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This is a new and exciting opportunity to join a rapidly expanding company involved in providing integrated materials handling solutions to industries throughout the UK. If you have got the drive and motivation to be successful, plus technical knowledge and proven track record in the sales of unit load conveyors through to total turnkey systems, providing handling solutions to the logistic supply chains within the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and many other industry sectors, then this could be an ideal opportunity to develop your career.

Working closely within a small professional team and reporting directly to the Managing Director, the successful candidate will be expected to evaluate clients’ requirements and provide accurate briefings for the planning and design of material handling systems. Knowledge of interfacing controls and project management would be advantageous.

Salary commensurate with experience + car + benefits with genuinely excellent career development for the right individual.

Materials Handling | Location: Midlands | Salary: Negotiable + Benefits

If you meet the above criteria, please post or email your CV in strictest confidence for the attention of the MD – Steve Graham at:- Unit 1 Oaktree Business Park, Cadley Hill Road, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DJ.

Tel: 01283 552255
email: steve@conveyorsystemsltd.co.uk
www.conveyorsystemsltd.com

With sites around the UK, Torque provides over one million square feet of warehousing. The company offers a full logistics service from origin through to end customer. Operating globally, Torque prides itself on delivering versatile, seamless yet cost-effective solutions for all sizes of company, from the largest and most famous high street names through to small individual internet retailers. Torque offers a unique set of flexible services that can be customised to fit exactly with its customers’ logistical and warehousing requirements.

What brought you to this industry?

I followed in my father’s footsteps (for those with long memories he worked for SPD Ltd) after failing to get my Offshore Engineering degree.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

When the team pull together and deliver a great service despite the many obstacles and challenges put in their way.

Who inspired you most in your career?

Probably no one overall, although I try and take something (good or bad) from every situation and from everyone I have worked for/with.

If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?

The CCTV system, just nosey really.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?

Very little as whilst I might have fallen into this career it has worked out pretty well.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?

I once served Christmas lunch in the staff canteen wearing stockings and suspenders…

Who or what makes you laugh?

Still Game, funniest program on TV by a mile. Otherwise life in general as I can find humour in most situations.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Juggling and I make a mean Cheesecake.

Who would be your favourite party guest?

Billy Connelly.

What is the greatest luxury in your life?

Great Coffee.

What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

Caramel Shortcake.

Do you have any secret ambitions?

To trek a peak above 6,000m amsl.

What’s your dream holiday destination?

Jamaica.

What are your three favourite movies of all time?

Blues Brothers, Shawshank Redemption and Great Escape.

What is your favourite book of all time?

Lord of the Rings.

What’s your favourite pastime?

Walking/Trekking.

If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

Retire and buy a beach front property in Jamaica.

What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?

Don’t judge a book by its cover! It is a diverse industry and you can work across many different sectors with a varied client base, which means there are a variety of job roles and skills required, it also makes it interesting. It is also incredibly rewarding which makes all the hard work worthwhile, but its really satisfying knowing the service you provide is an integral part of the supply chain and you make a difference.

If you would like to?take part in this feature call 01923 272960 we have spaces available, to get involved call today!

Should you use only rack specific pins?

Q. Inspectors often seem to suggest that racking pins should be specific to the racking and if the racking is dislodged the racking will then fold into itself.

I was always of the opinion that the racking pins / bolts were there to help stop racking shelves from jumping out of their uprights if they happened to be dislodged by a lift truck whilst loading stock onto the racking.

They would have no bearing on how the racking collapsed in the event of an impact.

I would be grateful if you could enlighten me on this as I can’t find anything on the type of racking pin required in any of the SEMA guidance.

A. You are correct in stating that the beam safety locks are there to help stop the beams being dislodged by mechanical handling equipment. However, in some instances, they also have a bearing on how a rack may or may not collapse. The SEMA Code only states a minimum uplift force that the beam safety locks should be designed for. The manufacturer designs the safety lock and the connection, including failure modes, to suit the specific requirements of the racking product.

