UKMHA uses IMHX to highlight commitment to boosting safety

VISITORS TO the association’s stand during IMHX 2022 have been invited to download the latest industry guidance note and safety alert, while messages reinforcing the association’s twin safety campaigns, National Forklift Safety Day and its Safety Convention, have also been prominently displayed.

Sharing the stand has been the association’s subsidiary, Consolidated Fork Truck Services, the accredited body for Thorough Examination, the name given to the mandatory inspection required by law to ensure that the mechanical parts of a lift truck are in safe working order. It is roughly equivalent to the MOT for cars. 

One of the highlights of the IMHX 2022 campaign is the launch of the association’s new free-to-download guidance note. GN70 - Guidance Note on Working on High Voltage MHE – is an industry first and intended to improve the safety of technicians working on new generation forklift trucks and other material handling equipment.

David Goss, Technical Director, UKMHA said: “The UKMHA’s ethos of updating its members on the latest industry safety regulations means it is constantly reviewing advances in material handling equipment technology to ensure industry compliance. Where regulations have changed – or been updated as a result of technological advances – the association issues Guidance Notes.

“GN70, which is being launched exclusively at IMHX 2022, is a response to the evolving technology used to power battery electric and hybrid-powered trucks and the higher voltages involved with new functions such as regenerative braking, lithium-ion batteries and electric drives.” 

GN70 is intended to promote safe working practices for the inspection, maintenance and repair of high voltage systems and equipment on MHE. It is applicable to MHE with systems where voltages above 120 V DC or 50 V AC may occur, as well as to high voltage MHE.

The guidance note is aimed at technicians maintaining and repairing trucks, as well as those employing and supervising their work activities, helping to make them aware of the hazards associated with this type of equipment. In addition to the new guidance note, the association has also produced a new industry Fact Sheet explaining Battery Producer Responsibilities applicable to materials handling equipment.

“UK legislation places certain obligations on producers of both industrial and automotive batteries, however, many within the material handling industry are unclear over what these requirements are,” said Mr Goss.

“To clarify matters, the UKMHA has produced the new Fact Sheet detailing these requirements and in particular, what should happen when a battery reaches the end of its working life.”

The Fact Sheet is an important document and provides an overview of producer responsibilities as they apply to manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of industrial trucks.

As well as supplying detailed definitions, the Fact Sheet contains links to further information on a producer’s full obligations.

It has been a busy show for the association, in addition to the new safety messages it has also been highlighting its forthcoming Safety Convention, taking place on 17^th November at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre and its Archies awards, taking place on 15^th October at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the Birmingham NEC.

The association has been using IMHX 2022 for an exclusive in-show offer, with visitors purchasing a full price ticket to the Safety Convention being offered a second free of charge, in addition to a year’s free membership of the association’s Safe User Group.

The association has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UKMHA material handling sector by sponsoring the show parking at IMHX 2022. Stand 5D12

For more information, visit www.ukmha.org.uk