Are HCTs a health hazard?

[taurus88]

I'm on a HCT duty this week and I have nothing good to say about them.

Using one is like torturing every muscle and joint below your hips - it's a constant battering.

By the end of the day you feel as if your legs have been used as a punch-bag.

It beggars belief that anyone believes these are helpful or convenient - especially on hills!

Pushing one up a hill is a waste of time. You might as well just take out a machete and chop your legs off rather than kill them slowly going up hills.

Frankly, they're sh*t.

[monkeymutha]

Only used one once for one day (at another office) and had backache for three days afterwards. Refused to use one ever since and they have to give me a van if I go to that office now. They are shite. I am over 6' the HCT seemed too low for me, and I remember the mile walk back to the office was a f***ing killer.

[clashcityrocker]

.

It beggars belief that anyone believes these are helpful or convenient - especially on hills!

Pushing one up a hill is a waste of time. You might as well just take out a machete and chop your legs off rather than kill them slowly going up hills.

Was the duty properly risk assessed? (probably not)
They are not made for steep hills.
Have you been properly trained on the use of the HCT?
Have you read the SSOW?

I think the HCT is brilliant in the right circumstances but I can see how tall people might not think so.

[taurus88]

I am over 6' the HCT seemed too low for me, and I remember the mile walk back to the office was a f***ing killer.

I am exactly 6' and it seems too low for me, too.

Re: clash

Almost certainly not.
No.
No.

Can I refuse to use one of these things? I do not feel as if I am suitable for one and feel that it is a threat to my continued well-being. Bear in mind I have recently returned to work from a knee injury and am undergoing bio-mechanical physio to try and ease my problems.

[Labdog99]

Using HCT for couple of years. No complaints

[Labdog99]

BTW. What training do you need ? Push it.

[clashcityrocker]

Can I refuse to use one of these things?

Yes if you haven't received the proper training.

[clashcityrocker]

BTW. What training do you need ? Push it.

Make sure it isn't overloaded.
Loading procedure.
Know how long you can leave it unattended/ security assessment for the area.
Do you know what weight you can load in the bottm tray?
Hills and weight reductions.
Daily checks.
Refuelling procedure (I made that one up)

Have you read the SSOW?

[cyberheater]

I use the new electric ones. They're great.

[clashcityrocker]

SSOW

http://www.royalmailchat.co.uk/communit ... 02#p523623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lincox]

Refuelling procedure (I made that one up)

[flaminmoses]

BTW. What training do you need ? Push it.

You need to prepare physically if you have been doing your round a different way for ages.

I was off work for nearly a year and upon return lumping a heavy hct even up slight inclines has done my back in.

Other problems over the years are knocks to the shins and wrists.

[Royal_Fail]

Using HCT for couple of years. No complaints

Same here i prefer them to the LWT rounds anyday.

[anTi]

The old style ones are appalling. There is no where to putt the bundle of mail so you are carrying it one hand whilst pushing the HCT with the other. 2 weeks of this has crippled my back. Not known back pain like it, my spine is literally knotted up!

[fng]

I am over 6' the HCT seemed too low for me, and I remember the mile walk back to the office was a f***ing killer.

I am exactly 6' and it seems too low for me, too.

Re: clash

Almost certainly not.
No.
No.

Can I refuse to use one of these things? I do not feel as if I am suitable for one and feel that it is a threat to my continued well-being. Bear in mind I have recently returned to work from a knee injury and am undergoing bio-mechanical physio to try and ease my problems.

Does that not make you a cyborg ?