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Tag: safety

Putting the last mile first in 2022

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Whilst hard to believe that it’s almost two years since we first heard about Covid-19 with uncertainty remaining about its longer-term effects on society, one thing appears absolutely clear: the pandemic has influenced consumer habits to such a degree that the upward trend in online shopping is most likely irreversible, writes Graham Sharp, Managing Director of Stanley Handling.

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, the UK’s e-commerce sector has experienced the highest online sales growth in 13 years with total online sales growth for 2020 rising by almost 40% year-on-year. This change in customer behaviour, in part forced upon society due to Covid-19 restrictions, has put significant pressure on retailers to stock items and be able to deliver quickly, in many cases the next day, in order to remain competitive.

The impact of both the pandemic and Brexit on the supply chains across all sectors of industry continues to hamper the economic recovery and consumer sentiment, which has been widely documented. When it comes to last-mile delivery, retailers are faced with a range of issues, including but not limited to: driver shortages; single-person delivery; gender pay equality; ageing of workforce; and mitigation from Covid-19.

With the now ubiquitous Black Friday season and also Christmas imminent, the last-mile process is under enormous pressure and this year is likely to be one of the most challenging ever faced by retailers.

Whilst there has been massive investment and technological development in warehouse management systems over the past decade, such as in AI-based automation, robotics and data analytics, the supply chain industry has been under pressure to change more rapidly, as a result of higher volumes of orders and more demanding customer expectations.

Protecting staff from risk of injury through manual handling, whilst optimising operative efficiency and managing costs, is an area where innovation and smart thinking therefore needs to play a vital role.

In the USA, solutions implemented by businesses to protect staff have been shown to lower insurance premiums, as part of efforts to avoid the damaging effects of corporate litigation. In the UK, this approach is being taken by insurers to reduce the cost of motor insurance, by encouraging motorists and businesses to utilise vehicle dashcams and fleet-wide GPS trackers to reduce premiums. I would reasonably expect meaningful efforts to reduce personnel injury to positively impact on business insurance premiums over the coming years.

Even before the pandemic, the latest available statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that improper manual handling costs the UK economy hundreds of millions of pounds each year with more than 480,000 injuries recorded. Musculoskeletal injuries account for over 40% of all work-related sickness and HSE data shows that more than 8.9 million working days are lost to this type of injury each year.

With job vacancies at an all-time high, businesses simply cannot afford to have staff off work as a consequence of not investing in equipment or processes designed to improve efficiency and minimise risk.

As a strategic business partner to retailers across the UK, Stanley has proven to add value through the provision of specially designed solutions. Following a successful trial of our equipment, we became a supply and maintenance partner to ASDA in 2021, which was the first supermarket to roll-out powered stair climbers to its urban delivery fleet.

Similarly, the use of innovative wearable devices which utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to measure forces on the body and identify hazardous actions are now being trialled. A major benefit of AI is that data can encourage employees to self-manage their wellbeing, whilst management can use it to implement wider business improvements.

In our experience of supporting customers with such technology, operatives can embed correct handling techniques into their working lives, reduce the risk of injury and help create a culture of safety and productivity.

Now more than ever, I would urge the logistics sector to consider innovative ways of helping tackle the challenges of the last mile.

Werma publishes white paper on signal technology

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Werma has published a free white paper, available for free download, to help understand how important the choice of the right signal is for the safety of everyone in industrial environments. It explains which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics.

Optical and audible signals have always played an important role and have been continually developed over the centuries. Even in ancient times, wood-fired beacons kept seafarers on course. Today, state-of-the-art LED technology serves as a light source for a variety of signalling applications.

There are also a number of examples in our everyday life that illustrate the great advantage of easy-to-understand signals: A red traffic light, the horn of a car or the siren of a fire engine. These signals send a message to the recipient quickly and non-verbally, regardless of the language they speak.

This is precisely why optical and audible signals are also used in industrial environments, production, automation, logistics and building technology to warn, guide and protect everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Signal technology taken to the next level

In modern industry, signal technology is taken a step further: In addition to classic optical and acoustic signalling, intelligently networked, retrofittable systems and clever Industry 4.0 solutions are being used to make networking easy for companies of all sizes. Make processes faster, leaner, better and more efficient, simply at the touch of a button.

