ALLMI launches loader crane campaign

The Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) in the UK has begun a campaign to emphasise the importance of making pre-operational checks.

A key part of the campaign is to raise awareness on the importance of pre-operational checks. To help deliver the message, the association has launched an online video on pre-operational checks, a toolbox talk template for supervisors and managers and a pad of pre-operational check sheets. All are available on the ALLMI website.

Alan Johnson, ALLMI technical director, said, “The safe operation of a lorry loader is heavily dependent upon an effective maintenance regime, and pre-operational checks are a very important part of this. They're also a legal requirement and so for these reasons it's crucial that pre-operational checks are carried out and that operators undergo the necessary training in order to fulfil this part of their job role.

“The checks should be carried out at the start of the shift or when taking over the equipment; they should cover all parts of the lorry loader, as well as any attachments and lifting accessories and, of course, the relevant documentation. There should also be a system in place to ensure that the checks are recorded and any faults reported. Under no circumstances should the lorry loader be used if it is considered to be unsafe.”

Tom Wakefield, ALLMI CEO, added, “We would encourage all industry stakeholders to take on board the message of this campaign. Fleet owners should ensure that the toolbox talk is carried out at the earliest opportunity, that operators have the chance to watch the video relevant to their sector or application, and that the training being provided incorporates the campaign's core information.

“We would also encourage them to review their current documentation and procedures in relation to this issue. For other types of business within the industry, we would urge them to pass the information to customers and colleagues, and to raise awareness in any way that they can. We're very keen to reach as many people as possible with this information and to receive suggestions for anything else we can do to improve working practices, so we would encourage all industry stakeholders to obtain the campaign material and to provide us with their feedback in due course.”