Each manufacturer understands how their beam end connector and safety lock interacts with their uprights and how the connection behaves in certain circumstances. For example, if the locks were replaced by bolts with a higher capacity and the connection was subject to a large rotation, such as failure of the other end of the beam, then the higher capacity lock may induce more movement in the column which may fail the column. This effect may continue along the racking resulting in a more progressive collapse than would have occurred if the correct locks had been used.

There will be times when a non standard lock may be required or allowed to be used, for example, on certain rack configurations with only 1, 2 or 3 bays or dynamic storage systems. However, this decision should be based on the specific requirements of the product and / or the project and should either be specified by the manufacturer or supplier or subject to their approval.

The inspection of the racking should include a check that the correct safety locks have been used and SEMA recommend that the annual inspection is carried out by a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector (SARI) or by someone with a similar level of competence.

In support of pallet blocks

Q. How serious is it to store Euro Pallets on racking that is 800cm deep, such that the 1200cm side overhangs, so that the load bearing blocks on the pallet are not allowed to rest over the beams.

I have a safety concern with this and would like to request SEMA guidance.

A. The SEMA recommendations are that pallet blocks should be supported on the rack beams as without this, pallet quality becomes a serious issue for the safe storage of materials. It is possible to insert pallet support beams into the racking which locate on the front and back beams and support the pallet in the depth between the beams so this problem can be overcome.

If there is a substantial overhang into the aisle it is also necessary to ensure that operating widths of the aisle are still adequate for the equipment being used. From experience it is also difficult to ensure a consistent amount of overhang such that weight is evenly distributed between front and back beams and FLT drivers can operate effectively.

Similarly, care needs to be taken to ensure the space at the rear of the pallet in back to back situations does not result in the pallets touching each other, which in extreme situations can result in product being accidentally dislodged in an adjacent aisle.

Having the correct depth racking for the pallets in use is by far the best solution though in some cases this will not be possible. These situations need to be looked at on a case by case basis with an individual risk assessment and control measures then put in place to reduce the level of risk to the lowest level possible in the circumstances.

SEMA is delighted to be working with WLN on the storage Question and Answer Column which is published in WLN on a monthly basis. On the WLN website is a list of previously published columns which we hope you find useful.

Please note that SEMA Users Club members also have access to a comprehensive range of additional storage related questions and answers.

For more information, please go to www.sema.org.uk.

SEMA Annual Safety Conference 2012 – a date for your diary

The 2012 SEMA Safety Conference has been scheduled for Thursday,1 November, the venue will be the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull.

For full details and a booking form contact SEMA on enquiry@sema.org.uk

SEMA Technical Enquiries

We hope you find the above articles, and those in previous editions, interesting. If you have a query send it to us by fax or email and we will do our best to have it answered by one of our technical experts.

SEMA Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection Courses

SEMA runs a one-day safety course on Rack Safety Awareness and Inspection. These courses are aimed at end users, giving an in-depth look at the need for inspections, how to conduct an assessment and what actions to take when this is completed. These courses are normally held at the SEMA headquarters but arrangements can be made to hold them at the delegates’ premises.

SEMA Approved Rack Inspectors Qualification

This qualification is aimed at professionals who conduct rack surveys as an integral and significant part of their duties. It involves delegates in undertaking an in-depth SEMA Course, together with an examination and practical assessment. CPD will be an important part of the qualification, demonstrating to end users that SEMA Approved Inspectors maintain a high professional standard.

SEMA Publications

SEMA has 26 publications in stock -Codes of Practice, ‘Guides’ and European documents – all of which are available from our Offices. For further information on these documents contact SEMA or visit our website, www.sema.org.uk. and click on ‘Codes of Practice’.

SEMA USERS Club

SEMA runs a USERS Club designed to be of benefit to purchasers and users of storage equipment. Members receive newsletters, access to specialised events and discounted rates on publications and codes of practice. For further information contact SEMA.

For more info, www.sema.org.uk

Featuring patented 0.56” rubber balls and adjustable marine grade aluminium double-socket arms, RAM A-size mounts are small enough to discreetly mount a variety of compact technologies yet tough enough to out-perform any rivalling mounting system.

