Warehouse Racks

How warehouses are staying safe in covid-19

by OMS Admin

Warehouses are an essential part of the supply chain, and a COVID secure warehouse is something all businesses should strive for. It is going to require greater levels of flexibility from employees and employers to tackle the pandemic. 
 
What we know about COVID-19 so far is that workers are at particular risk if they are older or have an underlying medical condition. Spread from person-to-person can occur with close contact of approximately six feet. Sneezes, coughs, or talking can transmit the virus. Warehouse workers need to remember that people can spread the virus even when they display or feel no symptoms. 
 
Warehouses may see an increase in on-demand warehousing solutions and warehouse sharing. Even when workloads increase, some actions can help. You can increase the frequency of surface cleaning, introduce screen barriers, keep close working activities as short as possible, and create more shifts to stagger arrival and departure times. 
 
Introducing one-way flow systems, maintaining a record of all visitors, and ensuring ventilation systems are working effectively all play a crucial role. 

Guidelines & Procedures 

These guidelines and procedures can help your warehouse reduce the R number. 
 
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth after touching surfaces and objects that may have been touched by another warehouse worker, truck driver, or customer. This might include electric vehicle warehouse equipment such as a burden carrier or pedestrian platform truck. 
 
Stay at home if you feel sick and don’t go back to work until your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so. Inform your supervisor or manager, as well as anyone you live with, or have had close contact with recently. 
 
Maintain a safe distance from coworkers and wear a mask or face-covering in public and when at work, if allowed to do so. Please do not touch your mask while wearing it and avoid touching your face when removing it. Wash your hands before and after you put on or take off your mask and use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Wash your mask after every use or replace it. 

Equipment 

Equipment can play a role in tackling the virus. Workers can move loads on their own with the right equipment and reduce the number of close contact work occasions. However, be careful not to cause other warehouse safety issues. If you wear a mask, make sure it does not block your vision when using warehouse equipment such as tow tractors, utility vehicles, and burden carriers. 
 
The business could also consider reducing the number of people authorised to use vehicles to lower the risk of touch transmission.  

Our Training Services

by OMS Admin

Knowing how to operate electric vehicles and equipment correctly is essential for keeping your workforce and business visitors safe. As an experienced handling equipment supplier, we know that training is absolutely invaluable.

With electric vehicle training, your team will be able to prevent injuries and avoid causing costly damage to premises, products, and your infrastructure. Whether you are a warehouse and distribution centre, a manufacturing facility, or an underground tunnel maintenance firm, we provide a comprehensive training program on all the electric vehicles you use.

Workers do not need a licence to operate a burden carrier or a multi-passenger vehicle with a tow. However, it makes sense to preempt potential problems, and training is not only good for safety but can improve productivity and efficiency, adding profit to your bottom line.

Electric Vehicle & Equipment Training

We intend to be as helpful as possible in giving your team the skills they need. To ensure minimal disruption and downtime, we can attend your business premises to provide on-site equipment training.

Our training program covers all essential topics related to equipment health & safety for electric vehicle ownership in a business setting. We give hands-on training to help your employees build the working knowledge and operational skills they need. The hands-on approach builds operator confidence and proficiency for lifting, moving, and safely avoiding potential hazards.
 
We further help your workers and business reduce risks by preventing the misuse of equipment and practices that may damage your electric vehicle fleet. Downtime and repairs can be extremely costly, so covering misuse is extremely valuable.

We provide tailored training for waste management vehicles, hospital equipment, pedestrian controlled tugs, tunnel, warehouse, and last-mile delivery vehicles.

Our Training Programs

Our training programs are conducted by highly experienced trainers with knowledge built up over many years. As industry experts, we can customise training to your brief and work to a pre-approved agenda, catering to your industry’s specificities or sector. We cover all health and safety regulations, rules, and processes.

We offer courses for groups, but also one-on-one and in a more specialised train-the-trainer format. At the end of the course, all attendees receive a certificate of completion to demonstrate their commitment to a safe working environment and for further developing their careers.

