BENDI LTD –Bendi 3 Three Wheel ElectricCounterbalance

A refinement of the tried and testedBendi concept, this fork lift has beendeveloped to work in smaller aislesthan other articulated trucks. At thesame time, it has been made moreeconomical to buy and operate – andhence more available to a widermarket. Unlike conventional threewheel electrics, the B3 has a‘back-to-front’ design – withthe two rear wheels placedat the back and the singlesteering wheel at thefront, almost beneaththe mast. This willdrastically improve itsstability compared withconventional three-wheelers. And whilecosts have been greatlyreduced, none of theimpressive Bendiadvantages have beencompromised.

Translift Engineering

Event Supporters

Bolzoni Auramo Rental Limited, Curtis Instruments (UK) Limited, Jungheinrich (UK) Limited,Performance Handling Limited, Pyroban Group, Watts Industrial Tyres

SAFETY FIRSTQualificationscountThere are very good reasons for insisting thatanyone who operates a fork lift should beproperly trained and authorised to do so. Thislesson was learned the hard way by a sitemanager who recently took it upon himself tooperate a telescopic handler to load outmaterials at first lift level – a task he wasneither qualified nor authorised to undertake.

His action resulted in the fall and injury of a sub-contractor. The site manager, working for CaddickConstruction Ltd, was prosecuted under section 7 ofthe Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, whichrequires an employee to “take reasonable care forthe health and safety of himself and of otherpersons who may be affected by his acts oromissions at work.” He was fined £2,500 with£1,115 costs.

It’s great to welcome another 13 companieswho appreciate the importance of safety andwant to become better informed.

� Castell Safety International, London

� Polestar Taylowe Ltd, Maidenhead

� Cookson Electronics, Ashford

� Seymour FLT Training, York

� Homebase, Wallington

� Essex County Council Equipment Service, Colchester

� Wheatley Packaging, Scunthorpe

� API Coated Products Ltd, Cheltenham

� Medway Ports, Sheerness

� Senator International Ltd, Accrington

� Fuller Smith & Turner, London

� Mondi Safepack, Wetherby

� John Parker & Son Ltd, Canterbury

SAFE

USER GROUP

SAFE USER GROUP

NEWto the Safe User Group

Welcome aboardWe are delighted to welcome Medway Ports as the100th member of the Safe User Group. Based in Kent,and part of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, itis one of the largest organisations to have taken upour offer of help with the heavy burden ofresponsibility for safety.

Most of its materials handling work is focused on thecommercial port of Sheerness. Among other things,Medway is the UK’s biggest importer of fruit, one of thelargest importers of timber products (including wood, paperand pulp) and a major importer of cars.

Its fork lifts, usually acquired on contract hire, numberaround 200 and range from pedestrian pallet trucks to 45tonne reach stackers for use with containers.

Asked why the company joined, Engineering SuperintendentDavid Shoebridge said: “Medway Ports has a strong cultureof health and safety – and sets itself very high standards.We wanted to make sure we were fully aware of the issues,and that all policy decisions were made on the basis ofgood information and advice.”

Are you satisfied?While celebrating the continued growth of the SUG, weare also pleased to add that our longstanding membersare still gaining tremendously from the materials andservices it provides. We recently surveyed a sample ofthe membership, to check how things were going, andhere are a couple of typical replies:

“This is a genuinely excellent service and onewe use frequently. It is brilliant to have allthose resources always on hand as back-up.The helpline in particular is fantastic.”

Mr M Cox, Section Manager, Johnson & Johnson Wound Management Ltd

“The Safe User Group is an invaluable sourceof expert advice on fork lift safety and helpsus keep pace with changing legislation andtechnical developments. We find theTechnical Bulletins and H&S updatesespecially helpful. Access to information isconvenient and the interpretation oflegislation is very authoritative and useful.”

Mr Steve Cash, Finished Products Manager, British Sugar

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David Shoebridge (above and front cover) of Medway Ports – our 100th SUG member.

