National equipment hire and services provider Speedy has been selected to light up the perimeter of the COP26 climate summit with a sustainable lighting system that will save an estimated 6,200 litres of diesel and 16 tonnes of CO2e. Speedy’s National Support Centre located in Glasgow is providing a total
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has continued its innovative approach to safety by implementing a brand-new automatic shut-off feature as standard across its latest fleet of transportation vehicles. The feature relates directly to crane operations and by utilising enhanced
To ensure the safe and efficient handling of materials, the UK’s leading manufacturer of offsite, panelised ‘room in roof’ systems Smartroof has invested in four Combilift at its Derbyshire production facility With the previous 12 months being the busiest in the company’s history, there has been a marked increase in
In the Czech Republic, refurbishment of family houses dating from the 1970s is often not worthwhile and a good number of these properties are demolished. This was the case with a house in Rudná near Prague, which the owner had decided to demolish. However, quotes from companies to do the
Wider choice of 4 finance schemes for buying new Bobcat equipment Under a special promotion running to the end of December 2021, Bobcat is offering customers an expanded choice of attractive hire purchase financing options for buying new Bobcat loaders, mini-excavators and telehandlers. The roster of finance options in the
Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has introduced the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower to the market following a multi-million-pound investment in its UK fleet. The business has added 200 new Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid units to its lighting range through an exclusive partnership with Generac. The
Construction services provider Speedy has opened two new regional service centres in Scotland, strategically located on key arterial routes into Edinburgh and Aberdeen to help local contractors quickly access crucial equipment. The purpose-built 22,000 sq ft centre on West Edinburgh Business Park consolidates the hire provider’s smaller outlets previously located
National plant hire company invests in 80 Cat® machines As part of its commitment to sustainable construction, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage has invested in 80 Cat machines so far in 2021, with another 20 expected to arrive later this year. This means that Lynch currently has over 200 Cat machines
Articulated hauler specialist Terex Trucks rebrands as Rokbak and announces its vision for an exciting new future. The Scottish manufacturer unveiled the new brand at a digital launch event on September 1, attended by dealers, customers, media, and Volvo Group colleagues from around the world. Rokbak is the new name
CFTS, the industry accrediting body for Through Examination, has flagged up concerns regarding the testing of attachments on a wide range of forklift trucks and mobile plant. “There seems to be some confusion among not only owners and operators of equipment but also a large number of inspection companies when
National equipment hire and services provider Speedy has been selected to light up the perimeter of the COP26 climate summit with a sustainable lighting system that will save an estimated 6,200 litres of diesel and 16 tonnes of CO2e. Speedy’s National Support Centre located in Glasgow is providing a total of 400 linear lights which will run for two miles around the security perimeter of the venue. The bespoke solution developed by Speedy specifically for the event is made up of LED lighting towers and low energy beam control lighting heads. They are highly efficient, offering up to 200 lumens, or light energy, for each watt of power consumed. The lighting system, which will be in place for five weeks, will prevent noise pollution and fumes that would be produced if the lighting was powered by diesel. Speedy’s low carbon lighting system is also used on a number of other major infrastructure projects where sustainability is central including HS2 and national core renewal rail projects. “As such a historic and significant climate event, COP26 needed a supplier with the technology to deliver a low carbon solution to lighting, minimising the impact on the environment. COP26 will set out the gold standard for green events, so everything that goes into its infrastructure and management needs to be sustainable,” said Daryl Doherty, rail director at Speedy. “Speedy is a leading supplier of low and zero emission lighting, which is helping contractors in the events, construction and rail sectors to slash emissions. Being selected as the delivery partner to light up COP26 recognises our track record in delivering sustainable solutions across major UK projects, and offers us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how our innovative low carbon lighting technology can play an important role in delivering a carbon-zero project.” The contract win follows Speedy’s £6.3m investment in low-carbon lighting to help construction, infrastructure engineering and events contractors to reduce carbon emissions through electric-only operation. The business also recently partnered with Generac to develop and bring the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower, the Speedy V20 ECO Hybrid to the market. The Glasgow-based event is the most significant climate change conference since 2017, bringing together world leaders, government representatives, negotiators and businesses to tackle the climate crisis. COP26 will be a carbon-neutral conference, certified by the International Standard for Sustainable Events (ISO20121). It has a comprehensive Carbon Management Plan and will demonstrate leadership within the field of sustainable event management. For more information, visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/