Werma’s free white paper explains the importance of choosing the right signal for everyone’s safety. It also describes which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics as well as how quickly, easily and uncomplicatedly machines, workstations or flow racks can be networked using modern, radio-based signal technology.

Cutting-edge technologies for data exchange

As modern signal devices not only warn, guide and protect on site, both optically and acoustically, but also communicate intelligently with each other, this white paper presents state-of-the-art networking technologies: Werma’s signal devices have the latest interfaces – whether IO-Link, AS-i, USB or as a wireless network – enabling fast, flexible and uncomplicated data exchange.

CLICK HERE to download the free white paper.

 

 

Port of Antwerp uses fixed-wing drones

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Port of Antwerp, in partnership with aerospace company Sabca, has conducted field trials of a fixed-wing drone fitted with a powerful camera. The aim was to evaluate the technology’s potential to enhance real-time safety and security by providing the port authority with detailed images of developing incidents.

Unique perspective

Thanks to a drone’s unique view it can make a significant contribution to the overall safety within the Port of Antwerp, which covers more than 120 km² and forms part of Belgium’s critical infrastructure. A fixed-wing drone can remain airborne for more than eight hours, taking pictures with a very powerful camera (30x zoom) from a height of 280 metres. The types of tasks that can be performed include inspecting infrastructure, surveillance and monitoring, incident management, berth management and the detection of oil spills or floating waste.

The collaboration, which also included the Waasland Emergency Assistance Zone and the Antwerp Fire Brigade Zone, tested out various use cases. The images recorded by the unmanned aircraft covered four realistic emergency situations: a container fire, the rescue of a person in distress on top of a windmill, the rescue of a drowning person and the rescue of a man overboard. They will provide insights into the possibilities of using drones within the port environment.

Building the port of the future

According to Port of Antwerp, the use of drones will play an increasingly important role in the port of the future as a means of maintaining safety. Cooperation with innovative partners, such as the aviation specialist Sabca, will form a key part of this.

The trials using the fixed-wing drone were carried out in close cooperation with the port’s safety partners. The experience gained in incident management will lead to even more efficient collaboration.

“Drones will be indispensable in the near future when performing high-risk tasks,” says Thibauld Jongen, the CEO of Sabca. “By carrying out these demonstrations in collaboration with Port of Antwerp, we are able to show that we can make various operations safer and more efficient by using unmanned aircraft for inspections, transporting goods and surveillance. Sabca is a specialist when it comes to carrying out complex assignments such as these, in which different partners cooperate with each other. We ensure that all systems are perfectly integrated so that the drones can collect and pass on the right information. We also use this expertise for other projects such as the automatic transportation of medical samples between hospitals, carrying out inspections of wind turbines at sea, measuring radiation at industrial sites and conducting surveillance assignments off the Belgian coast. By undertaking this joint exercise, Port of Antwerp is once again showing itself to be an innovative player that always seeks to play a pioneering role. We are therefore also grateful that Port of Antwerp decided to work with Sabca, a company also based in Belgium, in order to conduct these trials.”

Bob Spanoghe from Port of Antwerp explains: “Given the huge surface area of the port, drones provide us with leverage when it comes to carrying out our core tasks as a port authority. Our goal is to put in place an operational network of drones by 2022 in order to provide a ‘live feed’ of the various port activities. As a tool, this will enhance the work carried out by the entire port community. That will enable us to have a more accurate sense of what is going on within the port and as we work towards the achievement of a safe, efficient and smart port – the port of the future. This the first time that trials using this fixed-wing drone have been undertaken in a port environment and they have helped us progress yet another step further, including in the collaboration we have achieved with our safety partners.”

Annick De Ridder, Port Alderman: “We are pulling out all the stops for a safe port and drones will become indispensable for this in the near future, also in our port. Innovation and digitalisation are crucial to guarantee sustainable growth in the long term. Port of Antwerp is therefore the driving force behind inventing and realising solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. Moreover, the port is an ideal environment to test and further develop this innovative technology.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO OF THE DRONE TRIALS

Fatal accident prompts call for forklift inspections

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), the trade body representing all aspects of the UK’s material handling industry, has highlighted the importance of proper forklift maintenance and safety procedures following a fatal industrial accident.

