Customised truck and training
February 1st 2006 When Carpetright decided to improve its materials handling processes, it asked BT Rolatruc to provide a bespoke product and training package that would assist in the safe handling of rolls of carpet.
Carpetright trades from about 402 stores and concessions in the UK and Republic of Ireland, as well as from 88 stores across Holland and Belgium. Reliable materials handling equipment is a key factor in its performance. Recognising its statutory duties, the company began evaluating the handling of carpet rolls in 2002 and, according to Richard Muir, health and safety manager, this pointed to a requirement for a stacker truck.
The company's requirements, in addition to improved health and safety, were to improve the materials handling process, to achieve better manoeuvrability within compact aisles, to reduce costs, increase productivity and to establish a tailored training programme.
Feasibility
Feasibility studies were started on six leading products. The six were subsequently narrowed down to three and practical trials were then conducted in a number of stores. Each truck underwent a series of studies to assess its manoeuvrability, stability, visibility and user handling. In each study, BT reports that its trucks came out on top.
Richard Muir explains "The feedback on the BT Rolatruc stacker truck was far superior to that of the two competing trucks. Another strong factor in our decision to work with BT Rolatruc was in the company's ability to take a standard truck and accurately adapt it to our individual needs."
Modifications
After an in-depth evaluation of the truck, a number of modifications were made. The compact layout of the stores restricted manoeuvrability which, on some occasions, had lead to truck damage. To combat this, reinforced skirting was added to protect the truck and the trained operator.
The standard Perspex screen was replaced. Muir explains "Because of the environment in which our employees work, the Perspex glass was at risk of breaking. The replacement offered more protection to the user, giving peace of mind and increased safety when working."
Additional warning lights were fitted to the truck and the standard acid battery was replaced with a sealed gel version.
Richard Muir continues "Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent accidents in the workplace. What we have to ensure is that our employees are not put in any unnecessary danger. Replacing the standard battery with a sealed gel battery greatly increases the user's safety, ensuring that, if an accident should occur, they are not exposed to any of the acid that may leak from a standard battery."
The final modification was an extension to the boom attachment and the addition of knurlings which help keep the carpet in place when in transit, thereby increasing safety.
Training
BT Rolatruc recognises the importance of well trained operators, not just for safety, but for productivity. It has experts available to offer practical training on all of its equipment and can supply a range of literature, posters and videos covering all aspects of truck use.
At Carpetright, once details of the truck had been agreed, BT Rolatruc worked with the company to create a bespoke training programme. As a result, Carpetright now has 40 fully qualified operator trainers, each equipped with the necessary documentation that enables them to conduct in-house training programmes as and when required. This has proved extremely cost effective.
Richard Muir enthuses "BT Rolatruc's accurate interpretation of our unique requirements for both the truck and training programme was very impressive."
As a consequence, Carpetright has a product that has greatly increased the safety of all users while significantly improving the handling of carpets. Costs are lower and output has increased.
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