Mk 3 [Hartwall] 'Lightweight' York Container - Rework & Modi

[TrueBlueTerrier]

No. 070/10
Ref C25.10
Date: 22 January 2010

To: All Postal Branches

Dear Colleagues

Royal Mail Letters -

Previous LTB 858/09 refers on this matter.

As previously advised, it had been agreed between Royal Mail and Hartwall's the manufacturers to withdraw all 26000 plus MK3 lightweight (Hartwall) York Containers from Royal Mail in order to rectify a number of manufacturing quality issues with the containers, and to carry out modifications to the brake handle system. The nature of the work required that the kit was returned to the manufacturers for the work to be completed at their premises.

This process was suspended in December owing to Christmas pressure. The H&S Dept has been informed that the removal of MK 3 lightweight (Hartwall) Yorks is to recommence ASAP. The process is as before, the MOR traffic on the MK 3's that have not been modified.

Royal Mail have stressed again that the MK3 York containers are completely safe to use providing the Safe System of Work (SSOW) is correctly followed.

If there are any issues locally, inform management to seek advice from Neil Hayes Mail Container Equipment Manager (who has recently replaced Mark Wythe).

Yours sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

There is an attachment explaining the differences in the Yorks but it is too large to post here. CWU members are advised to download the whole LTB from the CWU Website.

[SpacePhoenix]

There seems to be two types of "modified" ones of them (both marked with the green tape). One type the bars at the back near the bottom don't have a piece at the top bridging them and the other type do. I think the former type must be from the original recall.