S A F E T Y

All you needto know…onlineIf you are a regular reader ofUplift, you will already be well aware that anyone whoowns or operates a fork lift truck is required by law tomake sure it has a valid Report of Thorough Examination– the materials handling equivalent of an MOT.

To answer questions such as how often the procedureshould be carried out , who is authorised to do it, what isincluded in it, and many more, there is now a new website.It has been set up by CFTS (Consolidated Fork TruckServices) – our co-operative venture with BITA.

We have adopted a Q and A approach so that visitors cango straight to the information they need, without having toplough through masses of text.

They will also see clearly the advantages of obtaining theirThorough Examinations through the accredited scheme putin place by the industry (through CFTS).

Importantly, the site lists all companies who are accreditedby CFTS to carry out Thorough Examinations. Only thosecompanies are entitled to use the CFTS ThoroughExamination certification… and the quality mark thatensures complete peace of mind.

Once the visitors have found an appropriate company, theycan take down its telephone number or simply click on itsemail address to send a message.

For further information, visit the websitewww.thoroughexamination.org

Up to the markThe following companies have recently succeeded inmeeting the stringent criteria required to achieveaccreditation to the CFTS Thorough Examination scheme.

There are now 77 companies accredited to CFTS, of which59 are members of the FLTA and are listed on theAssociation’s website www.fork-truck.org.uk.

“It’s little wonder that end users need help andadvice,” said FLTA Chairman Richard Baxter inhis opening remarks at the FLTA SafetyConference in September 2004. He pointedout that in just two years the Conference hadtackled at least 14 different major topics…reflecting the sheer breadth, depth and varietyof issues facing anyone who owns or operatesa fork lift truck.

The SUG membership’s interests were wellrepresented in a rounded programme that dealtwith their areas of greatest current concern.Authoritative speakers gave presentations on thefollowing subjects.

� Site SurveysJungheinrich (UK) Ltd

� Reversing SafelyBrigade Electronics

� Working Safely with Battery Power CMP Batteries

� The Safe Storage and Use of LPGCalor Gas

� Thorough Examination David Ellison, FLTA

� New Rules for the Use of Working PlatformsGil Male, HSE

� Working in Explosive AtmospheresPyroban Group Ltd

Commenting on the success of theConference, FLTA Chief Executive DavidEllison said: “With the information theyhave gained here, delegates will be able tostart implementing improved safetymeasures as soon as they return to theirworkplaces.

“At the same time, the presentations andthe delegates’ reactions have raised furtherquestions. As always, we are committed totackling every key safety issue head on,and what we have discussed today will helpto shape our work over the comingmonths.”

� Arrow Lift Trucks Ltd

� Budget Fork Trucks Ltd

� Compass Lift TruckServices Ltd (AssociateMember)

� Linde MaterialsHandling (UK) Ltd

� Linde MaterialsHandling (Scotland) Ltd

� Linde Jewsbury’s Ltd

� Linde Trifik Ltd

� Still Materials Handling Ltd

� Truckmasters Handling Ltd

New truck sales and margins downAmong the most striking features of the latest FLTAQuarterly Trend Survey (30th September 2004) are therecent drops observed in sales orders and margins fornew trucks. The former contrasts sharply withindications published elsewhere, which suggest a moreencouraging picture for new truck sales.

Uniquely, our figures are based on the views of thoseactually selling the trucks, across a broad range ofcompanies. An overwhelming 67% of respondents reportedthat new truck margins were worse than in the precedingquarter, while 29% said they were the same and only 4%saw an improvement.

The analysis contains many other interesting statistics andgraphs and is sent in full to every member who responds tothe survey questionnaire. We would encourage all dealermembers to participate and to take advantage of themarket insight that these surveys offer.

50

40

30

60

70

2002/4 03/1 03/2 03/3 03/4 04/1 04/2 04/3

Margins - NewSame or Better

70

60

50

80

90

4002/4 03/1 03/2 03/3 03/4 04/1 04/2 04/3

New Truck Sales - OrdersSame or Better

The AGMThe Association’s AGM in October recordedanother year of achievement and helpedset our agenda for the coming months. Togive some idea of the meeting’s scope,here are just a few of the topics included inthe Chairman’s address.

