MATERIALS HANDLING CONTAINERISATION UPDATE & CHRISTMAS

[TrueBlueTerrier]

CWU.org
14 November 2014
LTB736/14 ROYAL MAIL MATERIALS HANDLING CONTAINERISATION UPDATE & CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS 2014 - HEALTH & SAFETY ASPECTS



No. 736/14

Ref C25/14

Date: 14 November 2014

To: All Postal Branches

Dear Colleagues

ROYAL MAIL MATERIALS HANDLING CONTAINERISATION UPDATE & CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS 2014 - HEALTH & SAFETY ASPECTS:

Further to our previous reports, below is a summary update on MH containerisation arrangements for the 2014 Christmas period. The contents of this LTB have been discussed and agreed with Royal Mail HQ, Central Asset Team:-

1. York Containers

Royal Mail have purchased an additional 80,000 new York Containers and 92,000 Yorks are held in storage and will be injected into the system via the Parcel Sort Centres and Amazon. All will be in the network by early December.

Royal Mail will be looking for Yorks to be filled with the maximum 7 layers of 4 trays (28 Max), wherever possible subject to safe systems of work, weight constraints of the Container and subsequently the vehicle weight limits on to which they will be loaded so as to comply with Safe Systems of Work and Road Traffic Act Legislation. York Containers primarily carry mainly trays, mailbags and parcels in ALP (Auto-Level Packet) Sleeves. They do have other uses, referred to below.

All of the new Yorks are the latest version of the MK3 York introduced in previous years.
All MK3 Yorks have now been reworked (Appendix 1).

1a. ALP Sleeves

Royal Mail, over the last two years purchased 43,000 new ALP Sleeves all of which were released into the network. A further 50,000 were purchased this year and 22,000 were put in storage. Of these, 40,000 are now in the network the rest and 22,000 stored will be put into the network over the next two months.

2. RSCs (Rigid Steel/Stackable Cage/Containers)

Royal Mail has not purchased any RSCs again this year but 4,000 will be released from storage between November and Christmas into the RDC network.

RSCs are not intended to go inside mail centres and delivery offices and are primarily for the Distribution Centres network and warehouse environments where there is sufficient space and risk assessment and Safe Systems of Work requirements apply in respect of workplace transport hazards from FLTs and crush hazards etc., and specific PPE Regulations requirements also apply e.g., high visibility clothing and protective footwear. RSCs may only be used in risk controlled working environments as per the Safe Systems of Work (attached Appendix 2).

3. Berkaart Tray Dollies
(Not to be confused with the Loadhog Plastic Tray Dolly Mark 3 see below)

The metal orange Tray Dollies have been used for transporting trayed Mail between Mail Centres and Delivery Offices. 9,300 have been purchased in the last seven years as they had the potential of freeing up thousands of Yorks and saving space in Offices.

The Tray Dolly is a metal framed wheeled 'dolly' or platform designed to carry Royal Mail Letter Trays - up to 28 full trays of Mail.
They may be used for: 1. Trayed Mail flows from MCs to Dos, 2. Trayed Mail between MC indoor areas such as CFC to Mech / Manual areas, 3. Storage of 2C Mail to alleviate Yorks and 4. Specific customer collection from Mail Centres and RDCs.
They may NOT be used for rail or road flows other than between an MC and its DOs and a few specific customers (which may feed into MCs or RDCs.)
Mixed vehicle loads of Yorks and Tray Dollies are allowed.
The Tray Dolly national trials proved to be very productive with a number of issues being identified following feedback which in turn lead to modifications and design improvements which have included things such as a new version lid and new securing mechanism and this also enables stacking. A new retracting steel cable securing system and improved brakes. Improved handle which locks on both sides rather than just one and a simpler, safer and effortless release system. A handle carrier device to carry and transport spare Dolly handles was also designed.

A number of offices have been using the Tray Dolly for various operations and returned favourable reports whilst other offices have preferred alternative equipment. Tray Dollies are currently in use at around 18 mail centres.

Other sites may use the Tray Dolly on the basis of assurances given by Royal Mail we are now happy for offices to introduce them on the basis of mail centre managers discussing with our ASRs proposals to use the Tray Dollies locally, ensuring suitability, subject to full ASR involvement, application of the Safe System Of Work, training of staff operating the equipment and joint monitoring of the equipment's performance on the selected operations and cessation if not suitable.