The warning comes after the Health & Safety Executive successfully prosecuted the owners of a fencing business following an accident at their premises in which an employee died after being crushed by falling timber.

The accident occurred at PA Fencing Ltd in Bristol in 2017. The deceased, Roderick McKenzie Hopes, was working in a yard at the company’s premises when a telehandler being used to move timber exceeded its rated capacity and tipped over. In doing so, the truck toppled onto stacked timber which fell onto Mr Hopes resulting in his death.

North Somerset Magistrates Court was told that an investigation by HSE inspectors had found the telehandler was faulty and that the safety device to ensure lift heights were not exceeded was inoperative and that maintenance had failed to identify this. In addition, the investigation found that the truck operator had not received full training in how to use the truck and that the machine was regularly used to lift unsafe loads.

The HSE said the yard supervisor did not know the machine’s safe limits and that the yard had not been laid out to allow the safe stacking of the timber.

The court was told the investigation also found that PA Fencing Ltd shared the telehandler with David Crossman, who owns a neighbouring farm and rents the yard to PA Fencing Ltd. Neither PA Fencing Ltd nor Mr Crossman had ensured the machine was properly maintained nor that it was independently thoroughly examined.

David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA, said: “This sad case has highlighted a catalogue of errors that may have been avoided had the legally-required Thorough Examination been carried out.”

The importance of Thorough Examination by an accredited provider has received a strong focus this year, being the theme of National Forklift Safety Day. Previous campaigns have also identified the importance of safely segregating workers from material handling equipment and the proper training of lift truck operators.

The 2021 campaign coincided with the publication of an updated BITA Guidance Note GN28, the industry guideline on Thorough Examination and Safety Inspection of Industrial Lift Trucks. This translates the general provisions of LOLER, or more correctly, The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and PUWER, that is, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, into specific requirements for forklift trucks.

Goss said: “A Thorough Examination is the name given to the mandatory inspection required by law to ensure the lifting equipment on a truck is in safe working order. It is roughly equivalent to the MOT for cars.

“Generally, lifting equipment must receive a Thorough Examination at least once a year. However, more frequent examinations could be required depending on the application.”

He said a comprehensive Thorough Examination and Safety Inspection in accordance with GN28, would establish that a truck could continue to be operated safely and without injury to persons provided that the truck was operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It will verify that the truck is operating as it should when lifting and travelling, identify any defects or weaknesses which could compromise the safe use of the truck and specify the timescales within which identified defects or weaknesses need to be rectified.

“In addition, the examiner will check that all safety devices are functioning correctly, that warning notices are correctly fixed and legible; and where necessary, specify any limitations on the use of a truck,” added Goss.

The CFTS mark awarded on completion of a successful Thorough Examination by an accredited competent person, demonstrates that a truck has been examined carefully, and that key components such as brakes and steering have been thoroughly checked, along with the lifting mechanism.

“The purpose of Thorough Examination, which is required by law, is to prevent exactly this type of tragedy,” concluded Goss.

How to avoid common warehouse hazards

Posted on by David Priestman

Some warehouse hazards are more obvious than others. The lesser-known hazards are often the most dangerous, especially when they go unreported. Warehouses are complex workplaces full of different moving parts and a high volume of staff where even the most minor accidents can cause damaged stock or equipment.

With the increasing popularity of online shopping, warehouses are seeing an increased demand for work. This means companies are hiring underqualified staff to make up numbers. Therefore, warehouse health and safety is more important than ever. This post will cover some of the most common warehouse hazards, along with shocking figures to show how dangerous these hazards are and ways accidents can be avoided.

Slips and Trips

Studies found that 37% of all reported workplace injuries resulted from a slip, trip, or fall in one year. Also, falls caused a staggering 28% of all fatalities in the workplace. These hazards are not always easy to spot, some of the culprits being puddles and sawdust. Falls do not have to be from a height to be dangerous; ground-level falls are especially hazardous when carrying something heavy.

Falls From Height

In the construction industry, falls from height were responsible for 47% of fatalities recorded in one year. Wherever there is a significant drop between floors, a guard railing and clear warning signage are essential.

Companies should always give staff properly accredited training in how to work safely at a height. This includes ladder safety, as unstable ladders can be dangerous. Warehouses should always use high-quality ladders, and the area around the ladders kept clean and clear.