� Continued growth in membership ofboth the FLTA itself and the Safe UserGroup – but not at the expense oflowering our standards or our serviceto existing members

� The welcome and encouragement weare giving, through our ProvisionalMembership scheme, to companiestrying to reach our high standards

� Recent initiation of a major SUGrecruitment drive

� Progress and promotion of the CFTSThorough Examination scheme –including the newly launched website

� A new standard Hire Agreement whichsets FLTA members even furtherabove other providers in terms ofcustomer confidence

� Plans for a new standardMaintenance Contract

� Successful Awards and SafetyConference events

� Sponsorship of, and presence at,IMHX 2004

� Further additions to ourcomprehensive catalogue ofpublications, including – in 2004 – aDaily Checks booklet and a TechnicalBulletin on lights and other safetyaccessories

� Continued development of the FLTAwebsite, to inform membersefficiently and promote theAssociation and its members’services effectively

� The high profile – and authoritativereputation – we are achieving in thematerials handling press

� The influence we have had at everylevel; the close and productive linkswe have built with the HSE and BITA;and our success in lobbyinggovernment departments

� Our ongoing campaign to encouragemore and better apprenticeships

N E W S

Telesales You may be aware thatthe law now allowsindividuals to opt out ofreceiving telesales calls byregistering with theTelephone PreferenceService. More recently, alaw has been introduced togive that same right to businesses. This has seriousimplications for those of you who want to solicit businessover the phone. It requires that you should have yourrecords checked against a list of companies that haverequested not to be called. For further advice on theCorporate Telephone Preference Service we suggest youinitially visit the following website.

www.tpsonline.org.uk

Financial servicesIf your company istransacting generalinsurance – and thatincludes gap and warrantycovers – you should beaware that by 14th January2005 you will need to be regulated by theFinancial Services Authority. If you are not authorisedand you continue to do that kind of business after 14thJanuary you will be breaking the law.

Applications for regulation should have been sent insome time ago. Anyone who needs to apply but hasn’talready done so should contact the FSA urgently.Details may be found on the following website.

www.fsa.gov.uk/mgi

Changes in the law

Harry Hinder 1915–2004

The Associationwas very sad tohear of the deathof Harry Hinder,who had atremendous impacton the materialshandling industryover his longcareer. Inparticular, we aregrateful to Harry

for his dedicated service as theFLTA’s first permanent part-timeSecretary. He was instrumental inguiding the Fork Truck HireAssociation – as it was then called– through an important periodwhich helped lay the foundationsfor the high-profile, highlyinfluential organisation we seetoday.

Much of his working life, however, wasspent with Clark, from which he retiredin 1980. It was in his ‘retirement’ thathe took over the role of FLTA Secretary,in 1985. Indeed, by the time heretired fully, in 1993 at the age of 78,he had contributed more than 50years to the industry he loved.

Wherever he went, he was regardedwith affection and gratitude for theexpert advice and guidance he sowillingly dispensed. He will beremembered with great fondness byformer FLTA and Clark colleagues whoknew him personally… and will beappreciated for the lasting legacy hiswork has left to the industry.

N E W S

Training coursesJan 05 10-11 Thorough Examination 2 days

12 Thorough Examination Revalidation 1 day

17-18 Thorough Examination 2 days

24-26 Basic Electronics 3 days

31-1Feb Thorough Examination 2 days

Feb 05 7-8 Thorough Examination 2 days

9 Safety for Service Engineers 1 day

14-16 Auto Electrical 3 days


28-1Mar Thorough Examination 2 days

28-2Mar Diesel Fuel Injection 3 days

Mar 05 7-9 Intermediate Electronics 3 days



Apr 05 4-5 Thorough Examination 2 days


13 Thorough Examination Manager 1 day

18-20 LPG 3 days


28 Electrical Connection, Isolationand Charger Fault Finding 1 day

May 05 3-4 Thorough Examination 2 days



16-18 Hydraulics 3 days


25 Safety for Service Engineers 1 day

31-1Jun Thorough Examination 2 days

T R A I N I N G

A final push is under way tocomplete work on the National ForkTruck Heritage Centre, whoseofficial opening is now within sight.This comes as great news to theFLTA, which has backed the projectright from the start. In fact, it is a venture that should be supported byanyone who values the achievements of pastgenerations in developing materials handlingtechnology… and who wants to make the public moreaware of the essential contribution of our industry tothe prosperous, convenient lifestyle that modern societytakes for granted.

