Covid 19 Update – Face Coverings

With Government guidelines constantly changing, we are continuously having to adapt to fit with recommendations put in place. On that note, we have recently implemented that ALL candidates attending training at our centre MUST wear Face Coverings whilst in communal areas.

These can be removed once in the classroom setting, and within our warehouse as long as social distancing can be maintained. This is typically 2 metres, or 1 metre where the room can be ventilated adequately.

The evidence suggests that face coverings can help protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease from someone who is suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. 

In the event that you have any of the common symptoms, you will not be able to attend training. In addition, we are also implementing a temperature screening, and having all candidates attending sign a declaration to confirm they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.

You can do a self assessment to see if you have any Covid-19 symptoms using the below link.

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

COVID 19 – Cleaning the FLT Prior to use, and how to deal with waste for the cleaning process during the current pandemic.

With training being key within the logistics and medical supplies industries, The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and Gov.uk have both given advice on Safe Cleaning Practices of Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) during the current pandemic we find ourselves in. 

We have gone through both sets of information, and have outlined below the KEY aspects relevent (this is not way takes away from the rest of the information provided, all of which can be found on the links provided at the bottom of each section.)

Remember, information provided by the equipment manufacturer takes precedence over any other advise given on this website, either BITA or Gov.uk website, or any other documents made available by either HL Training, BITA or Gov.uk.

The British Industrial Truck Association (BITA)

The following advice is provided for materials handling equipment in regular use where there is no formal identification of contamination by the coronavirus.

Examples of surfaces that should be wiped clean

Before applying cleaning products always refer to the truck’s operator’s manual. 
• Steering Wheel
• Control Switches & Levers
• Touch sensitive display screens
• Grab handles
• Seat belts
• Dashboards & shared chassis areas
• Floor mats
• Access covers, e.g. battery change, fuel cap

Fork Lift Trucks; other surfaces
Unless a specific risk has been identified, special cleaning measures for surfaces which are not normally touched more frequently than every 72 hours are not required.

Waste
Any waste generated as a result of any cleaning process should be disposed of in contaminated waste, and should be sealed in a plastic bag, which is subsequently sealed in another plastic bag. 

This is to be stored away from normal waste. See details from Public Health England to the right, for more information on storage etc.

To read in full, click here.

Forklift Truck Reloading Pallet

We would like to thank both BITA and Public Health England for their advice on these matters, and would urge everyone operating MHE during these times to stick firmly to their advise – along with the additional advise of keeping social distancing in place whilst operating within your working environment.

Remember, where service critical training is required, we have instructors ready and available.

For a quote or more information on how we can deliver training in these testing times, email [email protected] or call 0117 9525625 opt 1.

Public Health England (Gov.uk)


Cleaning and disinfection

All surfaces that the symptomatic person has come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected, including:

Use disposable cloths or paper roll and disposable mop heads, to clean all hard surfaces, floors, chairs, door handles and sanitary fittings, following one of the options below:

• use either a combined detergent disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1,000 parts per million available chlorine

or

• a household detergent followed by disinfection (1000 ppm av.cl.). Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact times for all detergents and disinfectants

or

• if an alternative disinfectant is used within the organisation, this should be checked and ensure that it is effective against enveloped viruses

Avoid creating splashes and spray when cleaning.

Any cloths and mop heads used must be disposed of and should be put into waste bags as outlined below.

Waste

Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):

1. Should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full.

2. The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.

3. It should be put in a suitable and secure place and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known.

Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

•  if the individual tests negative, this can be put in with the normal waste

•  if the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put in with the normal waste

If storage for at least 72 hours is not appropriate, arrange for collection as a Category B infectious waste either by your local waste collection authority if they currently collect your waste or otherwise by a specialist clinical waste contractor. They will supply you with orange clinical waste bags for you to place your bags into so the waste can be sent for appropriate treatment.

To read in full, click here.

COVID-19 Lift Truck Training : HL Training Statement

After a lengthy wait from our accrediting bodies, two worked together to get the answers required within the Lift Truck Training Industry. Adam Smith of AITT, and Nick Welch of RTITB put their heads together and managed to get a response from the HSE regarding advice for training within the current COVID-19 epidemic.