Mark 3 tray Dollies
Loadhog Plastic Dollies are only for 1 for 1 exchanges with our DSA customers

Royal Mail has purchased 2,300 Mark 3 Tray Dollies (see Appendix 8 SSOW)
These are solely for Mail Centres to exchange 1 for 1 with DSA Customers.

4. Cardboard RSCs

As reported in previous LTB 632/05 and successfully utilised during Christmas pressure in previous years, Cardboard RSCs were introduced to provide additional storage for Mailsort Christmas deferred mailings, empty bags and empty trays. These are used primarily in the RDC Network over the Christmas period and are being introduced for the storage of empty bags, empty trays and Mailsort 3 Christmas deferred mailing items during the Christmas pressure period. They will also be used for some bagged Customer Postings.

These are folding, heavy duty cardboard based containers with the base fixed to a standard wooden pallet.

4,000 Cardboard RSCs are available as a contingency for an additional container during the Christmas peak period and intended:

For use for Deferred Mailings during the Christmas peak period.
For use anywhere in Royal Mail's network and at customer premises.
For storage of empty bags and trays to release RSCs into the network.
For conveyance of empty Bags to customers.
For empty Bags, empty Trays and Bags of Mail.
Cardboard RSCs are intended to be:

A reusable container.
Used indoors and in the RDC network, but NOT for external storage where they may get wet.
Folded flat when being stored empty.
Cardboard RSCs are:

NOT compatible with the standard Steel RSC and must not be stacked with any other container type.
NOT to be used for Bundled/strapexed mail, Trayed Mail, small loose parcels or any heavy items.
Cardboard RSCs must be kept under roof and not exposed to outside elements and or humidity. A minimum four uses per cardboard RSC must be achieved. Damaged cardboard RSCs must be cannibalised to maintain serviceable stocks. Vehicles can accommodate more empty cardboard RSCs than steel RSCs per trip. Prioritise the repatriation of serviceable cardboard RSCs ahead of steel RSCs. Cardboard RSCs are produced by, 'DS Smith'. They are constructed of triple ply corrugated cardboard and are approximately 1.2m wide x 1m deep x 950mm High. They consist of 3 parts: A cardboard tray mounted on a standard 1200 x 1000 mm wooden pallet. A folding sleeve which folds to fit inside the base tray and can be assembled to construct the Pallet Box. A Cardboard lid which fits over the sleeve when assembled and over the Base Tray when the sleeve is folded flat inside the Base Tray. They have a carrying capacity of 650kg as a single or double stack. The Approximate weight filled with empty trays is 85 kg - filled with bags of mail 340 kg.

Cardboard RSCs may only be stacked as follows:

3 high when assembled and loaded with empty bags and empty trays.
2 high when assembled and loaded with mail.
IF IN DOUBT OF THE CONTENTS - ONLY STACK 2 HIGH.
10 high when delivered new, strapped and unused.
8 high when empty and folded flat.
Cardboard RSCs may be moved by:

MHE stacked 2 high assembled and 8 high when empty and folded flat.
Using a Forklift, a Powered or a Hand Pallet Lifter.
Cardboard RSCs may be secured and moved by vehicle.

5. A Frame Roll Container

Further to LTBs 838/06 and 840/06, a supermarket type "Roll Cage" has been arranged by Royal Mail Group Procurement Operational Equipment Team from companies "Palletower" and CargoPak.

Currently 16,000 are in Mail Centres and DO's for use in the operational environment to free up much needed York's.

They are fitted with 2 front independent foot operated castor brakes.
Risk assessments have been carried out and Safe Systems of Work documents are available for each type of cage (See Appendix 9).
(a) The A Frame containers are only to be used in the DO/MC/RDC Environment,
(b) They cannot be used for transporting mail items to and from the DO/MC/RDC,
(c) They cannot be used for Movement outside the DO/MC/RDC,
(d) They cannot be used for Movement on uneven grounds/floors,
(e) The A Frame containers are not be used to transport Mail, Packets, Parcels, Pouches etc., to and from the DO/MC/RDC to vehicles in the yard,
(f) A Frames must not be overloaded.

When moving and repositioning A Frames:-

Follow the SSoW at all times,
Only move one cage at a time,
Move the cage no faster than walking speed,
Always push the cage as this is ergonomically better than pulling it,
Seek help if necessary,
Stack heavier items at the bottom to lower the centre of gravity, position storage A Frames in suitable areas, where possible close to where they are most needed and readily accessed as required,
Eliminate unnecessary materials handling.
(See appendix 11)

6. York Container - Cardboard Sleeves

I can report to Branches and Safety Reps that Royal Mail Letters have reaffirmed the agreed policy that Cardboard Sleeves remain withdrawn from "general use" and instructions have once again been issued to area general managers and mail centre managers to act accordingly. This removes a high risk method of work. Cardboard Sleeves may only be used for the agreed:

Amazon Contract, including PSC/RDC sites sorting Amazon parcels.
Cardboard York Inserts are not to be used for Outward Despatches into the network by Mail Centres.

