Safety to the fore

Nominations have been unveiled for the FLTA Awards 2013 and include some outstanding safety products

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Awards 2013 take place on 16 February, with hopefuls competing in four product categories - safety, ergonomics, environment and innovation. The winners receive a coveted 'Archie' statue.

The products nominated in the safety and ergonomics categories will be of particular interest to readers of Health & Safety Matters. The nominations in the safety category, sponsored by Interfit are: Cascade UK: DAGS fork covers.

Developed for the painted metal and aluminium industry, DAGS protect surfaces which are subject to scratching or wear, and are designed for use anywhere forks are used to lift products that could be damaged from contact with bare forks.

Linde Materials Handling (UK): Proximity Alarm Sensor. The proximity alarm sensor from Linde provides a simple, effective warning device which controls the reverse traction speed of a fork lift truck as it approaches objects.

Roadside Technologies: SDB-18 Speed Display Barrow. Developed to track and record speeds from as little as 5mph, the Speed Display Barrow (SDB-18) is a portable radar speed display.

Stanley Handling: ROBUR SBP Strong 5016. The bespoke ROBUR Strong 5016 is capable of carrying large reels of up to 2800mm, while providing the flexibility to manoeuvre safely in confined spaces.

Toyota Material Handling UK: Taking Care with Toyota. In 2012 Toyota Material Handling UK launched 'Taking Care with Toyota', a campaign which aims to increase awareness of key safety issues relating to materials handling equipment.

Yale Europe: Mast-mounted LED lights.These are available to aid operators working in light deprived areas, e.g. ISO containers or block stacking applications.

The nominations in the ergonomics category, sponsored by PowerCell Industrial Battery Engineers are: Cat Lift Trucks: NPP16-20N2 (R)(E) power pallet trucks. The truck has a compact shape, userfriendly tiller arm and all standard controls are easy to operate with large hydraulic levers ensuring safe, precise lift/lower even wearing large protective gloves.

Linde Materials Handling (UK): Rotating Seat. The seat is recommended for applications which involve bulky loads restricting vision that very often make it necessary for the operator to drive backwards.

Toyota Material Handling UK: BT Optio L Low Level Order Picker.

BT Optio L-series was developed with a focus on the Smooth Operator concept and aims to provide the best possible working conditions for operators.

Nominations are chosen by the FLTA's committee of experts but winners are determined by a public vote, which is open to anyone visiting www.fork-truck.org.uk/voting-card.