Custom Made Tunnelling Vehicle in Use

How to ensure your tunnel workers are safe

by OMS Admin

There are thousands of tunnels in the UK and hundreds of tunnel workers operating in sectors such as gas, oil, utilities, transport, and underground construction. There are similar and industry-specific safety risks, so tunnelling workers must be prepared to encounter a wide range of potential hazards.
 
To ensure your workers can embark safely on tunnelling projects, it is essential to assess the risks, identify the nature of hazards, and determine the likelihood of the risk. You can control many risks by implementing effective control measures. After implementation, you should review control measures to ensure they are working, and staff are following the guidelines you implement.

Safety Training

It is recommended that workers carry out training on tunnelling safety. In the UK, there are two excellent training courses.

TEEP (Tunnel Entry and Emergency Procedures) is a one-day course that is City and Guilds accredited and designed for those working in tunnels and shafts. The course covers a range of tunnelling topics, including using equipment such as respirators and self-rescue tools.

TSTS (Tunnel Safety Training Scheme) is a one day course that is CITB Site Safety Plus accredited. It encompasses safety issues surrounding tunnel entry, construction, operations, plant equipment, and emergency arrangements.

As part of your best practices, you should ensure new workers are aware of general and specific health and safety rules, regulations, and processes. They should be aware of hazards, including fire, oxygen deficiency, and structural collapse.

With an understanding of the underground environment and safe working procedures, workers can be an integral part of preventing illnesses and injuries.

Equipment

ePowerTrucks create custom-built electric vehicles for use in tunnelling environments. The vehicles have solid construction and high performance with models meeting EU directives for category M2 underground activity, inside and not inside coal mines.

Manufactured from the best components from the UK, Europe, and North America, our electric trucks meet the highest safety standards. Our tunnelling vehicles can transport workers up and down the tunnel and have various load and tow capacities.

Tunnel inspection vehicles can be used to conduct essential maintenance and refurbishment work. They are silent, running costs are low, and they produce no fumes or gasses. We also design tunnel vehicles that are explosion-proof and avoid ignition risks in hazardous environments. For hot or cold environments, cabs can be equipped with air-conditioning or heating systems.

From logistics to first aid and surveillance, ePowerTruck has a solution that will help your workers carry out their duties efficiently and safely. Contact us for more information.

Danger Sign

How to Safely Transport Dangerous & Hazardous Goods

by OMS Admin

Safety should never be overlooked, and if your business is or intends to undertake the transportation of dangerous goods, then you must know what you are doing. Hazardous and highly-dangerous materials include flammable, explosive, radioactive, or acidic items and include items you might think of as common goods, such as paints, pesticides, and solvents.

Whether the items are being moved by road, rail, inland waterway, or sea, they must be packaged and labelled correctly. Transporting dangerous goods correctly will help your business avoid spillages that might cause injury or damage to the environment. If an incident does occur, you will be armed with the information that emergency services will need.

Legal Guidelines For Moving Dangerous Goods

You must comply with national and international regulations to ensure the safe transportation of dangerous goods. Different classes are used to number packages, ranging from 1 to 9, which defines the substance’s danger. Other guidelines define the qualifications and training that drivers and safety advisors must hold for preparing the transportation of dangerous goods.

The business or person moving dangerous goods is responsible for packaging, classifying, and marking the item to the following UN classes:

  • Class 1 – Explosives
  • Class 2 – Gases
  • Class 3 – Flammable liquids
  • Class 4 – Flammable solids
  • Class 5 – Organic peroxides and oxidisers
  • Class 6 – Infectious and toxic substances
  • Class 7 – Radioactive materials
  • Class 8 – Corrosive substances
  • Class 9 – Miscellaneous dangerous substances

To comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you must appoint a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor or DGSA. However, if your transportation of dangerous goods involves only small quantities or if this is not your primary or secondary business activity, then a DGSA may not be required.