Mobile Mini UK, one of the leading worldwide providers of portable accommodation and secure storage containers, has continued its innovative approach to safety by implementing a brand-new automatic shut-off feature as standard across its latest fleet of transportation vehicles. The feature relates directly to crane operations and by utilising enhanced on-board AI, reduces the chances of human error as well as increases the capability of overall lifting and remote-control operations. Crane safety features consist of slew restrictors, front legs for improved duties and increased stability and auto remote shut down after 30 seconds, whilst features such as ADR kits, cone holders, warning signage, low view windows in passenger doors and no access to climb onto the body ensure the Mobile Mini fleet is amongst the safest on the road. This is compounded by several additional twist locks, providing even more confidence that loading is a safe and secure process. The new fleet has been unveiled in partnership with global vehicle manufacturer Scania and crane and tractor unit specialists Mac’s Trucks. Three new trucks containing the revolutionary shut-off feature have already been delivered with five more on the way this year. It is expected that 30 new trucks will arrive in total, delivered at appropriate intervals over the next 24 months and replacing 60% of the current fleet, which has been in place for the last 7 years. Alex McDade, Sales Executive at Mac’s Trucks said, “As a joint partnership between Scania and Macs Trucks, we are pleased to currently have 15 vehicles in production and further vehicles due for Q2 next year, ranging from 18T to 32T gross vehicle weights all to be fitted with specialist crane vehicles ranging up to 71tm capacity with full 360 degree operation meaning we can deliver anywhere with the vehicle. Scania are continuing their long relationship with Mobile Mini, now with a 7-year repair and maintenance contract across all parts of the UK. At Macs Truck, we are building the bespoke body work and crane fitment, such as the Scania R500 6×2 tractor unit. Fassi cranes have been chosen again due to their reliability and brilliant back up network across the UK. Mac’s new front legs set up has been the latest improvement to Mobile Mini vehicles, offering better performance, especially over the front of the cab.” Mobile Mini is FORS Gold accredited and ensure all advancements are made in compliance with these standards. Mobile Mini has invested £3million on upgrading its fleet over the last 18 months and has injected another £5.5million ahead of next year, ensuring the new fleet is the most modern, reliable and advanced on the market. Additional features found on the new 2021 fleet include bespoke segregation barriers, mirrors on storage walls and cut-away doors for added visibility and safety displays that give fingertip info and guidance to crane operators. This is combined with a recent roll out of SMUK’s Halo system and 360 cameras and lights, providing high-definition views of driver activity and a direct link to telematics configurations. Nick Sesevic, SHEQ Advisor at Mobile Mini UK said, “Mobile Mini is synonymous with safety excellence and has an enviable safety record of no major incidents over the past two years. We anticipate this technology will become the future industry safety standard and look forward to seeing them out on the road and on-site with our customers very soon.” Andy Cowell, Mobile Mini UK Transport Manager said, “Changes to our fleet are not quick fixes, but we are fortunate to be one of few companies in our industry to purchase rather than lease vehicles, giving us added flexibility and control. Coupling this with the best-trained drivers across the largest crane mounted fleet of its kind in the UK, underpins our recent accolades and reputation for world-class customer service. The next 12 months represents the most we have ever invested in our fleet, as we work closely with our preferred suppliers to secure the highest quality crane mounted trucks in the industry. Our thanks to Scania and Mac’s Trucks for their continued efforts and assistance in improving the next generation of vehicles.” Last month, Mobile Mini installed a new digital reporting system, Assure by SHE Software, supported by QR codes on high-visibility jackets and across branded materials such as site posters, key-fobs, coasters and more. This ensures risk assessment, incident and health & safety reporting, asset, maintenance, service tracking and compliance is easier than ever for ground teams facing hazards to flag the issues or obstacles they face. Earlier this year, three branches were awarded Merits from the British Safety Council and the UK SHEQ team were named ‘Safety Team of the Year Highly Commended Winner’ at the International Safety Awards. Mobile Mini has also rolled out life-saving defibrillator equipment to all of its UK branches for the protection of customers, clients and over 370 members of staff.
