According to researchers at Yale University, sponsors of an electric forklift development program, their new VL electric forklift truck is the most energy efficient and ergonomically advanced counterbalance series available in its weight capacity, which ranges from 2,200 to 3,500 kilograms. This vehicle features five wheelbase and capacity configurations and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. This forklift truck works especially well in areas where space is at its best.

Other features included on this new VL series include easy access, a three-point entry, adequate floor space, right-hand access, large amount of head room, cushioned arm and palm rests, levers that can be controlled by the fingertips, a full suspension seat, and a heads up display. All of these features work to make the operator as comfortable as possible, and to reduce the occurrence of repetitive stress injuries and body vibrations.

This new forklift truck also enables the customer to decide which operating setting is most suitable for their business. This is called Yale’s e-balance technology. The customer can choose either the high productivity setting or the energy efficiency setting, depending upon their needs. While engaged in the high productivity setting, the forklift will provide maximum traction and hydraulic performance. When the vehicle is operating in the energy efficiency setting, it has been shown through the VDI 2198 standard test to consume 20 percent less energy than the same vehicle manufactured by leading competitors.

Another feature of the VL series forklift truck is the Yalestop Automatic Park Brake. This comes standard on all new electric counterbalance forklift trucks manufactured by Yale, and is automatically enabled when the vehicle is stopped or when the operator is not in place on the seat. This helps to improve the driver’s control over the truck on ramps and steep grades. It also works to increase the productivity of the vehicle when the driver is continuously getting on and off the vehicle. By implementing the use of the Yalestop Automatic Park Brake, the need for alarms or other buzzers used to alert the operator of the forklift truck that the handbrake has not been set is eliminated.

Forklift trucks are an essential part of any warehouse operation. They perform heavy lifting quickly and efficiently. Many companies that use these indispensable machines employ entire fleets of forklift trucks, spending thousands of dollars to do so. The forklift business is rapidly growing, as many more businesses recognize the benefits of using these machines.

Along with playing a vital role in any warehouse operation, forklift trucks can also be extremely dangerous if not properly operated. Each year about 8,000 forklift truck accidents are reported, and about ten of these accidents are fatal. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the proper safety measures were in place.

One of the most important safety measures that can be taken is to make sure the operator of the forklift is competent to drive the machine. All companies should make certain that forklift operators have been trained for the job, are familiar with the vehicle’s controls, and adheres to the rules of the company. It is recommended that prospective forklift operators earn a Certificate of Basic Forklift Truck Operator Skills. This certificate can be obtained by completing a course on the subject at a qualifying location. Drivers should also be sure to check that all components of the machine are in working order before attempting to operate it. Doing this can prevent many unnecessary accidents from happening. Letting an untrained operator drive a forklift can be compared to allowing someone without a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

By working together and following safety rules, many forklift truck accidents can be prevented. This also helps to protect employees and customers, as well as any visitors that may be in a warehouse. When used correctly, forklift trucks provide an indispensable service to warehouse workers. These machines are able to complete the work of multiple men in a timely manner and with minimal effort. In order to function at the highest quality, it is important that these powerful machines be maintained properly by their operators. By following safety measures and workplace regulations, businesses can be assured that they are receiving the most productivity from their forklift investments.

86 year old Doreen Farrington has been stranded upstairs in her own home since August 19th. After a stroke a stairlift was installed for her to use and maintain her independence, but it has been broken since August 19th. Dorren Farrington has been essentially stranded upstairs until repairs can be made to the stairlift.

Birmingham City Council blames the delay on a backlog in repairs being called in and claims that Doreen will simply have to wait her turn inline. Wait time could be as long as six months. Meanwhile, Doreen is stranded upstairs.

Doreen’s daughter, Sue Carney, called Urban Design, which organises Birmingham City Council to no avail. There is no rush order here available.

Doreen is basically marooned in her own upstairs home. Boredom is quickly setting in. Used to being able to do things for herself this is a definite trial for her.

Meanwhile Doreen is waiting in her upstairs bedroom, unable to get around as she has become accustomed to. Unable to make herself lunch or even a hot cup of tea.

Getting through to the manager of the company was not helpful either, Doreen’s daughter Sue was again told the wait time could be as long as six months or more. After an inspection of the stairlift, it was recommended that the stairlift be replaced. Will this delay the process even more?

Still, Doreen is waiting, upstairs, alone in her own home. In an effort to be helpful, Birmingham Mail approached the council and did implement plans for an officer to go in and see Doreen Farrington. Hopefully he will at least bring her a sandwich and a cup of hot tea.

Birmingham city Council spokeswoman states that “We are working with Mrs. Farrington and her family to rectify the situation as quickly as possible”.

Thankfully, Social Services has finally stepped up to the plate and is putting some extra cash available to good use in order to pay for a caregiver to visit three times per day. The caregiver is making sure that Doreen Farrington gets meals and has her basic needs met.

Two weeks into this Doreen was already becoming distraught. That won’t speed tings up however, she will still have to wait her turn in line.

Good hygiene should not mean compromising safety. For young and old, the simple answer to the jeopardy of bath safety is a bath lift. Bath lifts are a necessity for individuals who have difficulty with mobility. Bath lifts are also a good way to stabilize a young child and avoid unnecessary injury that can occur in the slippery area of a bathtub.

What To Look For When Purchasing A Bath Lift

The first and most important detail of a bath lift is its construction. It should be fabricated from material strong enough to support the weight of an average adult. Also, look for bath lifts with sturdy suction cups on the bottom of each leg of the lift. These suction cups secure the lift to the tub so that it remains stationary while in use. It is advisable to choose a bath lift that has side arms so that there is additional aid to help balance the weight of the individual as they enter or exit the bathtub. If the bath lift isn’t equipped with one already, look for a sleeve that slips over the arm of the chair in which to store soap, shampoo, shaving razor and a washcloth. This prevents the need to extend the reach for these items, thereby avoiding accidents while it keeps them ready to use and makes the bath lift experience more enjoyable.

