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Paul T75  
#1 Posted : 15 February 2019 09:38:14(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Paul T75

I work for a national company with a fleet of approximately 30 vans (mainly Iveco Daily and Fiat Ducato vans). As part of the workload for the drivers they can sometimes be expeceted to collect 60 litre drums that can weigh up to 80 or 85 kgs.  If there are no customer employees to assist then this will cause a manual handling issue for our drivers.

We're looking for potential solutions for the safe transfer of the drums into the rear of the vehicle.  We've explored retro-fitting hoists or tail lifts to the vans, but this has an adverse impact on the payload for the van, not to mention a significant cost.

We have also looked at light weight ramp systems but, due to the nature of the materials we handle, this could result in an increased slip hazard for the drivers.  We're currently looking at sack trucks with a built in lifting ability, but these tend to be quite heavy and this may create another manual handling issue for the drivers.

I'm hoping that we're not the only company who have experienced this kind of issue and anybody reading this would be able to suggest potential solutions.

Blackburn31728  
#2 Posted : 15 February 2019 11:08:59(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Blackburn31728

Sound like you are trying to make a solution fit the van instead of the vehicle being sutiable for the task. Costly but correct vehicle would be best it flat back with tail lift can even get covered vehicles with this

Paul T75  
#3 Posted : 15 February 2019 11:34:36(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Paul T75

We're just trying to look at any realistic options that would avoid having to change the vehicle fleet, if possible, so wanted to see if anybody out there had a similar issue and how it was overcome.

zurek554  
#4 Posted : 15 February 2019 14:13:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
zurek554

I agree with #2 and also see your point - I guess that your customers or their requirements changed over time leaving you with unpractical tools.

Ideal solution is to reassess the number of jobs where heavy lifting may be involved and perhaps you can consider 2man job or purchase / hire of few tail lift box vans or similar.

Do your mapping and allocate vans to suitable jobs and, or those with provided assistance – speak to customers and work together. Unfortunately for those unsuitable the above suggestions should be considered.

If your customers are ordering drums on regular basis perhaps you can cover the cost of suitable ramp and keep it on their premises to use as and when required.

There are various options available to you however you need to assess to apply the best solution. I know it is usually about money but on longer run appropriate vehicle will bring profit, not only H&S wise where you can protect your drivers from injuries and company from potential claims but also by its efficiency etc.

And as you rightly said you do not want to drive overloaded van as DVSA / police may cause you even more trouble and same time your fuel use will jump up.

UncleFester  
#5 Posted : 18 February 2019 10:06:00(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
UncleFester

Are smaller / lighter drums available?

hsherwoo  
#6 Posted : 21 February 2019 00:21:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
hsherwoo

Tailift vehicle clearly best option if moving such items is your bread and butter business.  Or some van hoist options eg a knuckle joint mini crane impact very little on the payload.

In lieu of this, speak with your customer sites that you deliver to/collect drums from.  They should have drum handling kit on site for their purposes although this may be just to transfer on the flat.

Roundtuit  
#7 Posted : 21 February 2019 20:35:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

60 litre is an odd size package - norms are 205 litre (55 gallon) 50 litre, 25 litre etc. so either scale up to bulk or drop down to manageable - everything is possible for those who ask, the rest muddle on with what they are presented
Roundtuit  
#8 Posted : 21 February 2019 20:35:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

60 litre is an odd size package - norms are 205 litre (55 gallon) 50 litre, 25 litre etc. so either scale up to bulk or drop down to manageable - everything is possible for those who ask, the rest muddle on with what they are presented
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