Firstly, we would like to thank them for their time and effort in getting this statement, and their own comments. Additionally, we would like to outline what has been discussed, and what the statement means for Lift Truck Training in the UK currently.

Please see the statement in FULL, by clicking here.

***IMPORTANT NOTE*** All below quoted elements are from the document linked above.

Existing Trained Staff

As training certificate do NOT have an expiry date, “it may be reasonable and practicable to extend
the validity of current certificates by up to 3 months.”

If you do so “they should be able to demonstrate that they are meeting their legal duty to monitor and supervise lift truck drivers to ensuire that they continue to operate safely.”

Training of new staff

It may be required within businesses where existing workers roles have changed, or new workers have been employed to keep up with demand “the duty remains to ensure that staff are trained and competent to operate any industrial lift
truck equipment, and this includes driver training and the employer must be able to demonstrate
that the driver is trained and competent.”

On that basis, as long as training providers which “activities are critical to supporting key workers” and activities are adjusted to “follow Public Health England’s advice regarding good hygiene practices and separation distances,
and if relevant accommodate any site-specific rules to manage the risk of COVID-19 infection” – then training can proceed

Below we have the comments from the two influencers in getting a response, along with Vince J Hueston one of our Directors. Taking the above into account, if you are within a key industry and have training requirements that HL Training Services can assist with, please contact us on 0117 9255625 or email [email protected]

COVID-19 NEWS Forklift Training
Pallet Stacker Training

“Forklift operator training is required by law and employers have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their staff. During this time, those who supply essential items such as food and medical resources are classed as critical workers, so it is extremely important that they receive appropriate training on the equipment they are required to use. “

Adam Smith, Managing Director of AITT

“Training for lift trucks must continue as it will help critical workers do their job safely and effectively.” 

“Ideally training should be on a one-to-one basis, in line with government instructions to limit gatherings to no more than two people. Instructors and trainees should also keep two metres apart and follow all Public Health England guidance.”

Nick Welch, Technical Director at RTITB

“We are committed to delivering training to Critical Workers following HSE and Public Health England guidelines

For any companies who fit the criteria outlined by the HSE, we are here to help and have Instructors available by accredited by either AITT, RTITB or ITSSAR”

Vince J Hueston, Director at HL Training Services

Pre Use / Pre Shift Checks

Do you undertake a pre use / pre shift check prior to operating Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE)? Were pre use checked covered in your original training? How do you record pre use checks within your organisation? These are all questions we ask candidates who attend our centre for training. Its surprising how many are not aware this is a legal requirement.

Whilst being trained to operator MHE, whether its a Counterbalance Forklift, Reach Truck or a Pallet Truck, the requirement remains. Not only does the candidate need to carry out a pre-use check, they need to demonstrate a clear understanding of it. Being a visual and functional check, there are a lot of aspects required to complete a check – these are always in accordance with the Lift Truck manufactuers recommendations and/or the company procedures in place.

During the pre shift check, the candidate will be examined by a qualified instructor as to whether they meet the minimum standard required to carry out the check correctly and efficiently.

Below is an example of some elements that may be required to be checked on a Counterbalance or Reach Truck as per the ABA requirements;

  • Fork Arms/Attachments
  • Carriage Plate
  • Mast
  • Mast Rollers and Slides
  • Lift Chains
  • Lift Chain Pulleys
  • Rated Capacity Plate
  • Hydraulic Systems
  • Wheels
  • Tyres
  • Hydraulic Controls
  • Drive & Braking
  • Steering

There are plenty of other elements that require checking, however the above list are the elements that have been deemed safety critical.

If you are not sure as to what your companies procedures are for checking Forklift Trucks, be sure to find out prior to operating. Additionally, if you could benefit from implemented an approved daily check log book (contents follows approved ABA Guidelines) – we have developed a Daily Check Log Book, with Fault Criteria Reporting including so managers and supervisors are aware of going issues with forklifts within the organisation. This helps to know what needs trucks need repairing, who found the fault, and who it has been reported to.

If you would like a sample of our book, please email [email protected].