To ensure the safe and efficient handling of materials, the UK’s leading manufacturer of offsite, panelised ‘room in roof’ systems Smartroof has invested in four Combilift at its Derbyshire production facility With the previous 12 months being the busiest in the company’s history, there has been a marked increase in the volume of materials that need to be offloaded and moved around both inside and outside the factory. To increase production efficiencies and to meet the growth in demand for ‘room in roof’ systems, Smartroof has acquired four new multidirectional forklifts from Combilift for its Swadlincote facility. Handling specialist Forkway provided Smartroof with two Combilift C8000E and two Combilift CBE 3000 models which were supplied with Smartroof’s corporate livery. Commenting on the additions, Lukasz Semen, Production Director at Smartroof said: “Space utilisation and speed were crucial factors and the Combilifts have been integral to keeping up with fast paced operations and gaining more workspace inside.” The largest electric model available, the C8000E has enabled the safe handling of 10-12m long x 2.7m deep bundles of roof panels. Fitted with a 5.5m mast, a 6m wide hydraulic spreader beam with 2.5m long forks, the Combilift can reach across the truck bed to lift a complete load in one single procedure. With the previous trucks this necessitated multiple lifts and what used to take 40 minutes is now complete in 15 minutes. The CBE 3000s have a 3t capacity and will enable the Smartroof operatives to offload lighter products and components, as well as transport materials to the assembly lines. Compact and manoeuvrable, they can move between machinery without hindering the production facility. “We are in the process of changing the layout of the production area to accommodate the larger models, and without their multidirectional ability we’d have at least 20% less capacity overall. We weren’t expecting them to be quite as big as they are, but when we see them at work we realise why. They do exactly what we need and we’re very happy with the outcome,” added Lukasz. The investment in these handling solutions will ensure a high level of operational flexibility at the Smartroof facility and will ensure the company will be able to meet the housing sector’s growing demand for offsite ‘room in roof’ solutions.
In the Czech Republic, refurbishment of family houses dating from the 1970s is often not worthwhile and a good number of these properties are demolished. This was the case with a house in Rudná near Prague, which the owner had decided to demolish. However, quotes from companies to do the work were very expensive, so the owner decided to investigate other methods for carrying out the project. Other factors to consider included the relatively small plot of land on which the house was built, with the neighbour’s fence in close proximity and also the presence of a beautiful walnut tree, which needed to be protected during the work. In the end, the owner chose to carry out the work themselves with the help of a friend, Jiří Vrzáček, who is an industry expert, who regularly reviews machines and methods for this type of work and has carried out other demolition projects of this sort in the past. Jiří approached the project very analytically and found out which demolition solution would be the most effective, in terms of speed, overall costs and the lowest possible risk of damage to the environment. He considered three approaches – comparing the use of a large 22 tonne excavator, a classic backhoe loader or a combination of a compact excavator and a compact loader. Compact Demolition Solution Wins Out Demolition with a large excavator would be very fast, but spatially, this solution proved unrealistic and working with a backhoe loader would take too long. In the end, they chose to use a pair of machines with precisely divided tasks: the demolition work was undertaken using a new Bobcat E55z mini-excavator and the loading of debris by a new Bobcat T76 compact track loader. This combination, together with the use of specialized attachments, proved to be very effective: in just six hours, the house was completely demolished to ground level. Overall, the demolition and complete removal of debris was completed in a record two days and it was only the delays in trucks arriving at the site to take away the spoil that meant a second day was needed. Jiří Vrzáček said: “We started the demolition very carefully – we tore down the chimneys and gables by hand, due to the proximity of the neighbour. This was followed by lightning-fast demolition, which we actually had done in six hours. Next in line was the loading of 400 tonne of material, where we were mainly limited by the speed of debris removal from the site. “Here the power of specialized technology was fully demonstrated: the E55z excavator with a hydraulic grab gradually dismantled the house and piled the debris to one side at the same time as sorting through the material rather than by hand. The T76 compact track loader was then able to load 32 tonne of debris in 15 minutes. Thanks to quality planning and a really careful selection of equipment, including the attachments, we managed to reduce costs by almost half.” The Bobcat Machines Used in the House Demolition An E55z mini-excavator, which features Bobcat’s unique Zero House Swing (ZHS) feature, adding another level of protection to the standard zero tail swing design, providing full peace of mind when operating the machine near walls and other obstacles. The E55z has an operating weight of 5346 kg and offers a maximum reach at ground level of 5843 mm. The T76 is the largest of the new R-Series compact track loaders that Bobcat began manufacturing at the end of 2020. The T76 has a tipping load of 4050 kg. It can lift a load to a maximum height of 3.20 m. Attachments – they included a hydraulic sorting grab, hydraulic hammers, grapple buckets and standard buckets and others. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit www.bobcat.com
