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Posted By Kenneth Patrick
Is it standard or accpeted practice to load tautliners( curtainsiders) by rear entry with forklift trucks. I have never seen it in action only side loading with the curtains drawn back but my continental colleagues say it is routine!
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Posted By Renny Thomson
Yes, it can be. Obviously there needs to be some type of access, either by a loading bay or ramp. Obviously these will need to be assessed, but there will be no difference between loading a box trailer, flatbed or curtainsider with a FLT (except from the risk of falls if the operator dismounts on the deck, or drives the FLT over the edge!)
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Posted By Sam Talbot
Hi Kenneth,
We have consistently refused to load any curtain sided trailer through the rear doors, because unlike a container or box trailer, we consider that should a mishap occur, the chances of a forklift exiting through the side of the trailer is too great.
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Posted By Jerry Lucey
Hi kenneth,
It is common practice in some workplaces to load trailers, including curtainsiders from the rear where appropriate loading bays are provided. A risk assessment in many cases would suggest that loading from firm/ secure ground is safer, however some workplaces are restricted due to space etc and rear loading may be the safest/ only option. It is worth considering that in the event of a lift truck capsizing or becoming unstable while on the trailer the curtains are not designed to support such a weight.
The main hazard I have encountered in such circumstances is the condition of the floors on some trailers, particularly wooden floors. therefore it is advisable to carry out a thorough examination of a trailer before commencing loading. During unloading, vigilance is required as faults in the floor may only become apparant once pallets/ items have been removed. It is also worth checking that the curtains are securely fastened on the trailer sides, it may offer protection in the event of a load becoming unstable or collapsing.
There is also a requirement to conduct specific job and familiarisation training for lift truck operators, in addition to the basic training course undertaken. The familiarisation training should include tasks such as this. While basic and specific job training is undertaken by an RTITB/ ITSSAR Instructor/ Examiner the familiarisation training can be undertaken by a competent supervisor.
It is worth considering 'stop-blocks' to prevent a trailer rolling forward where the tractor unit is not attached.
hope this helps,
Jerry
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Posted By Sean Nuttall
Tend to agree with Jerry on a number of factors here.
Floors are the biggest issue with British trailers. You will normally find that tilts (continental trailers) have additional steel plates that run the length of the trailer bed. These trailers can take a significant loading and the decks are usually well maintained as rear loading is the norm on the continent. I have seen the wooden decks of a UK trailer collapse under the weight of an FLT along with the subsequent shedding of the load.
Other pains include the load getting caught on and then displaced by any roof mounted load straps; lorry drivers being in the back of the trailers trying to move said straps whilst FLT driver positions loads; enforcing your anti-driveaway procedure during loading which becomes more important; training people as banksmen if required to assist with reversing vehicles (yes you can rely upon the skill of the lorry drivers but look how many bays get chewed up by drivers getting it wrong.
To be honest rear loading only works well if you have decent quality trailers coming in and you don't want your gear to get wet. Otherwise you are better off side loading
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Posted By Starbuck
Hi,
Does anyone know of any formally issued guidance on this matter; with risk assessment the hazard can be controlled, but I wouldn't mind seeing some authoritative standing on this matter.
Any point in the right direction would be grateful, thanks.
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Posted By johnwaterson2773
Use a pump trolley. Takes away the issue of using the forklift to load the trailer. the forklift would drop load at rear and operator would then use the manual or battery operated pump trolley to load the trailer.
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Posted By Jerry Lucey
If this solution is used a manual handling risk assessment would need to be carried out as you are substituting manual means for mechanical means. This may be justified as you are seeking the safest method and if you can justify a risk being created to eliminate a greater risk this may be found to be valid, if there is no other means of overcoming the original risk.
From experiance I am always very wary of using a powered pallet truck in a confined space as there is the risk of an operator becoming trapped.
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Posted By Sean Nuttall
Pump trucks in the back of vehicles can become a real pain. Manual trucks will as stated require a manual handling assessment and you will again have to inspect the vehicle decks to ensure they are suitable and swept prior to use to reduce the risk of the forward wheels jamming. Also you will need to ensure that your bays are flat and not at an angle as is often the case as the required effort will obviously increase. Did some testing about 4 years ago on max weights that could be moved with pallet trucks over various floor surfaces and vehicle decks were right down there with textured concrete floors so you need to consider the weight you are expecting people to move.
The electric trucks whether ride on or not are considerably heavier so again floor condition needs to be considered prior to use as does the requirement not to rotate pallets through 180 deg if loaded onto the rear with a FLT as I have experience of people getting trapped against roof supports, gettin caught on restraint straps etc.
Do you really want to do this as opposed to side loading ?
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Posted By Frank Hallett
There 2 excellent HSE publications in the HS[G] series that address the majority of the issues.
Frank Hallett
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Posted By David Passmore
Another factor to be considered is if the trailer has been unloaded from the side with the curtains open and the deck exposed to the elements on a previous delivery.
When this trailer arrives on site for rear loading, the floor would likely be in a wet condition which would create an additional hazard, especially for mechanical handling equipment with solid rubber tyres.
This hazard would be significantly increased if the floor was constructed from metal. As correctly stated in earlier postings, the curtains would not have sufficient strength to retain an out of control fork truck on the trailer.
Regarding the assistance of Drivers in the rear of trailers, I would not recommend Drivers in the rear of trailers while loading with mechanichal handling equipment is in progress.
The restricted space, limited lighting and visibility and moving vehicles is a recipe for disaster.
We stipulate that all load retaining straps must be secured above head height and floors are clean and dry before loading can commence - this stipulation and other on site safety requirements has been issued to all hauliers who have vehicles on our site. Warehouse Operatives are also required to check the condition and hygiene of floors before loading commences. This check is also documented.
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