A certified DGSA is also required, and regulations must be followed, by any business that allows dangerous goods to be carried. This often includes warehouses, freight forwarders, factories and manufacturers, and cargo consignors. The certification training can typically be completed with two to five days.

DGSA duties include monitoring compliance, preparing annual reports, monitoring safety procedures, investigating and reporting accidents and emergencies, and advising on potential security aspects.

Safety Equipment

Before the transportation of dangerous goods, on the road or within your premises, you should ensure that the vehicle and workers are equipped with the right personal protective equipment (PPE), fire extinguishers, and documentation. This applies when the transport of hazardous goods is undertaken by an electric tug, lorry, forklift, or pedestrian carrier.

PPE and safety equipment for the transportation of dangerous goods might include a warning vest, wheel chocks, warning signs, portable lighting, protective gloves, eye rinsing liquids, and goggles.

Rubbish Bins

Waste Management Tips

by OMS Admin

Waste management is an important issue for UK businesses and factories. Firms are under more pressure than ever before to reduce their environmental impact and save money at the same time.

Effective waste management is vital, regulations must be adhered to, and businesses should always dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials responsibly. Here we have a few tips for reducing waste disposal and collecting and moving rubbish.

If your company has a severe problem, it may be time to recruit an industrial waste management firm to analyse your business and adopt new strategies.


Industrial Waste Management

Improving your industrial waste management begins with monitoring your waste to know how much you are creating. With a little record-keeping, you can set targets and see if you achieve them. Don’t forget to monitor specific waste types and the departments where rubbish is generated because this can give you great insights as to where to get started.

A thorough review of your processes should also consider your recycling strategy. Are recyclable materials finding their way into the right bins, and do containers have signage to promote their use and indicate which is for plastic, paper, composting, and glass?

Where possible, your firm might choose to buy in bulk to reduce packaging. You can also investigate exchange opportunities with other businesses because what you see as rubbish might be a valuable resource for another company.

It is not just the shop floor where you can make an impact, though. You could consider switching from bottled water in your break room to drinking glasses, or you could find a bottled water supplier who uses reusable bottles.

Waste Management Vehicles

ePowerTrucks can help you collect, move, and dispose of waste indoors and outdoors. Whether it is an electric bin tug, a pedestrian truck with a mesh cage for rubbish bags, or a road-legal waster tipper, we have solutions to help.

Our N1 electric range of waste management vehicles are created for inner-city rubbish collection. Our N1 can be fitted with different bodies, including cage sides.

Our Glutton Vacuum electric pedestrian waste management vehicle range is ideal for general rubbish collection around city centre streets and pavements. It is fully electric and has a built-in filter for ease of use. The Glutton Zen is a silent street sweeper that is compact yet powerful. It is in its prime working in confined spaces, town squares, alleyways, and marketplaces.

From local authorities to warehouses and manufacturing, ePowerTrucks is ready to help.

warehouse worker in PPE

The Increased Demand On Warehouses

by OMS Admin

With non-essential retail closed down once again as part of the November 2020 pandemic lockdown, there will be an increased demand on warehouses. On-demand warehousing solutions and direct to consumer shopping look set to be a more significant part of today’s warehouse.

This will put extra strain on warehouse staff with a more significant number of picks and dispatches. However, warehouse work has always been centered around warehouse equipment, which will become a more valuable asset to those involved in stock movement.

While panic buying and empty supermarket shelves are unlikely through the winter, warehouse work will need to respond to the changing situation. Here we take a look at the electric vehicle warehouse equipment that your warehouse can use to meet increased demand while protecting your workforce’s health and safety.

Pedestrian Electric Platforms

Pedestrian electric platforms are a fantastic way for the team to move goods around without causing physical strain. They are suitable for use indoors but can venture outdoors as well. These make warehouse work quick and easy, increasing the productivity of your staff.

They are incredibly convenient, as well. One charge can give miles of travel, and because they are electric, they do not pollute the air. There are solutions for weights up to 500kg and heavy-duty models ranging upwards to 3000kg.

