SAFETY
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SPEEDY SHEETING
• Machining and fabrication engineer T S Coleman of Burton upon Trent, Staffs, is marketing a novel device for sheeting vehicle loads. It is called the Rollasheet, and its manufacturer claims that a load can be mechanically sheeted down within 30 seconds, compared with as many minutes to fold, position and lay sheets by hand.
The device consists of a gantry and roller. Sheets are prewound on to the roller at ground level and electrically hoisted to the top of the gantry. The vehicle headboard is positioned below the gantry and the leading edge of the sheet unrolls over the load. All securing and roping is done at ground level.
Advantages claimed by the manufacturer include a drastic reduction in turn-round times and less tired drivers — they are able to go out on the road cleaner and fresher and less liable to be involved in fatigueinduced road accidents.
The maker says that, depending on individual requirements, rolls can be made up to sheet between six and seven vehicles on one roll.
Prices range between 26,000 and £7,000.
Further information can be obtained from David Heal (0283) 63473.
FORK LIFT CODE
• 1 lie I health and Safety Commission is to publish a draft Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for the basic training of operators of counter-balanced and reach-lift trucks, together with draft supporting guidance.
The proposed ACOP sets out standards for the basic training of operators of the more common types of lift truck. While there are no specific requirements covering such training, there is a general duty to provide training under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
According to the Health and Safety Commission, up to 25% of fatal accidents at work involve transport, and lift trucks are the most commonly-involved vehicles. In many cases, the commission points out, the underlying cause is found to be inadequate or lack of training.
Further information about the proposed ACOP can be obtained from the Health and Safety Commission, telephone 01-723-3418.