Built with integrated shock and vibration dampening as standard, with a variety of interchangeable components and fixtures to choose from, the customisable nature of RAM ball and socket mounts enable users to mount any device anywhere in any environment with ease.

From adhesive and suction bases for windscreens and screw-on bases for any flush surface in or outside of any vehicle, RAM remains the ultimate choice for mounting a wide variety of devices in a number of industries worldwide.

RAM

www.ram-mount.co.uk

DFDS Seaways, who operate a port and steel facility at Immingham Docks in Lincolnshire, took the proactive decision to review their health and safety practices following the identification of potential risk areas. The key area was around their steel warehouse as this was an area of heavy lorry traffic – both preparing vehicles for loads and checking loaded lorries. Traditionally the only way to access the trailer was for the driver to utilise aeroplane steps provided by DFDS Seaways but drivers often took the decision to climb up the side or back of the truck – which presented obvious health and safety issues around the Working at Height Regulations.

The solution was to bring in two LoadSafe platforms as part of a pilot scheme to improve onsite health and safety. Kevin Tighe, Head of Health Safety and Security at DFDS and Peter Beauchamp, Steel Terminal Supervisor, contacted Kevin Wilkinson, Business Manager at LoadSafe Platforms, who visited the site on two separate occasions to conduct a site survey and educate DFDS staff on best practice use of the platforms.

The platform can be moved into the most optimum position by a forklift, with stability provided by two water ballasts at either end of the platform. The LoadSafe platform is constructed using cold- formed steel sections, providing a strong but lightweight structure. Manufactured in line with industry regulating standards P.U.W.E.R 1998 & B.S 4592 (Part 1) to withstand 5kn per m2 of downward force, the maximum level of safety is ensured when loading and unloading from trailers. Kevin Tighe said: “We have adopted LoadSafe’s best practice routines and are doing everything the way they suggested down to the safety harness attached to the rail that runs along the entire platform.

“All our staff have been given training on how the platform works and we have instruction cards for our visiting drivers to ensure they use the system correctly. It’s definitely a process of educating the drivers and it is early days, but if the system works the way we expect it to then it will prove to be a much safer process for all involved at the steel terminal.”

Kevin Wilkinson added: “DFDS choosing to implement the LoadSafe platform in this way is a prime example of proactively dealing with a potential health and safety risk relating to working at height. Following a conclusive site survey we were able to advise on the best practice use of the LoadSafe platform and ensure all staff were familiar and comfortable with the mechanism, providing a safe solution for checking loads.”

DFDS Seaways

www.dfdsseaways.co.uk

Ceská Zbrojovka was seeking an effective means for transferring rifle butts and casings without causing surface damage to the parts during the process.  Previously the parts were simply placed into boxes where they could knock against each other.

Working with the customer, the Pregis design team created a number of alternatives before the final selection was made and a sample developed for testing. A critical requirement was to maximise the number of parts that could be transported in one box.

The Pregis solution uses a combination of polypropylene sheet and polyethylene foam to create individual rests for each part, enabling them to be placed securely side by side inside the box without touching. As well as ensuring that the parts do not move during transit, the inserts also provide effective cushioning and impact protection.

The parts are placed lengthways from both ends of the box, meaning that the Pregis pack is able to transport the same number as before but with greatly enhanced protection.

“Pregis demonstrated a clear understanding of our requirements and developed an effective transit pack which met all our objectives,” comments a Ceská Zbrojovka spokesperson.

“We believe this is the start of a positive working partnership between our two companies.”

The Pregis/ Ceská Zbrojovka pack was a winner in the Shipping and Industrial Containers category of the Czech Packaging Association’s 2011Packaging of the Year Awards.

Pregis Corporation is a leading global provider of innovative protective, flexible, and foodservice packaging and hospital supply products.

Pregis NV

Josephine Fish

Tel: 01224 3305768

Email: ppemarketing@pregis.com

www.pregis.com

That’s the stark warning of Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, following a recent incident where a major UK supermarket was faced with £2.5m worth of damage after a wooden pallet racked 10-pallets high broke in its automated storage system.

