SpanSet Technical Days continue to successfully educate and inform industry.
Our latest event explored the subject ‘A Day in the Life of a Haulage Worker’ - the safety problems they encounter on a daily basis and the solutions we offer.
The free Technical day was aimed at those responsible for keeping drivers, loaders and their cargo safe as they transport goods. We were delighted the event was well attended and welcomed customers both old and new.
Everyone had the chance to network over a morning coffee before an introduction by Pete Ward, M.D. Pete highlighted how Height Safety and Lifting products are more regulated than Load Control equipment, however the consequences of a load coming off a lorry are potentially just as serious as a fall from height or a failed lift. As a specialist manufacturer, the quality and performance of Height Safety, Lifting and Load Control equipment is equally important to SpanSet.
There then followed live, practical demonstrations where customers were encouraged to engage and ask questions.
Demonstrations
Friction, Choc or Block
Lee highlighted the importance of using methods to increase friction between the load and the bed, or place barriers to prevent the load from moving. This reduces the number / strength of the lashings needed to secure the load.
Images above - Lee Sparks - who drove HGV's including STGO CAT3 for years both in the military and commercially. "You name it, I've shifted it".
Anchors and Hooks
Phil reviewed the common types of anchor available on load beds and highlighted the correct applications and common misuses, or damage that can occur. There were sobering examples of misuse on display.
Image above - Philip E Ganner - Load Control Sales Specialist. Phil has been with SpanSet for over 30 years!
Lashings
Tom Orford – Training Instructor – demonstrated different types of lashings and how their function and features suit different applications. Push up or pull-down ratchet? Tension Force Indicator – what/why/how? ABS – don’t get crushed. What is the right type of tensioning system for the load and how many ratchets do you need? Tom had the answers.
Protection – of the load and of the lashing
Liam Wright, Deputy Training Manager demonstrated a wide range of lashing, load and edge protection using the depth of products available at SpanSet – from hammock lashings to Secutex. Solutions to protect loads with widely varying load control requirements - bags of aggregate, concrete beams, coils of steel and paper reels - were presented.
Caring for People – Manual Handling and Work at Height solutions.
Images above - Justin Evans wearing the innovative Auxivo Lift suit – reduce the risk of injury and fatigue when manually handling loads.
Sam Sari demonstrating the Capcha fall arrest system – the solution to prevent workers falling while loading and unloading vehicles.
Frictional or Direct lashing, Tension Force or Lashing Capacity?
Sam Wilkinson, Training Manager explored the myths and assumptions of when a synthetic lashing or a chain lashing are more suitable for the application. He discussed the difference in emphasis between friction lashing needing accurate tensioning force and direct lashing needing the correct lashing capacity.
Caring for Equipment
Steve Heaton, Training Instructor, used SpanSet test rig to demonstrate how common misuses will shorten the life of the equipment. The results were certainly food for thought.
After the demonstrations everyone met for the buffet lunch and had a further opportunity to ask questions raised by the morning’s demonstrations. The winner of the competition was announced – congratulations Jade Herald - Transport Manager- Enigma Industrial Services.
Where knowledge and expertise are shared to industry!
‘While ARH Group specialises in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering for Facilities Management, Building, and Energy Services across various sectors across the UK like retail, private banking, manufacturing, and construction, our commitment to health and safety ensures we can learn from industries beyond our own. Even though this technical day focused on haulage workers, the valuable safety principles and industry best practices showcased can be adapted and applied to our operations at ARH Group.
These include how to secure loads in our engineers’ vans by understanding the importance of anchor points, different types of rachets systems to secure loads, how to protect different types of loads, solutions to avoid/support manual handling, and solutions to reduce risks while working at height!
All of these will help to avoid accidents and injuries to our employees and other persons in the vicinity & during transport, and our goal to achieve customer satisfaction right first time!
Very enjoyable day with useful information & demonstrations, plus a lovely lunch was provided too .”
Tony Kempton, CMIOSH MIIRSM
Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
"I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the recent training day. I found it extremely valuable, particularly in enhancing my awareness around loading and unloading practices. I came without specific expectations, as the invitation from NH West was a kind gesture, but I must say that the day exceeded any expectations I might have had. The wealth of knowledge shared, the free demonstrations, and the hospitality were all exceptional.
Following the event, I informed our HS&Q Director about the experience. I also shared SpanSet have kindly extended an offer to host our future GC Health and Safety team meeting at your training facility, with a similar structure to what I attended. I believe this would be a fantastic opportunity to further enhance health and safety awareness within our team.
The day’s training offered significant benefits for our vegetation management workforce, emphasising key aspects of safety that are directly applicable to our daily operations. It not only reinforced best practices but also provided practical demonstrations that can help us better manage risks in our work environment. Such initiatives play a vital role in promoting a strong health and safety culture and ensuring the well-being of our teams.
Thank you once again for the opportunity, and I look forward to working together on future initiatives." Richard Huysers BSc(Hons) PG Dip(OSH) CMIOSH CENVH