How Bath Lifts Are Necessary To Its Users

Bath lifts for the aged have long been a necessity in nursing care centers and for those in hospital. Mobile senior citizens love them for the ease of use. Restless children find bath time less fearsome thanks to smart mothers who rely on bath lifts to get through the bath experience. Patients with balance problems find bath lifts offer them more security than a safety rail in the bath and shower area.

A Reasonable Price For Safety And Security

With all of the advantages of bath lifts, one might expect this particular necessity to be expensive. Most people find that they are surprisingly inexpensive, considering the quality and durability that adds value.

Something tells me the people who set up the celebrations for this event were not thinking to clearly when they decided to mix fireworks and ticker tape.

Corinthians had just clinched the Brazilian championship and were celebrating the win in front of their fans when the fire starts. Not only are these nearly burnt but they also 15ft up in a scissor lift. They decided to hire the scissor lift to make the occasion memorable and they certainly achieved that.

Take a look at the video.

Hydraulic equipment is so well suited to emergency rescues that it has become the standard for a range of tools used to extricate people from damaged vehicles and ruined buildings.

Hydraulics work on the principle of transferring power through a liquid, usually oil, which is very incompressible, from one point to another. By decreasing the surface area at the working end, the power can be increased. This allows for a large work output compared to the pressure initially applied.

Rescue tools which use this principle fall into three main groups, spreaders, cutters, and hydraulic lifts. In actuality, most disaster situations require a combination of the tools to successfully effect a rescue.

Cutters act like large pincers which can cut through metal easily and safely. In contrast, saws create sparks which are extremely dangerous where gas and oil may be leaking. The noise of a saw can cause victims additional stress. Spreaders have a narrow nose which can be inserted in a small gap and used to spread or lift jammed, damaged or collapsed materials. These tools are compact enough to be handheld, yet the jaws can open to distances of six or more feet on some models. Power may be supplied from a generator or by battery.

Combination tools to perform both of these functions are found in almost every fire or rescue vehicle, and have become well known for the many successful rescues of people from wrecked vehicles.

However, in disaster situations, heavy objects often need to be lifted to find people trapped beneath rubble. In these cases, a progressive process must be applied, using all the hydraulic tools. Damaged materials may need to be cut out of the way, then an opening must be widened so that a hydraulic lift can be inserted into the space. Once a lift or lifting bag has been used to create a large opening, then the space may be stabilized by yet another tool, hydraulic struts, often made of aluminum.

Special training is required in both the use of the tools, and in lifting and moving damaged buildings and rubble.

Liftex 2010, the annual convention for Britain’s lift and escalator industry, returns to the ExCeL Convention Centre in south London on 12-13 May, 2010. Sponsored by the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), Liftex has been a smashing success in years past, and looks poised to surpass itself this year.

Despite the worldwide economic downturn, the passenger lift and escalator industry has been doing steady business over the last year, and this healthy outlook for the field is reflected in the wide variety of companies that have already signed up to do exhibits at Liftex. This includes manufacturers of hydraulics and electronics, wire ropes, computerized elevator controls, elevator guide rails, motors, and many other lift and escalator components, both British and foreign. Hydraulic lift contractors and installers, architecture groups, health and safety organisations, and elevator and escalator trade publications will also be sending representatives to provide their own views on the opportunities and challenges facing the lift and escalator industry in the year to come. The convention organisers are also inviting trade groups in other countries to come and set up international pavilions to further facilitate the exchange of ideas and opportunities across national borders.

The ultramodern ExCeL Convention Centre will be equipped with the latest in technology for the convenience of attendees and to help facilitate interaction. This includes free wifi in the building, giant plasma screens for presentations and promotions, and an open “interaction area” where attendees can mingle and talk.

Liftex will also be providing entertainment for convention attendees. The organisers have rented the glass-walled “Symphony” boat for a nighttime cruise on the Thames, with fine dining, drink, and music while you enjoy the unique view of London from the river.

If you are interested in the UK passenger lift and escalator market, Liftex is a great opportunity to network, find sales opportunities, and learn about solutions to your lift and escalator needs. Mark your calendar now and make sure to attend!

The escalators on the newly-built Jubilee Line Extension are currently out of service after a mechanical problem was found and there was a fear for public safety.

Commuters will now have to use the long staircases on new £3.5bn line because of the problem. 

The issue was first discovered on several of the down escalators so all the elevators were taken off line with immediate effect.

“The problem could have led to the escalator suddenly stopping,” said one London Underground spokesman.

A 57-year-old farm laborer was killed after being crushed under a forklift truck on a farm near East Lothian. 

The accident occurred at 1055 on Nov 5th and it appears the man was hit by the forklift while it reversed at Greendykes Farm in Tranent.

An ambulance service spoke person said the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation into the man’s death has already been launched.

You’ve heard of the phrase ‘The world comes crashing down around you’ well for this Russian forklift driver the phrase became reality as one minor mistake has gigantic repercussions after he accidently slams his forklift truck into a support beam bringing down an entire shelving system which collapses down and inward, onto the forklift.

Luckily for the driver he escaped with minor injuries but considering he wrecked £250,000 of Russian vodka I have a feeling he won’t be coming back to work too soon.

The video highlights the sort of dangers that forklift drivers must face on a daily basis and how it only takes one second to lose your concentration before everything comes crashing down around you.