Fires

Fires can destroy a whole warehouse, but luckily fires are also one of the most manageable hazards. Warehouses should always have marked exits, routine fire drills and practice alarms, fire extinguishers and fire doors. Fires spread fast in warehouses due to various flammable goods and packaging often stored there.

Always keep an eye out for worn and exposed wires and old extension cords, as well as extension cords being overused. Warehouses that hold flammable fluids and gasses need to be extra careful; staff must report any leaks. Also, avoid running electrical wires under carpets.

Lack of Training and Education

Warehouses have been known to skip proper training to save money and time; this creates all kinds of hazards and should never be done. Lack of training and education can result in injuries, compensation payouts, lawsuits, and fines.

Unlike forklifts, electric tow tugs can be used without official training or acquiring a license. This is because they are safe and easy to use, so switching your machinery to tow tugs means training is no longer an issue.

Bodily Strain & Fatigue

Most warehouse injuries are due to sudden accidents. Still, strain and fatigue can build up and eventually lead to severe injuries. Fatigue causes risk since it can lead to staff failing to use equipment properly on not concentrating at work.

All warehouse staff should be trained in proper lifting techniques, and investing in equipment that reduces physical strain is crucial. Electric tow tugs are a great investment thanks to being small in size. They are easy to operate, meaning staff will not become fatigued by using them.

Forklifts

Statistics show that, shockingly, forklifts are the most dangerous form of workplace transport in the country, and they are still used in many warehouses across the country. 25% of workplace injuries directly result from forklift truck accidents, meaning 1,300 employees are hospitalised each year with serious injuries.

The leading cause of many forklift-related injuries can be linked to a lack of employee training. Industar believes that, for a safer option, tow tugs are easier to use, so no license is required. They hold loads closer to the ground, meaning visibility is better, and stock is less likely to be dropped. They are also easier to store, meaning they don’t get in the way.

Hazard Reporting

Inform all staff of the importance of reporting hazards. Maybe tell them to read this post to realise just how dangerous warehouse hazards can be. Reporting hazards early can avoid injury. Ultimately, warehouse safety relies on policies, training, and safety equipment.

All workplaces should have a risk assessment, but it is essential due to the added risk in warehouses. https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/warehouse.pdf

Check out this guide to creating a warehouse risk assessment. It is vital to identify all hazards your premise currently has and put measures in place to avoid injury. The guide covers many different safety topics, such as lifting and handling, transport, working at a height, and avoiding fires.

Tugs For Warehouses

Industar stocks a wide range of tow tugs, guaranteed to make transporting goods in your warehouse safer and easier. Not only this, but it also has a variety of industrial vacuum cleaners to keep your warehouse clean and hazard-free.

LEEA to host online port safety event

Posted on by David Priestman

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) will host the Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime event on 26th October 2021 via Zoom. The free to attend event will be joined by Richard Steele from ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association), as well as LEEA colleagues who will be delving into safety issues surrounding work around ports and maritime organisations.

Lifting and Safety in Ports and Maritime is open to anyone who will find this event helpful or works in the ‘wet logistics’ industry, including the maritime and ports sectors. LEEA will be focusing on lifting equipment used in these settings. Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA said: “The event aims to start conversations between Members and end users, particularly those further up the supply chain, to share knowledge around lifting safely and make sure that normal practice is best practice.”

For more information and to register, contact: events@leeaint.com

 

Biodegradable wheel nut indicators launched

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Haulage wheel safety solution company Checkpoint has pioneered product innovation in its range of internationally renowned wheel nut indicators by making them fully biodegradable and therefore better for the planet.

Striving to achieve environmental sustainability across multiple vehicular industries, Checkpoint spent two short years, in a laboratory, testing and re-testing components that would make the company’s product range completely biodegradable, whilst maintaining the quality of manufacturing that is synonymous with Checkpoint.

Selling 17 million products per year to over 65 countries globally, the company estimates that by the end of 2021 all of its products produced will be the newly innovated version called Bio-Checkpoint.

The now biodegradable wheel nut indicators remain at the forefront of the market for premium quality, and continue to be available in any colour, personalised to match each individual customer’s signage and livery.