One of the major tasks remaining is to construct a tidy,practical, welcoming frontage, including a car park.This will involve flattening the area, installing drainage,packing with stone, surfacing with tarmac and providinggood wheelchair access.

The building itself is almost finished, with electrics andlighting installed, and now the exhibits are being put inplace. Some of these are still in need of TLC, and thecontinued acquisition and restoration of historicallyimportant trucks will be an ongoing task.

Among the collection is a 1926 Yale, thought to be theoldest surviving fork truck in the world. Others ofparticular significance include a 1947 Coventry ClimaxGodiva from the model’s first year of production,complete with its original petrol engine, and a 1948/9

Ransome dating back to that model’s second year ofproduction.

The National Fork Truck Heritage Centre

What do fork trucks

This 1926 Yale isbelieved to be the

oldest surviving forktruck in the world.If there’s an oldertruck in existence,

the Heritage Centrewould like to know

about it.

mean to you?Set up in conjunction with the Midland RailwayCentre, on its extensive site near Derby, the museumhas been a labour of love for Heritage Centre DirectorJim Brindley. Well known within the Association, Jimserved 25 years with BT Rolatruc – in roles rangingfrom engineering, through technical services, tonational resale manager – before setting out to fulfilhis dream in retirement.

Around £28,000 was covenanted to the Centre as aresult of previous appeals and a further £45,000 orso has been spent by Jim and others on materials.These figures don’t include the cost of work carriedout by Jim and his team of helpers, as this has beengiven free of charge.

A 1947 CoventryClimax ModelFTD awaiting

restoration.

Director Jim Brindleygives a sneak preview toa select group of visitors.

With your help...But if Jim’s dream is to finally become areality another shot of funding is needed.Look out for an appeal leaflet in the nearfuture, which will invite your company towrite its name – very publicly – into fork lifthistory by making a donation. We urge youto think about it very seriously.

Bolzoni Ltd Pyroban GroupFork Lift Truck Association, Manor Farm Buildings, Lasham, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 5SL

tel 01256 381441 email [email protected] 01256 381735 web www.fork-truck.org.uk

New MembersFull MembersPLP Lift Trucks Peterborough Ltd Peterborough

Provisional MembersAlbion Forklifts Ltd Christchurch Samsung/Clark

Industrial Truck Services Ltd Droylsden

Associate MembersPWF The Forklift Doctor Camborne

Fork lift ride forrunaway bearA trip home aboard a fork lift truck rounded off aday of adventure for a young bear that left itsnature reserve in Wisconsin and spent severalhours both scaring and amusing the localsuburban community. After wildlife serviceofficers had sedated the 140-pound animal withtranquilliser darts, the most convenient way oftransporting it was by fork lift.

Don’t forget!Your votes need to arrive by post no later thanMonday 31st January. Why not check outthe nominations (pages 4 and 5) and vote now,while it’s fresh in your mind… and beforeChristmas and New Year get in the way?!

And don’t forget to book your table early for the Awards event on 26th February – the tickets always sell out fast.

Is your mind clear about the requirementto copy some Reports of ThoroughExamination to Enforcing Authorities?If not, keep your eyes open for Technical Bulletin number 08which is due to be published in the next few weeks…

FORK LIFT TRUCK SAFETY – THOROUGH EXAMINATION:REPORTING UNSAFE EQUIPMENT TO AN ENFORCINGAUTHORITY

EventsAwards 200526 February 2005 Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Golf Day23 June 2005Buckingham Golf Club

Safety Conference29 June 2005Warwick University

flta uplift 20 - the fork lift truck association uplift 20.pdf · time to book your place – now!...

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