Of course, the platform handles and controls could become a point of transmission, picking up the virus and passing it on to others. Solutions to this issue include sanitising the touchable surfaces after each use, wearing gloves, or assigning one electric platform to one worker. Frequent hand washing with an alcohol-based soap is also an effective measure. You can fix sanitiser to the trolley, making this process convenient, quick, and unlikely to be forgotten when positioning is prominent.

Electric Passenger Transport


Electric passenger transport tugs will let your workers get from A to B in record time. If your facility is expansive or stretches across multiple buildings, the time saving can be huge.

These tow tugs can seat multiple passengers and include fold-down benches for multi-purpose functionality. Models come in all shapes and sizes with plenty of customisation options for the specific warehouse work you undertake.

Other ways to make warehouse work safe in light of the pandemic include adding screens where workers are close together, staggering shifts, introducing one way systems, and enforcing the wearing of PPE such as face masks.

How to choose the best electric tow tug

by OMS Admin

The electric tow tug comes in all shapes and sizes, allowing you to find the best fit for your purpose. You can find models that suit all reasonable budgets, they are easy to use, and anyone can learn to operate one in a very short amount of time.

The electric tow tug has numerous applications across many business sectors, from manufacturing to warehouses, retail, and hospitality. They can pull or push with their powered forward and reverse and move palletised goods, tow light aircraft, pull baggage trolleys and bins, or move personnel around extensive work sites.

Many businesses love their electric tow tug because it is a cost-effective solution, with a tough and reliable nature that requires very low maintenance. Best of all, you or your workers do not need a forklift truck licence or even a driver’s licence to use one.

Features & benefits

An electric tow vehicle is environmentally friendly and does not emit fumes, making them ideal for use indoors, but they are entirely at home outdoors as well. Businesses can protect their workers’ health and safety as they no longer need to attempt to move loads that are too heavy.

Highly maneuverable, the electric tow tug is ideal for accessing narrow spaces, such as warehouse aisles, where space is at a premium. They can be kitted out with different wheels for driving over a variety of terrains, from concrete surfaces in warehouses to unpaved surfaces such as graveled factory yards.

Our electric tow tug models have plenty of power with smooth acceleration, allowing them to climb ramps and slightly sloping surfaces of up to 30%. To ensure maximum safety levels, every model is fitted with highly-effective brakes.

Rechargeable batteries power the tugs, and the operator can quickly charge them at any mains socket. With quick charging and long-lasting batteries, it is easy to get through any shift. With tiller controls, swivel heads, remote controls, and safety sensors, it has never been easier to move goods around the worksite safely.

What to look for when purchasing

When considering which electric tow tug to purchase, there are several things to consider carefully. Primarily the load and tow weights are essential considerations. Tugs are categorised as medium-duty at up to 8,000kg and heavy-duty above this and up to 30,000kgs.

You should also consider if you need custom adaptations and modifications. These personalisations are a commonplace requirement, adapting trolleys for use with unique crates and roll cages. You might need a bespoke towbar, custom boxes and platforms, special shelf configurations, ballasts, and hooks. You might also be looking for pedestrian electric tow tugs capable of seating two or four passengers.

For further assistance, please contact our team.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

by admin

East Anglia’s premier beach resort will be much cleaner now it has a Glutton Collect H20 to clean Great Yarmouth’s famous golden mile and all that goes with a popular family seaside destination.

The operatives were extremely impressed with how quiet the machine was and how easy it was to operate. It performed exceptionally well on the seafront promenade picking up seaside rubbish and the medium pressure washer will prove invaluable sanitizing the town.

Man waits in airport as plane takes off in the background

How Staff Are Keeping You Safe At The Airport

by OMS Admin

Airport safety has and will always be a priority. Good airport safety etiquette includes being respectful to airport and transport staff, as well as other passengers. With coronavirus, staff are keeping you safe at the airport in various ways.