Commenting on the company’s sustainable invention, CEO Mike Marczynski said: “30 years ago, we were pioneers of the world’s first loose nut indicators, and now we are continuing to lead the vehicular industry sectors by re-launching our already recyclable Checkpoint products as biodegradable – this is a landmark moment for us, our clients and the industry.

“We have always had visual safety and preventative maintenance at the core of our business, and for some time now, we have wanted to do better for the environment and today marks our commitment to do that globally.”

Checkpoint has absorbed the total cost of this investment within the business. Marczynski continues: “With 200 tonnes of plastic sold each year alone by Checkpoint, we couldn’t sit back and watch, we had to do something about it. It’s on us as a business and we won’t be passing this cost onto our customers in any way.”

The Bio-Checkpoint’s key benefits include:

  • An instant visual indicator of wheel-nut movement
  • Indicates possible faults with brakes or bearings through melting or distorting
  • Supports fleet safety checks
  • Cost effective and easy to implement
  • Fully recyclable
  • Now fully biodegradable

Checkpoint was the first-ever product of its kind on the global market to provide an indication of wheel nut movement on commercial vehicles. This clever solution helps to ensure that every truck driver and fleet operator can carry out quick and easy visual checks and audits on their vehicle wheels. Its application has since been introduced to a wide range of sectors in order to provide a solution to loose nuts on plant structures, rail tracks etc.

The Checkpoint visually indicates nut movement. By placing the Checkpoints in a recognisable pattern such as point to point, any movement of the nut is clearly visible at a glance. This assists the visual inspection of wheel nuts, identifying when a nut loosens, to prevent the wheel from coming off. It also melts at a specific temperature to highlight any overheating issues with the wheel or equipment.

Collision warning turning it up to eleven

Posted on by David Priestman

Sentry Protection Products has turned it ‘up to eleven’ with the release of the Collision Sentry® Corner Pro 211, the latest model of the company’s award-winning collision warning system.

The industrial environment is a noisy place. To be effective, an audio alarm needs to rise above the background noise to be heard. The volume on the earlier model (200) was set high enough to do that. But there are some circumstances – in very high noise areas – where the volume needs to be even louder.

With the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211, we’ve turned the volume ‘up to eleven.’ What exactly does that mean? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it means, “to reach or surpass the maximum level or limit.” So, when ten just isn’t enough, you need to turn it up to eleven. It’s based on a great joke from the file This is Spinal Tap.

The 211 model picks up where we left off with the previous model. The high volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 200 is now the low volume on the Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211. The new 211 model high volume setting is double the volume of the low setting. There is still the option to turn the sound off completely if that better fits the situation.

Sentry was able to boost the volume without compromising a significant amount of energy efficiency or battery life. There are exceptions to that depending on usage and volume setting. The audio alarmed in synchronization with the video alarm makes for a powerful deterrent to blind corner accidents.

The Collision Sentry Corner Pro is a collision warning system that works to prevent accidents at blind corner intersections by sending both an audio and visual alert to warn of approaching traffic. Each patented unit is easy to install, self-powered, portable, compact, and lightweight and deploys immediately. Collision Sentry snaps on to pallet racks quickly using integrated magnet mounts. Anyone working in a high traffic facility understands the need for Collision Sentry®.

The upgraded units are in stock and available for purchase through Sentry distributors. The Collision Sentry Corner Pro 211 is offered at the same price as the previous model. For more information, please visit www.sentrypro.com

CO2 traffic lights ensure safe working conditions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Motorhome specialist Hymer uses a CO2 traffic light system from Werma to ensure the health and safety of all persons present in its Bad Waldsee, Germany maintenance facility.

“Camper van travel is more than a vacation – it’s a passion”, says Markus Bächle, Team Leader of Maintenance and Repair at the Hymer Electrical Workshop, with a twinkle in his eyes. “So our customers are entitled to receive a vehicle of the highest standard – whether we are talking about comfort, quality, safety equipment, comprehensive features or value retention.”

It is immediately obvious that the engineer is not only a fan of Hymer and their production processes, he adores the whole world of caravanning. He enthusiastically explains the individual production and assembly steps, describes the materials used and gives us insights into the training workshop. “‘Made in Germany’ is not just a phrase for us, we really put it into practice – everything is produced in Germany. This guarantees outstanding quality for our customers and a high degree of independence for the company.”

Smiling, he adds: “In fact, it would be even more accurate for us to say ‘Made in Bad Waldsee’!”