Parcels should be despatched in ALP Sleeves or as a contingency bagged Never in Cardboard Sleeves.

Mail Centres having insufficient ALP sleeves should put contingency plans in place to bag Packets.

Mail Centres may use pre-used Cardboard sleeves from Mail Centre to local Delivery sites but the cardboard MUST be in good order, the cross member and base must be inserted following the SSoW.

Under no circumstances is damaged cardboard to be used and must be discarded locally.

There are NO circumstances where the Shrink-Wrapping of Yorks is acceptable. This practice must not be allowed at any RM site.

The position is clearly outlined in LTB 918/09 dated 20 October 2009. As background, I would draw your attention to Letter to Branches (LTB) 735/06 dated 3 November 2006 (copy attached - Appendix 3). You will see from the correspondence with Royal Mail HQ, following further discussions and correspondence with the Royal Mail Safety Steering Group Chair and Territorial Director Tony Fox, he responded that the agreed Policy to remove Cardboard Sleeves remains in place and Royal Mail will stick to its commitment that cardboard sleeved York Containers will no longer be routinely used for the distribution of packets within the mail centre network. The instructions to AGMs and MCMs stated clearly - No Post Code Areas are "exempt" from the removal of Cardboard Sleeves irrespective of what may be said by some local managers. Previous LTBs are LTB 569/05 dated 21 November 2005 and LTB 601/05 dated 5 December 2005.

The grounds for withdrawal of Cardboard Sleeves were set out by Central Postal Control (CPC) in the instructions sent to Area General Managers (AGMs) and Mail Centre Managers (MCMs) as follows:

The use of Cardboard Sleeves for parcel traffic was having an adverse effect on the network,
Safe Systems of Work were not being followed,
Increased York Container demands,
Reduced vehicle utilisation and
Large amounts of unwanted, waste cardboard requiring repatriation.
Cardboard sleeves in Yorks for loose loaded parcels and other traffic instead of the ALP (Auto Level Packet) sleeves leads to poor lifting technique encouraged by using these sleeves combined with increased requirements of bending lifting, reaching and twisting, greatly increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (MSDs) when sorting loose items from the bottom of cardboard sleeves. From a productivity point of view it additionally slows down the sorting process. These findings were reflected in an ergonomic study of cardboard sleeve use carried out at Swindon Mail Centre.

Clear instructions have been issued to MCMs not to purchase further Cardboard Sleeves for routine use.
Opsflash - CPC (2010)

No 136 entitled CPC (2010) 136

Subject: Use of cardboard sleeves in Yorks - Urgent action required

1. This Opsflash is for the immediate attention of and action where appropriate by, all RM UK Operations and RM shift managers.
It must be handed to the senior manager on duty who will be responsible for ensuring the information is cascaded immediately to all managers on duty as necessary, within processing, distribution and delivery functions.
Cardboard York Inserts are not to be used for Outward Despatches into the network by Mail Centres.
Packets should be despatched bagged or using ALP Sleeves.
Mail Centres having insufficient ALP sleeves should put contingency plans in place to bag Packets.
Mail Centres may use pre-used Cardboard sleeves from Mail Centre to local Delivery sites but the cardboard MUST be in good order, the cross member and base must be inserted following the SSoW.
Under no circumstances is damaged cardboard to be used and must be discarded locally.
There are NO circumstances where the Shrink-Wrapping of Yorks is acceptable. This practice must not be allowed at any RM site.
Any questions on this Opsflash should be addressed to Neil Hayes on 5366 4306 (01270 531205).

7. Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film

The existing agreed national policy remains as follows "There is no agreement what-so-ever to use "Shrink-Wrap/Cling-Film" on York Containers under any circumstances. Also, Opsflash - CPC (2008) No 167 instructs all sites that have received new trays delivered on pallets and shrink wrapped to remove and dispose of the shrink wrap immediately. There are NO circumstances where the Shrink-Wrapping of Yorks is acceptable. This practice must not be allowed at any RM site.
8. Mail Order Returned (MOR) Traffic (Warrington Rail Terminal)

The MOR (Mail Order Returns) site at Warrington Rail Terminal receives Mail Order Returns traffic in Yorks with Red (Auto Level Packet) Sleeves and this is a mandatory requirement of the service. CPC has instructed all mail centres to ensure staff who despatch MOR Traffic that it should only be sent in York Containers fitted with ALP Sleeves. Cardboard Sleeves are not to be used for MOR traffic.

