Traditionally, the movement of counter-top ice cream and confectionery dispensers weighing anything up to 400kg apiece has involved manual hauling and heave-ho lifting into position.
Not any more!
This sort of physical handling is becoming increasingly outlawed by legislation - not the least because there is now a sophisticated range of mechanised equipment to make such dangerous and unprofessional practices avoidable.
Thetford-based R&P Distribution is a company who turned to a mechanised solution with a significant boost to staff moral, improved safety and faster deliveries.
Powered Stairclimber Solution
The company purchased two PowerMate LE1 Powered Stairclimbers from market leader Stanley Handling to assist deliveries. The machines power loads off delivery vehicles, over land, over thresholds and up and down stairs to the point of delivery - which inevitably involves lifting from floor to counter level - all without the necessity for back-breaking manual handling.
Operator back strain and damage to product or premises are now virtually a thing of the past and the risk of accidents during delivery and handling is much reduced.
The Powerate LE1 vaguely resembles a sack truck but is much more… its integral leg extension mechanism balances what can be a highly concentrated load to remove undue physical effort, leaving the operator to power the load up and down at the touch of a button. The compact nature and versatility of the machine enables it to cope easily with narrow, winding access routes whilst keeping the operator in full control.
Many deliveries previously requiring two staff can now be done by one and R&P's Mark Giles reports that company personnel now approach site work with much more confidence.
Improved Professionalism
"The PowerMates have enabled us to comply with modern health and safety regulations,' he reports, 'we have found the machines help us no end in coping with the many different site conditions we encounter, which range from the sophistication of restaurants to the basics of beach huts. From cellar steps to counter tops the PowerMates make light work of the tasks and since they can be carried on any of our delivery vehicles it gives us a great deal of flexibility! We are undoubtedly more professional in our site deliveries - something already recognised by our customers"
PowerMate LE1 offers a height-to-dock elevation of 1000mm and a load balancing spread of 840mm. Construction is based on a robust aluminium frame. Features include a load-hold clutch, one-way wheel brakes, dual load straps and large 200mm diameter wheels for easy over land manoeuvring. Units are supplied with a gel-filled, leak-proof battery and an electronic charger. On-vehicle charging, detachable toe plates, landing extenders, slip sheets, gas cylinder locators are options.
The LE is part of a range of a range of stairclimbers from Stanley Handling that includes L Series (capacity 295kg), M Series (capacity 680kg), SC Series (capacity to 310kg), Sprinter Series (140kg) and Pogo (capacity 100kg).
Training
As is the case with all PowerMate products, operator training was included in the package from Stanley Handling. Training and routine servicing are essential elements in meeting relevant Health and Safety manual handling requirements.
For more information, please contact :
Mark Stanley at mark@stanleyhandling.co.uk or tel 01582 767711 fax 01582 765994