Jim said: “How can you be sure that a wooden pallet is capable of bearing the weight of your goods? The truth is, you can’t. The reason for this is that the strength of timber varies. Make 100 wooden pallets one month and test them and they might all have the same loading capacity, but make another 100 pallets a few months later and there is no telling how the capacity of these pallets might differ.

“Choosing pallets that have stated loading capacities, like plastic pallets, not only offers companies the reassurance that their products are being stored and handled in the safest possible way, but can also avoid costly incidents.

“Businesses invest a huge amount of time and money into selecting the safest and most efficient racking, computer systems and handling equipment for their logistics operation, so why compromise all this effort by using pallets with unqualified loading capacities?”

Plastic pallets have three stated loading capacities – static, dynamic and racking. These capacities help operatives choose the right plastic pallet for a particular load so there is little risk of getting it wrong.

Using plastic pallets, can in fact help businesses eliminate other safety hazards in their logistics operation.

Jim continued: “Firstly, plastic pallets are moulded under extreme pressure which produces a high quality product and ensures the consistent dimensional accuracy and loading capacity of each plastic pallet – particularly beneficial in automated systems, as they won’t twist or get stuck.

“Plastic pallets are strong and durable and less vulnerable to damage than other types of pallets – a standard plastic pallet has a lifespan of up to ten years, offering an excellent return on investment. Once a plastic pallet reaches the end of its working life, the plastic still lives on, as the pallet can be recycled and the plastic can be reground to produce new plastic products.

“Finally, as plastic pallets have no nails, sharp edges or splinters and there is no risk of loose component parts breaking free under manual lifting conditions, they are far less likely to damage product packaging or cause injury to operatives than wooden varieties.”

Goplasticpallets.com has published a Buyer’s Guide, which includes comprehensive advice on pallet selection and is available for download on the company’s website www.goplasticpallets.com.

Goplasticpallets.com

www.goplasticpallets.com

The high performance of the DL100Hi can help achieve cost and operating efficiencies in high-speed automated applications such as warehouse storage and retrieval and in distancing and collision prevention for overhead cranes.

With the DL100Hi, Sick has developed significantly-improved control loop technology to achieve faster and more accurate position feedback. The sensors’ data output supports applications with acceleration values up to 15 m/s2. As a result, for example, storage and retrieval systems can become more efficient – achieving shorter run times and more runs per hour.

The DL100Hi offers the choice of three measuring ranges to suit customers’ applications (0.15 to 100mm, 0.15 to 200mm and 0.15 to 300mm) with a positional accuracy of up to ±2mm and repeatability of up to ±0.5mm.

The DL100 Hi is the first sensor to utilise a new modular platform for SICK distance sensors, offering the customer flexibility and easy interchangeability within a common mechanical and electrical design. A wide variety of feedback interfaces are supported including SSI, RS422 and Profibus. Industrial Ethernet versions will be available from mid-2012 onwards.

With its IP65-rated compact metal housing, the DL100Hi is reliable and robust. It achieves a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 100,000 hours – double the lifetime of most standard laser sensors. Operators can therefore reduce downtime and the total cost of ownership.

Maintenance downtime is also minimised through the sensor bracket’s quick-release mechanism, and SpeedCon™ connector technology with a 3D alignment capability which makes fine adjustment easy and cost-efficient.

“The technology advances achieved with the DL100 Hi are the culmination of more than 20 years’ of development in laser positioning and automation control at SICK. The result is a product which is the most accurate in its class,” said Sick product specialist Darren Pratt.

“As a result of this improved performance, operators can achieve significant improvements in operating efficiency. At the same time, the sensors’ robustness and reliability reduce the risk of downtime and offer longer periods between replacement.”