9. Folding Steel Containers (FSC)

7,000 new folding stackable containers (FSCs) were introduced 2011. These will be used in a closed loop operation wherever possible to ensure most cost effective benefits are gained.
Safe Systems of Work (SSoW) are located on a plate on the side of the container.
(See Appendix 10).

Regions should not receive FSCs, However, if received they should be returned to your local RDC as soon as possible.

10. Loose Loading of Mail Bags - Xmas 2014

Further to enquiries and concerns raised by Branches and Area Safety Reps in previous years regarding possible loose loading, Royal Mail have confirmed they will be taking a number of steps to ensure that loose loading of mail should only take place in exceptional circumstances.

If loose loading has to occur, local CWU Reps will be consulted and the Manual Handling/Loose Loading SSOW will be adhered to.

Clear instructions have been issued by Royal Mail HQ CPC that should any service which is normally containerised, have to be loose loaded then the despatching unit must inform the receiving unit in advance so that they can provide any additional staff resources and working arrangements which may be necessary to ensure health and safety standards are maintained.

Extract from Loose loading Core Risk Assessment:-

It is a Royal Mail goal that no manual handling task will exceed risk level 2. Mail Bags average 7kg, Maximum gross weight 11kg. Lifting frequency up to 7 bags/min over a 30 min period (then rest). Vehicle doors are adequately maintained and are in good working order.

Priority Services bags could exceed 11kgs but they should be clearly labelled with the weight so that special consideration can be given to lifting. NB: No Priority Services bag exceeding 11kgs should contain more than 1 item. All equipment is used in accordance with the appropriate Safe System of Work. All staff to have received manual handling training and instruction or refresher during the past 3 years. All staff to understand and operate the appropriate Safe System of Work. If there are any tasks under your control that are not listed consult your safety team for further advice. No pregnant worker or person under 18 should undertake tasks greater than risk level 1.

11. Plastic Letter Trays

Royal Mail has purchased 950,000 Trays and all will be released from stores During October, November and December. So far, 350,000 have been released into the Network.

12. Cardboard Letter Trays

These will only be used this year as a contingency.

13. Crates and Skates

Local hire only.

This piece of equipment has only just been brought to the attention of the H&S Department. It is a piece of equipment which we had neither prior knowledge of nor consultation. Hence, we would appreciate feedback from Branch ASRs. It will be discussed with the RM National Containerisation Manager and CPC at the conclusion of Christmas pressure. Any safety issues that Branch ASRs require attention should be raised with this Department and they will be taken up with CPC.

The equipment comprises a wheeled base and a number of large Trays which can be stacked onto the base for storage. They are purely for storage purposes, to be used on site, but not to be used to transport mails on vehicles.

Attached is a SSOW and photo (See attached file: Safe System of Work for Crates.doc
Appendix 5 & 6).

14. New Blue Bags for International Dispatches

1.5 million new blue bags for international dispatches have been purchased this year and will be fed into Mail Centers via direct delivery before the end of October ready for the DSL Operation.

15. Repair of Faulty & Damaged Containers

All damaged containers must be withdrawn, repaired and brought back into service on a regular basis. The following instructions relate to the repair of the individual containers:

(a) Letter Trays

Royal Mail has an agreement with AAC Ltd for the recycling of RM Letter Trays, for which Royal Mail receives payment. For this to be cost effective AAC Ltd will only accept complete trailer loads of trays, equating to 5200 trays. This process describes the use of a collection point to ensure that trays are recycled and do not build up in offices.
Trays must be removed from use if damaged and not suitable for use if, for example:
- There are any obvious physical defects such as breakages or holes (other than those designed).
- The tray sides or bottom are split.
- The handle is damaged (e.g. split).
- The label holder is damaged in such a way as to render it unusable.

The tray is NOT deemed damaged if only:
- The barcode or barcode clip is missing.
- The tray bottom is bowed.
- Only the corners are chipped and then only if the break does not leave a jagged or pointed edge.

