Problems with MK2 High Capacity Trolleys

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LTB 223/13 Problems with MK2 High Capacity Trolleys


No. 223/13

Ref: 540 & C25

Date: 5th April 2013

To: All Branches with POSTAL Members

Dear Colleague,

Problems with MK2 High Capacity Trolleys

Branches will be aware that CWU has been working with Royal Mail and Romec to identify problems with the HCTs, LTB 562/12 refers. More recently this initiative has put in place a full modification programme on all existing MK2 HCTs to fix various long term problems. Discussions with Romec, who will undertake this work, have now concluded and attached to this LTB is a copy of the modification programme setting out where each unit will fit within that programme and a Communications Pack sent to all affected Delivery Offices where the Asset List identifies MK2 HCTs as being located. Also attached is the SAC 1 (Safety Concurrence Risk Assessment) covering the anticipated impact that the retro-fit program might have on DOs.

Key points to note are:

From w/c 15th April all new MK2 HCTs supplied for revisions will be supplied with all the modifications in place.
The modification programme will also commence w/c 15th April based on the 427 offices currently confirmed as having MK2 HCTs in operation, and will run through until the end of July.
The plan has been constructed so that Romec can group resources for greatest flexibility/efficiency with those parts of the country having the oldest MK2 HCTs broadly at the front of the modification programme.
There are currently 188 MK2 HCTs "missing in action" which are being tracked down. If they cannot be confirmed to an office then they cannot be uplifted, thus potentially leaving a performance and safety issue in place. Once tracked to a DO, any new DOs will be added to the back end of the programme, most likely for conversion in August.
Ahead of the planned start there has been two pilot modification exercises either side of Easter in Forest Hall Newcastle and Cleveleys DO to test out retro-fit assumptions and to evaluate/finalise the work method statements/safety assessments for the necessary work to be undertaken.
COMMUNICATION WORKERS UNION

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

9

URGENT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS9

Nearer the time (typically 10 days before planned date) each DO will receive an information/briefing pack setting out what to expect, what they need to ensure is in place/ready and some materials to brief up affected staff in advance. It is anticipated that the Engineers will be able to modify up to 4 HCTs each day and will arrange to arrive early on the day with a supply of MK1 HCTs that can be used for operation that day while the MK2s are being modified. DOM's will be required to sign off the work on completion and more details on this will be contained in a communications package.

In terms of further HCTs, all the contracts for the remaining HCT purchases required to complete the programme are now in place and production will start in China in early April. This should see new supplies arriving in mid June - based on current demand planned projections for this should be fine, but there may be a need for a period to deploy new MK1s to sites if demand picks up ahead of then or there are any issues on the new builds.

Mick Gledhill has been involved in the process outlined above and he has confirmed that the documents being used for this programme are comprehensive in their scope and cover, including a pictorial guide for each engineer on the detailed method of changing each component. Provided that the documentation is adhered to we are confident that the safety documentation for the project is fit for purpose. Safety Reps on site when the program is underway will be entitled to view the safety documentation that each engineer or team thereof will have with them.

As part of the HCT MK2 improvement works and arrangements for the commencement of the retro-fit program as outlined in paragraph 5 above, two units Forest Hall in the Newcastle area and Cleveleys DO near Blackpool have been visited for their HCT MK2 trolleys to be upgraded prior to the full roll out of the project. The purpose of this is to trial the assumptions made during the office based considerations on safety from a Royal Mail operational perspective but mainly to see if the retro-fitting process works as ROMEC engineering have planned it. The ASRs for both sites were contacted.

Any enquiries to Bob Gibson's Office, quoting reference 540

Email address: hnutley@cwu.org

Any enquiries to Dave Joyce's Office, quoting reference C25

Email address: LHance@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Bob Gibson Dave Joyce

CWU Assistant Secretary National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

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There are currently 188 MK2 HCTs "missing in action"

[knackeredneedadayoff]

is there a hct that has no problems,they are all crap and built to a Royal Fail budget .I bet they are expensive and have better products on the market,just like the bipper and scanners and footwear that lasts 2 months.someone must have had a back hander to issue us with such rubbish,the list could go on with the money wasted and now world class mail.

[Lincox]

And to think we have to go to China to have these built. Bloody disgrace. Who is paying for the modifications. I bet it,s not the Chinese.

[Ahebban]

Never mind Mk2's, we still have a Mk1 for occasional use