Wider choice of 4 finance schemes for buying new Bobcat equipment Under a special promotion running to the end of December 2021, Bobcat is offering customers an expanded choice of attractive hire purchase financing options for buying new Bobcat loaders, mini-excavators and telehandlers. The roster of finance options in the special promotion now includes a new Seasonal Payments Plan launched by Bobcat. This adds to the Buy Now, Pay Later; 50% Half Price Rentals and 0% Over 3 Years plans also available in the promotion period. These finance schemes are attractive for customers in all markets, including construction, rental, agriculture, horticulture, waste, recycling and landscaping. “Particularly suited to seasonal industries such as agriculture and horticulture, the new Seasonal Payments scheme adds another financing option to the wide array available to Bobcat customers. This expands choice and helps new and existing Bobcat customers to develop their businesses, both to weather tough market conditions, but also to meet increased demand,“ says Hayley Quinn, Finance Manager for Doosan Financial Solutions EMEA in the UK & Ireland. A Choice of Four Different Financing Schemes Seasonal Payments Plan – Under this scheme, customers pay an initial 10% downpayment, followed by an agreed schedule dictated by the seasonal nature of their businesses of further payments over a 36 month period, based on a very attractive 0% interest rate. Buy Now, Pay Later – Complementing the seasonal payments scheme, this plan provides up to 180 days deferral on the first payment. This allows customers to generate profits from their new Bobcat machines, well before they need to complete their first instalment payment, with no downpayment and a 0.45% interest rate. 50% Half Price Rentals – Providing another level of flexibility, under the 50% Half Price Rentals finance scheme, customers pay a 10% downpayment, but then only need to pay half of the regular monthly hire purchase payments for the first 12 months of the plan. 0% Over 3 Years – Completing the choice of finance plans is a 0% interest scheme, with payments spread over 36 months and with a 10% downpayment. As with all the plans, the customer will own the equipment following the final payment. John Christofides, Regional Sales Director, Northern Europe, East Europe and CIS and Russia for Bobcat EMEA, added: “With the addition of the new Seasonal Payments scheme, we are providing our customers with even more answers for purchasing Bobcat machines, so they can ensure their businesses prosper and meet increasing demand as we come out of the pandemic. Our special finance schemes also provide our customers’ businesses with the flexibility they need to deal with ever changing market conditions.” All details and applications for the finance schemes are available via Authorised Bobcat Dealers in the UK. For more information about Bobcat and Bobcat products, visit the website www.bobcat.com
Construction equipment hire and services provider Speedy has introduced the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower to the market following a multi-million-pound investment in its UK fleet. The business has added 200 new Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid units to its lighting range through an exclusive partnership with Generac. The four-in-one units can run directly from the mains, an internal battery, a solar panel hired separately, or on green HVO D+ (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fuel and they can operate automatically in reaction to changing light levels. An external battery pack can power the towers for up to five days at 10 hours per day. Speedy’s £6.3m investment also includes 225 new MX Fuel Lighting Towers, 200 X-Eco Lighting Towers, 100 VB9+ Lighting Towers and 100 solar powered lights to its fleet for contractors to hire across the UK. The 825 new towers from Generac, Trime and Milwaukee will help construction, infrastructure engineering and events contractors to reduce carbon emissions through electric-only operation, while offering users options which run on diesel HVO D+ if projects require. Speedy takes delivery of the new kit ahead of the clocks going back for winter, with shorter nights driving high demand from contractors for lighting towers to keep sites safe. Many of the towers will be used to support major rail development projects across the country, with a large quantity already earmarked for HS2 delivery partners. Andy Connor, group supply chain director at Speedy, said: “The new, sustainable products will enable contractors to reduce carbon footprints across their projects. Working closely with Generac on the launch of the Speedy V20 Eco Hybrid towers is an excellent example of how we’re using our intermediary position in the construction supply chain to introduce new, transformative technology to the market. “The investment represents a significant expansion of our fleet, giving contractors greater access to high-performance and versatile lighting that’s capable of meeting the varied demands of live sites.” Alessandro Rossi, Managing Director at Generac, said: “We’ve worked closely with Speedy to develop this new-to-market specification of lighting tower. They are a great addition to our existing range of light and heavy-duty towers that are built around easy operation and durability. “By calling on Speedy’s contractor relationships and industry expertise, we’ve designed a new lighting tower that effectively meets both the day-to-day needs of site workers, and the overarching sustainability requirements of the industry.” For more information, visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/