Ensure the damage sustained to trays meets the criteria described above.
All Mail Centres and Delivery Offices should have a process for identifying damaged trays and for isolating them from operational use. Delivery Offices should label the trays as damaged and send them to their local Mail Centre for consolidation and recycling.
All damaged trays should be loaded to RSCs. The trays should be nested, where possible 8 to a layer and 9 layers high, where the height of the trays does not exceed the height of the RSC sides.
RSCs of damaged trays should be labelled as shown below and then sent to the local RDC for onward movement to NDC. Spare capacity on existing runs only should be utilised.
DAMAGED TRAYS
Send to AAC
via NDC

NDC consolidate the RSCs of damaged trays and, when a trailer is loaded to capacity, forwards them to AAC Ltd.
(b) York Containers

Examples of damage:

Sharp, jagged or pointed hazards.
Anything, which prevents proper assembly.
Anything, which prevents proper movement.
Temporary or amateur repairs.
Broken welds.
Excessive corrosion.
Damaged or missing wheels.
Missing wheel retaining nuts, pins or clips.
Poor brake operation.
Damaged or defective towing arrangements.
Missing or damaged straps or clips.

The repair process is as follows:

A number of sites have been nominated to receive a scheduled visit by a York repair team (currently Romec).
Some sites also act as a consolidation site looking after a catchment area of other offices. For example SDC in Wishaw receives all of the damaged/strapless Yorks in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A contact at each site has been developed and a location for the storage and repair of Yorks identified.
Each Thursday a count of damaged Yorks is submitted by each site to the royalmail mhe_cpc e-mail inbox and the figures are used to plan a schedule for the following week's site visits. Some offices may have a team that visits every day whilst others will be visited by mobile teams as required. The minimum requirement is that there be 50 Yorks needing repair on site.
A repairer can replace anything up to 100 straps per day but, if there are structural repairs also needing to be done, the overall number can reduce substantially. The repairer will check each damaged York for other possible problems and does not solely rely on the fault noted by Royal Mail staff.

Damaged Yorks may be moved, on existing services, from non-repairing sites to a consolidation site (see repair process above) to await repair. Damaged Yorks should be labelled accordingly so that the receiving site is aware.

Damaged Yorks must not, however, be used to form part of a movement order to another site and should never be sent to a customer. Neither should damaged Yorks knowingly be used to convey mail through the Network.

Some straps have given the appearance of losing their elasticity but tests have been carried out at the manufacturers and replicated by our engineers in Swindon and the results show that this does not affect load retention or the safety of the York. It is not, therefore, necessary to replace such straps.

(c) Rigid Stackable Containers
Examples of damage to an RSC are as follows;
- Sharp, jagged or pointed hazards
- Anything which prevents proper assembly or movement.
- Temporary or amateur repairs.
- Broken welds.
- Broken side wires bent inwards or outwards.
- Excessive corrosion.
- Mis-aligned feet or spigots which hinder stacking.

In these circumstances, an Out of Service label must be attached and the nature of the problem noted on the label.
Damaged RSCs should be moved to a designated area to await repair. They may only be stacked if the uprights are intact and make contact with the RSC above at all 4 corners. They may not be stacked if to do so would leave an unstable stack. If in doubt - DO NOT STACK.
Damaged RSCs must be forwarded to NDC for onward movement to MK Stores for repair. Movements of damaged RSCs should be agreed with the local Container Equipment Manager beforehand.
(d) Auto Levelling Packet Sleeves

A minimum of 25 sleeves will be presented for repair in a single consignment. Sleeves are to be packed in Rigid Stackable Containers (each containing 25 sleeves).
Clearly labelled damaged RSCs are to be returned to SWDC for onward movement back to the manufacturers Jacon. Purchase of replacement sleeves must be made via the ES/FS system.
(e) Cardboard Sleeves

Cardboard Sleeves are not repairable. Any damaged sleeves must be disposed of by local arrangement.
Any re-usable parts of cardboard sleeves must be returned to Amazon; whether by direct transfer or via the nearest RDC.
Cardboard inserts to be stored/transferred in Yorks only.
If held/stored onsite ahead of transfer they must be kept undercover or protected from the weather.
All component parts must be in good order (certainly not water damaged or torn) and ready to use. Any not meeting these criteria should be disposed of locally.
Yorks must be individually packed i.e., no mixed component parts please. Yorks to separately contain X Member/Sides/Bases which must be stacked neatly.
Any transfers arriving at Amazon that do not meet these criteria may be refused by the Amazon Team.
(f) Cardboard RSCs

Any damage needs to be checked. The following damage would render the Cardboard RSC unusable:

Water damaged/wet cardboard.
Tears greater than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any seam.
Tears in 2 adjoining corners of the tray or lid.
Staples in the seam undone with exposed points.
Broken Pallet Base such that the wooden planks are broken or the corner blocks are damaged such that they would not support a load.
The following would not necessarily render the Cardboard RSC unusable:
Small holes in the side walls, for example made by fork lift tines.
Small tears, i.e., less than 25%/¼ of the length of any one side or along any
seam.
One tear in the corner of the tray or lid.