SICK UK

Andrea Hornby

Tel: 01727 831121

Email andrea.hornby@sick.co.uk

Chase Equipment Ltd the West-Midlands based Manufacturer and Service provider will celebrate its 90th anniversary next year. The company is firmly established as a most trusted manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of top quality loading & unloading products and loading bay accessories, such as mobile yard ramps, dock levellers, modular loading docks, dock shelters & seals, industrial doors, scissor lifts, dock & vehicle bumpers, wheel chocks and scissor lifts to help ensure safe and efficient goods transferring between different heights.

Derek Sweeny MD reminds us: “To improve efficiency and also increase cost savings around the loading bay, always talk to established companies in the industry before stepping in and buying equipment that may not be suitable, or compliant with industry standards and therefore cheaper products could end up costing you more in the long run.”

Standard Chase Titan ramps are available in 3 different capacities 7,000kg, 10,000kg and 12,000kg and in lengths from 10.835m to 11.770m.

The “Titan” range of portable yard ramps is the result of the Company’s commitment to its programme of continuous product improvement and development. Designed by Chase to operate under the most arduous of conditions with ease of manoeuvrability and operator use. All “Titan” mobile yard ramps are constructed of steel and combine the calculated effective use of materials to give an efficient and balanced transfer of dynamic loads through the structure. The result is a product with a long service life requiring minimal fatigue maintenance. Our ramps are finely balanced to facilitate easy movement by a forklift truck and also include wheel chocks, safety chains and a forklift pushing attachment as standard.

Simon Willis Operations Manager added: “Bespoke models can also be supplied to meet individual requirements in various combinations like modular loading dock and dock leveller schemes where required. Chase can also provide a comprehensive service and maintenance back-up facility to ensure that the ramps are always kept in prime operating condition. All our ramps are CE marked and has been ISO 9002 accredited.”

Chase also has an anytime available hire fleet which allows customers who may not want the capital expenditure associated with buying a ramp to hire one instead.

Chase is committed to customer service and launch of its Mobile yard ramp Training programme, designed to train operators in the safe and efficient use of any mobile yard ramps and associated products. Every course is run by an experienced Chase engineer and hence Chase is SAFEcontractor approved, giving a guaranteed level of safety while on-site.

Chase Equipment Ltd

www.chaseequipment.com

Because the Trayline unit has been positioned as a stand-alone facility, it can be operated as and when needed, allowing crates to be stored for cleaning and then periodically run in batches through the washing process. This helps to control operating costs while optimising the ongoing supply of clean crates. On their return from delivery, there is a requirement to ensure that the delivery crates are regularly checked and cleaned, which is a need now fulfilled by the Trayline installation.

The machine is designed to be operated by one person. Crates are loaded by placing them base down one at a time for movement along the roof of the machine, at the end of which they are inverted as they turn and are taken up by the conveyor. This automatically feeds them in a controlled manner through the wash chamber with washed and rinsed crates then delivered back to the same operator.

With a length of little more than 3 metres, a width of less than a metre and a height of approximately 1.5 metres, the Oliver Douglas Trayline 2 installation in Enfield requires only a small footprint and was thus easily located in a dedicated area of the premises. Capable of handling up to 200 units per hour, it has been configured to accommodate the specific Tesco.com crate dimensions and design – some 20% lighter than many others – importantly, without damaging the embedded barcode.

“As with all our wash systems, the Trayline series is manufactured from heavy gauge stainless steel and features a re-circulated wash facility. This contributes both to its economic operation and ensures a high quality fresh water rinse is maintained,” comments Paul Careless, Sales Manager at Oliver Douglas, who have gained a leading reputation for washing and cleaning systems in both the food and non-food sectors over more than 50 years.

“Rather than functioning as part of the picking and processing line, it was important that the facility was installed separately and was versatile enough to allow Tesco.com to operate it only as and when required,” he continues. “The Trayline unit is now producing high quality cleanliness results for this growing part of the Tesco organisation and we are delighted to have been involved with such a successful and major company in the field. We believe it is an excellent example of the capabilities of our technology and, in particular the Trayline design,” Paul Careless concludes.

Oliver Douglas Ltd

Paul Careless

Tel: 0113 279 7373

E: admin@oliver-douglas.co.uk

www.oliver-douglas.co.uk