Construction services provider Speedy has opened two new regional service centres in Scotland, strategically located on key arterial routes into Edinburgh and Aberdeen to help local contractors quickly access crucial equipment. The purpose-built 22,000 sq ft centre on West Edinburgh Business Park consolidates the hire provider’s smaller outlets previously located across the city. The move brings together its full hire fleet under one roof, which will help to reduce carbon emissions by providing equipment to customers in a single delivery. Similarly, the 13,200 sq ft Aberdeen centre on Denmore Industrial Estate is almost a third larger than the city’s two previous outlets combined. Extra space will allow the centres to accommodate customer training, with both offering an extensive range of courses including International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) training for safe working at height. Both locations offer tools, lifting equipment, plant, and powered access machinery, as well as providing site surveys to customers. The Edinburgh site is a specialist facility in the company’s 200-strong UK centre network for air conditioning solutions. The centre in Aberdeen specialises in lifting equipment to meet local demand from the offshore oil and gas industry. It will also provide fencing and crowd control to support the recovery of the region’s events industry. The two sites will employ 44 staff, with both set to make new hires over the next year to meet growing demand. Ryan McGurk, regional manager for Scotland at Speedy said: “The new sites in Edinburgh and Aberdeen occupy strategic locations in each city. This means we’re now much more accessible for customers at busy times, with arterial connections ensuring deliveries land with customers fast, and well within our four-hour delivery promise. “With the new base in Edinburgh, we’re well positioned to support contractors as they fulfil major housebuilding and infrastructure projects underway across the city region. “Likewise, our new Aberdeen centre will bring our lifting services back into the city to meet significant local demand from the large base of companies supporting offshore operations.” Speedy is the UK’s leading provider of tools, equipment and plant hire services to a wide range of customers in the construction, infrastructure and industrial markets, as well as to local trade and consumers. It operates from sites across the UK and Ireland, including 20 in Scotland.
National plant hire company invests in 80 Cat® machines As part of its commitment to sustainable construction, L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage has invested in 80 Cat machines so far in 2021, with another 20 expected to arrive later this year. This means that Lynch currently has over 200 Cat machines in its fleet. As long-term adopters of Stage V compliant equipment, Lynch were proud to be able to add the world’s first high drive electric drive dozer to its fleet, purchasing five D6 XEs already this year. Alongside the new dozers, Lynch invested in several machines from Caterpillar®’s next generation range. Lynch supports operators with Eco Driver Training, to ensure that operators are driving their machines in the most efficient way. The extra technology onboard these machines was a welcome addition that not only helps the operator and reduces fuel consumption. “At Lynch we understand the importance of continually upgrading our modern and reliable fleet,” explained Chris Gill, Director at Lynch. “We were impressed by the amount of technology loaded onto the next generation machines, particularly the features that support machine control, telematics and weigh loading. “We know it’s important to have equipment that is reliable and equipped with the best technology available, as we are involved in so many large infrastructure projects, such as HS2 and various Highways England schemes. We also want to attract the best talent in the industry to operate our plant and running state-of-the-art machines on fleet helps us achieve this.” “The investment in these Cat machines reaffirms our strong working relationship with Lynch,” said Jake Wright, National Account Manager at Finning. “It is always a pleasure to work with Lynch and help it to expand its fleet with new machines, all loaded with new features. The team has certainly cemented the company’s place as an adopter of new technology and, with continued investments, it will rightly keep its place at the forefront of the industry.” All the machines purchased by Lynch are supported by Cat Finance and covered by extended warranties, which means that Finning will service each piece of equipment after 500 hours of work. In line with the company’s growth, Lynch is expecting to place another order with Finning in 2022, even larger than this year’s. For more information on Cat next generation excavators or its XE series, visit www.finning.com.