If there is any doubt as to the safe condition of the Cardboard RSC, then it must be considered damaged. Any damage which renders the sleeve unusable needs to be reported and the damaged part (i.e., the lid, sleeve or tray) marked with a cross from a thick marker pen. Only the damaged part needs be marked as the undamaged parts may be used as spares.

Transport and transfer equipment must meet the receiving customer's safety requirements.

(g) Wheeled Container Repair Process (Other than York & Mini-York Containers)

The following process should be used to keep wheeled containers functional:
1. When a wheeled container (other than a York or Mini York) is found to be faulty, remove it from operational service and label it accordingly.
2. Log the fault with the Properties & Facilities Helpdesk on 0870 850 1000, who will give a reference number. The helpdesk will then contact Romec, who allocates the work to the local coordinator. A Romec engineer then plans and completes the repair.
3. If the repair is not economical, the engineer condemns the equipment and advises the Unit Manager. The Unit Manager then decides if they want it replaced, and completes a Requisition Form ECF01 and sends it to the Asset Support Team.
4. When the repair is completed, Romec invoice through the Inter Business Agreement, which is funded from the central assets budget. Area budgets are not affected.
(h) General note on containers:

If there are any surplus containers on site that are not damaged and you are unsure of where to send them, you should consult your Regional Head of Assets for Yorks, Trays and Sleeves or your Container Equipment Manager for RSCs.

16. Contacts & Phone Numbers

Should Area Safety Representatives wish to discuss any issues or questions in relation to Container Control or Container Equipment, the following field managers can be contacted - Regional Asset Planning Manager (Yorks) or Container Equipment Manager (RSCs):-

National Team Contacts
Head of Containers David Guy 07801092420
National Container Manager Jason Wood 07801095605
Container Strategy Manager Neil Hayes 07753 833395

Container Equipment Managers
CPC Des O'Neill 07587657827

Container Support David Osborne 01454 634382

NHCDC, Essex DC & SEWBC
PRDC & Woking DC SWDC Kevin McDonnell 07841 567977
Support Carl Bratton 01923 724106

NWDC SDC YDC NDC Clare Smith 07872816461
Support Tony Ward 07872815988


East

Head Of Assets

Asset Managers



Stephen Rose 07801 091451

Mike Armour 07872 004352



Martin Taylor 07841 076428




North

Head Of Assets

Asset Managers



Carol Bolland 07801 093156

Sam Hurley 07553 365925



Iain MacGregor 07553 366582




West

Head Of Assets

Asset Managers



Mark Fletcher 07889 124741

Mark Griffiths 07725 705890



Chris Rogers 07860 172019




17. Health & Safety Processes

From a H&S point of view the HS&E Department will proceed to continue our joint work with Dennis Welton Royal Mail Head of Central Postal Control, Mark Fletcher Royal Mail's National Container Manager, Container Strategy Manager Neil Hayes and the Principal RME Project Manager.

18. IR Aspects

The IR aspects of the Xmas pressure period are dealt with by Assistant Secretaries Bob Gibson Outdoor, Terry Pullinger P&E Departments and Andy Furey C&CS Department. All Operational enquiries should be addressed to the appropriate Operational Officers as appropriate.

Yours Sincerely

Tony Rupa
Acting National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[SpacePhoenix]

There can't be any extra sleeves been released into the network yet, we've had a few cardboard sleeves in from other MCs, and I don't think it'll be too much longer before we have to use card board sleeves ourselves

[ianprise]

The loose loading of bags section was a bit of an eye opener. Happens regularly on airport jobs at Aberdeen airport. Last week 4 of us were unloading between 3.2 and 5 tonnes of bags and loose parcels into 2 or 3 600s from the incoming EMA flight and then unloading the mail into yorks back at the mail centre. I'm pretty sure we were all going a bit faster than 7 bags a minute. Nobody has ever mentioned 30 minutes of this sort of work and then rest. I think I need to have a word with the safety rep.