You can play your part and remember that you must wear a mask or face covering. You can say your goodbyes outside so that family and friends are not put at undue risk. On your return, ask your lift to wait outside or in their vehicle.

Try not to mix with people in the departure lounge and remain seated during the flight. Follow the airport staff and cabin crew’s instructions because they have everyone’s best interests at heart. If you become ill at the airport, let the staff know. You must also complete a passenger locator form within 48 hours before your flight.

Guidelines & Procedures

You may feel confident that you are up to date on the COVID-19 guidelines and airport safety, but things change quickly. You should check the latest information and travel warnings related to coronavirus before you book a flight.

Your airline will share with you the current measures for minimising coronavirus transmission. If you live in England, you can only travel overseas or fly within the UK if the purpose is for education, work, or another permitted reason.

You can check your luggage into the aircraft hold to speed up the boarding process. If you are legally allowed to fly, you should check-in online to avoid unnecessary face-to-face contact with the airport staff.

To maintain airport safety, do not travel if you feel unwell or experience any coronavirus systems in the seven days before travel. Do not travel if you are self-isolating or in a support bubble with someone who has displayed symptoms over the last 14 days.

Equipment

You may encounter various vehicles and equipment within the airport environment. Under certain circumstances and when assistance is needed, you may be asked to board an EP11 electric multi-passenger bus. These are an eco-friendly option with zero emissions and are the ultimate choice for not adding to airport pollution.

These vehicles help you or the cabin crew get to the gate. They are comfortable, quick, maneuverable, and quiet. This multi-passenger electric vehicle can transport up to ten people around the airport safely. Its sister models include the EP4 (2+2) and EP8 (6+2).

If you need to walk from the departure gate to the plane, watch out for the electric tow tug. These tugs have superior performance and can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h. These are highly dependable, low maintenance, and powerful vehicles.

Your airport safety shouldn’t be dismissed, so keep an eye on your social distancing while remembering to keep an eye out for silent-running airport vehicles.

RAF Mildenhall Takes Delivery of EP AMP XL

by admin

RAF Mildenhall recently took delivery of an EP AMP XL Electric Utility Vehicle.

This utility vehicle is perfect for light work and as a site transport vehicle.

14-2-12,9,0

Large Northwest Campus Takes Delivery of AMP 6

by admin

A large northwest campus has recently taken delivery of an EP AMP 6 passenger electric vehicle.

This electric multi-passenger vehicle has replaced an old 4 seater petrol golf buggy. The move to electric was a simple decision, due to the reduction in noise and fumes from the old petrol vehicle.

The EP AMP 6 is ideal for light work and as a general transport vehicle. A small profile makes it perfect for transporting people in congested areas such as industrial sites and college campuses.

EP500 Supplied For Use On Windfarm

by admin

ePowerTrucks have recently supplied an EP500 to a windfarm maintenance team.

This mobile electric platform truck will be used to transport tools and equipment down the jetty and onto a boat for the maintenance team to service offshore wind farms.

Ramps aren’t a problem as the EP 500 can handle a 20% gradient with a 300kg load. Engaged by a simple thumb control (forward/reverse) and steered by a tiller arm, the EP 500 electric platform truck is simply designed and easy to control.

Alke ATX Human Forest

London Bike Rental Scheme Takes Delivery of Alke ATX 340E

by admin

ePowerTrucks are Pleased to have supplied this lithium powered ATX340E to a new bicycle scheme in London.

Human Forest offers bike rentals, with electric assist, which can be used free of charge for 20 minutes. The bikes are available in and around the Islington area but they will soon spread throughout London.

The ATX vehicle is used for moving the bikes to different locations and for replacing the bicycle batteries. Thank you Human Forest for choosing ePowerTrucks 

ePowerTrucks Supply Refurbished Motrec 480

by admin

Pleased to supply this refurbished Motrec 480 complete with a new hot pressure washer yesterday to a site in London.

We supplied this in two weeks from the order so the machine can be used in a new cleaning operation. Thank you to our customer, Industrial Cleaning Equipment