Articulated hauler specialist Terex Trucks rebrands as Rokbak and announces its vision for an exciting new future. The Scottish manufacturer unveiled the new brand at a digital launch event on September 1, attended by dealers, customers, media, and Volvo Group colleagues from around the world. Rokbak is the new name for Terex Trucks, with the new brand representing the continuation of its strong hauling heritage with a future-focused vision. Throughout the last four decades, the company has never wavered in its promise to customers to deliver powerful and reliable articulated haulers – and that legacy remains front and centre within the new brand. At the same time, the Rokbak name represents an exciting new future and reflects the significant advances the organization has made in recent years as well as its new strategic priorities. “Our company has an incredible history and a proud heritage,” said Paul Douglas, Managing Director. “Seven years ago, we became a member of the Volvo Group, which allowed us to make major improvements in every part of our business. Millions of pounds have been invested in improving our products, modernising our facilities, expanding our network, and developing our people. It has been a process of continual evolution. That’s why we feel it’s right to recognize this evolution with a new brand name to launch an exciting new chapter in our history. And we’ll keep investing to further improve our machines for our customers.” Articulated haulers that don’t buckle under pressure The significant investments and improvements in the company’s articulated haulers in recent times have ensured they remain among the most robust and reliable machines around. Now, with their foundation in the predecessor models from Terex Trucks, the 28-tonne payload RA30 and 38-tonne payload RA40 from Rokbak are the most productive and efficient articulated haulers the company has ever made. As part of the new brand launch, the machines now come in Rokbak colours and livery. While maintaining the experienced design, craft and precision that are synonymous with the company’s haulers, the RA30 and RA40 deliver better fuel economy, lower emissions, improved safety, and greater durability. With a tough design that’s built to last, the haulers power through hard work with ease, boosting customers’ productivity no matter how tough the conditions. “We’re very excited to reveal our new brand, and of course our haulers are the shop window,” continued Paul Douglas. “Rokbak stands for power, performance and reliability. We already have a very healthy order book for the new brand, and we want to further expand our reputation, dealer network and market share. We’re still the same skilled, experienced, and passionate team, committed to making rock-solid haulers every day. But we also have a clear vision for where we want to go and who we want to be.” Rokbak has your back As part of the Volvo Group, Rokbak has experienced steady evolution over the past seven years. While this has taken place across the board, it is particularly prominent in four key areas: product design, sustainability, safety, and people. In product design, the company has introduced Stage V engines for better fuel efficiency and operation for customers. Other improvements include a new transmission on the 28-tonne (30.9-ton) machine, the introduction of the Haul Track telematics, and a stronger focus on operator wellbeing and safety. In terms of sustainability, the company’s manufacturing plant has shifted to 100% renewable energy as well as operating within Science-Based Targets and ISO standards, plus targeting CO2 emission reductions. The focus on safety has been emphasised in all areas, but particularly on its employees. Changes in processes at the factory have seen a stronger concentration on maintaining employee safety while simultaneously delivering high standards and low downtime. For the company’s people at the heart of Rokbak, there is a continual focus on professional development, keeping the team at the forefront of skill and expertise. Similarly, Dealer Operating Standards and training ensures the expanded dealer network continues to deliver the highest levels of service. “We are proud and excited to have the modernized Rokbak brand continue as a fundamental part of our organization,” said Melker Jernberg, President Volvo CE and Executive Vice President Volvo Group. “We believe in a sustainable future, innovation and the power of our people and we see that all encapsulated in Rokbak. At the same time, the company has its own personality, heritage and loyal customer base and it will be exciting to see the brand evolve further as it sets out on this new stage of its journey.”
CFTS, the industry accrediting body for Through Examination, has flagged up concerns regarding the testing of attachments on a wide range of forklift trucks and mobile plant. “There seems to be some confusion among not only owners and operators of equipment but also a large number of inspection companies when it comes to testing attachments,” explains Geoff Martin, Chairman of CFTS. “The first issue is what attachments require a Thorough Examination. The law is quite clear that if lifting attachments are not permanently fitted – and that can include anything from safety cages to bale and barrel clamps – then they must receive a separate Thorough Examination to ensure they are safe and in good working order. “Which brings us onto the second issue and that is the problem of specificity. Many of those carrying out Thorough Examinations (often referred to as LOLERs) are using a generic checklist when inspecting attachments. That is not best practice and could leave you exposed to prosecution should things go wrong.” When conducting an examination of any attachment it is vitally important that the documentation includes a full set of checks specific to the attachments(s), regardless of whether it is fitted permanently or temporarily. Working with leading manufacturers and distributors of attachments, CFTS has created a 33-point checklist that ensures all electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical components are working correctly and safely. This is only available through companies that have been accredited through the CFTS process. “The third issue is one of timing,” adds Geoff Martin. “Because of the nature of the work and the potential for injuries or component failure, removable attachments generally require more frequent inspections than the forklift, tractor, telehandler or plant to which they are fitted. “However, my advice to anyone whose lifting equipment uses an attachment would be to eliminate any doubt by visiting the CFTS website and contacting the nearest CFTS-accredited company and check what applies to your individual equipment, site and operations. Their guidance will be expert, free of charge and without any obligations.” To gauge how often Thorough Examinations are required take this quick CFTS quiz: https://www.thoroughexamination.org/how-often-is-thorough-examination-required For more information on CFTS or to find your nearest Thorough Examination provider visit www.thoroughexamination.org/find-an-accredited-examiner