As the inventor of the motorhome, Hymer has built premium-quality recreational vehicles since 1957 and enables its customers to experience unique trips and holidays. From practical camper vans to premium motorhomes, the company has the right vehicle for any requirement. Hymer guarantees high-quality vehicles with the highest levels of comfort and technology. Hymer’s mission has always been to set new standards, whether for safety, lightweight construction or insulation.

Caravanning: More freedom in times of a pandemic

For months now, the COVID-19 pandemic has acutely curtailed not only the German economy, but all areas of life and the entire country. The pandemic has also left its mark on Hymer. On one hand, the company was delighted that the order books were full and that caravanning as a hobby was experiencing increased popularity but, says Bächle, “at the moment, we can’t produce enough to meet market demands”.

The company, like many others, has also had to contend with supply bottlenecks, coronavirus in the workforce and the strict requirements of the regulatory and health authorities. “Of course, we are very keen to protect the health of all our employees,” says the maintenance technician. “It’s our top priority to avoid infections in the workplace and to make everyone on site feel safe and happy.”

When asked what measures Hymer introduced to ensure this, Bächle replied: “We met the requirements of the authorities and equipped our trainees with CO2 measuring devices. They spent all day every day for three months measuring the CO2 values in the ambient air in all areas of the company. We just wanted to prove that our air quality is fine and that we protect our employees from infection in the workplace as far as possible.”

Reliable air quality values

The company went one step further and looked for an even more precise solution: “We simply wanted to display the current status of air quality continuously and reliably to all those present,” says Bächle. “The measurements taken by our trainees did indeed show that we generally have very good values, but these measurements were too sporadic, not reliable enough and, above all, not visible to the employees on site.”

The head of maintenance therefore started looking for suitable equipment to continuously measure the CO2 content in the ambient air and to present it clearly and visibly to all. He came across the solution provided by the signal device manufacturer: “We already knew about Werma. After all, we have been using their signal towers and the SmartMONITOR wireless-based machine monitoring system for a long time and are completely satisfied with these clever solutions.”

Ordered today, installed tomorrow

“Naturally, we also looked at alternative products,” says Bächle. “However, the light elements or signals they used were far too small to be noticed in our large production halls.” Some other products were not accurate enough, according to the head of maintenance. “We didn’t need to think about it for very long and immediately ordered 12 CO2 traffic lights from Werma for an initial test run. These were put through their paces in a separate production area.”

Bächle adds that the employees were immediately impressed with this type of display. “The traffic lights hang centrally and a little higher up so that they can be easily seen from anywhere. Right away, this put everyone at their ease and, most importantly, made them feel safe.”

In the meantime, more than 30 Werma CO2 traffic lights have been installed in the production halls at Hymer: in wooden components production, the foaming shop, upholstery, pre-assembly, side wall pre-assembly, the training workshop and the huge assembly hall where the vehicles are completed. Here, four CO2 traffic lights are mounted on each of the four assembly lines. A total of 16 traffic lights make a significant contribution to employee safety in the 15,000 sq m hall.

Visible through 360°

Werma’s solution for CO2 measurement in indoor air consists of a three-tier signal tower, which is immediately ready to use and very easy to install. Simply plug in the supplied power supply, wait until self-calibration is completed and the traffic light is ready for use. The current CO2 concentration in the ambient air is measured immediately and displayed using the three traffic light colours.

It continuously measures the current CO2 concentration and displays the results using the three traffic light colours – in accordance with official recommendations from the German Federal Environmental Agency:

  • If the CO2 concentration is below 1000 parts per million, the traffic light is green indicating that the air quality is OK
  • If the CO2 concentration exceeds 1000 ppm, the traffic light turns amber and indicates that ventilation is recommended
  • The red signal indicates that ventilation is required as the CO2 concentration has risen above 2000 ppm
  • If the limit of 3000 ppm is exceeded, a red blinking light indicates an acute need for ventilation

Top air quality at Hymer

Bächle is delighted that the CO2 traffic light is working so well and has been very well accepted: “The traffic light is clear, easy to understand and needs no explanation. Everyone can immediately see when the traffic light signal changes to amber and ventilation is required.”

Furthermore, the signals are clearly visible from all sides thanks to 360-degree illumination. The extremely bright LEDs guarantee that they are clearly visible, even in direct sunlight and bright surroundings.

Thanks to Werma’s CO2 traffic lights, air quality in enclosed spaces can be improved in the long term, as high concentrations of carbon dioxide and aerosols in enclosed spaces are avoided through regular and effective ventilation. This not only results in a more hygienic environment, but one that is more productive due to improved indoor air quality.

“We are pleased that the CO2 traffic light is not a short-term investment for our production halls,” says Bächle. “Low CO2 content in the room not only protects against infection, it also improves the concentration and performance of all those present.”

Werma’s new CO2 traffic lights not only ensure the highest possible level of safety for employees, customers and visitors, but also promotes long-term productivity and performance.

Logistics industry delivers HGV simulator to Zambia

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Four big names from the transport and logistics sector have come together to supply an HGV driver training simulator for the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) in Zambia, which Transaid has partnered with since 2008 to help meet the country’s growing demand for professional driver training.

The donation followed a visit to ITC in 2018 by representatives of Big Change, Clipper Logistics, Malcolm Group and XPO. Following a discussion with the ITC team and board, it was identified that a simulator would allow new drivers to spend additional hours behind the wheel in the safety of the classroom. After learning some basic skills, they can then head out for some practical experience within ITC’s grounds, before venturing onto quiet back roads with their instructor – often in a car at first – before taking to the wheel of one of ITC’s full-size training vehicles.

Mike Daly, non-Exec Director of Clipper Logistics and long-time Transaid ambassador, sourced the simulator from Clipper’s in-house training team, and then secured funds and expertise from the group to cover essential IT upgrades and shipping. Bishopsgate also stepped in to help, expertly crating the components without charge, to ensure they would be safe during the 5,000-mile journey.

The four partners also covered the travel expenses for Clipper’s National Driver Training Manager, Jon Aspden, to visit Zambia and install the simulator with the ITC team just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Once installed the need for further upgrades were identified, and the group collectively sourced the components during 2020, and they were personally delivered by a member of the Transaid team this year, enabling the simulator to be commissioned into service.

Daly explains: “This is a wonderful example of a group of companies, including competitors, coming together to support Transaid and ITC. A huge effort went into this project, and whilst the pandemic put the brakes on temporarily, we’re delighted to see it now actively in use.

“We are all very confident it will bring genuine value to ITC, and prove particularly valuable for first-time HGV drivers, since any time behind the wheel of a simulator brings zero road risk and helps to protect the training fleet from the heavy wear and tear on driveline components which you get with new drivers. A simulator also adds a level of repeatability and flexibility which can be beneficial when training, before heading out onto the road.”

Transaid’s partnership with ITC is focused on helping raise the standards of HGV, PSV and forklift driver training. The project directly supports Transaid’s belief that every driver should be able to leave for a day’s work without the fear they may not come home because of a lack of training, or dangerous vehicles and roads.

Since Transaid’s involvement in the project began in August 2008, the charity’s corporate members have supported in a variety of ways – providing buses, trucks, trailers and forklifts for use as training vehicles. Some have even supplied staff on secondment to share skills and knowledge with local trainers, helping to introduce new skills in-country.

Caroline Barber, CEO of Transaid, says: “We are hugely grateful to Big Change, Clipper Logistics, Malcolm Group and XPO for securing the simulator and working with the talented team at ITC to ensure it was installed in Lusaka. It’s an amazing resource; and we’re confident it will help drive standards of training at ITC even higher, alongside the existing classroom, workshop and practical on-road teaching.

“The ITC is well positioned to become a centre of excellence in the region and access to this type of technology is a vital part of that journey.”

Transaid transforms lives through safe, available, and sustainable transport. Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, the international development organisation shares 25 years’ worth of expertise in 23 countries with partners and governments – empowering people to build the skills they need to transform their own lives.

Transaid’s core work includes creating transport management systems for the public sector and assisting with the provision of professional driving qualification development and the training of driver trainers.  It also assists with teaching preventive vehicle maintenance management and introducing local, low cost transport solutions including its innovative bicycle ambulance. Transaid also helps promote road safety awareness and shares its specialist knowledge with the humanitarian aid sector.

Transaid enjoys strong backing from the transport and logistics industry and the active involvement of its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

 

 

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