High Capacity Trollies - Anyone here using one?

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 28 Sep 2007, 18:19

As I've just started working to HS guidelines, due to the number of bags that I'm suddenly having, the manager has suggested that to lessen the impact I'm having on the office (ie, driver now unable to complete his work as he has to drop so many more bags to me), that the solution will be a HCT. Now, we have one in the office but it's never been used before now.
I need some advice about how I go about using one and how it will effect my duty. I have been informed that the max weight is 105kg (my manager today told me they can take 250kg!!! Lol!) and that my walk will have to be risk assessed. Also, it will reducemy walking speed and, I suppose, that it's going to cost me a little time each time I have to lock it up.
Anything else I need to know would be greatly appreciated. The manager wants me to think about how I'll do the walk using one over the weekend so....

fatherchristmas · Post by **fatherchristmas** » 28 Sep 2007, 18:35

RM tried to introduce these to watford last week but had to back down for time being Walk must be risk assessed You must be given training on said vehicle. there are strict weight limits will find out tomorrow and get back, Which get less if you have hills etc etc. Also they can only be used for deliveries that are 1.2 miles away from the office MAX distance.

Wild Cat · Post by **Wild Cat** » 28 Sep 2007, 18:36

The capacity is actually 70kg(105kg - 35kg weight of trolley).

If he thinks it can take 250kg ask him to get one of his colleague screws to sit on it (after they have had breakfast) and for him to try and push it and see what 250kg feels like to push.

They tend to be better where you get a high concentration of mail over a short walking distance.

They are better for flat roads than hills.

They are more suited for walks near the office in urban areas.

To be transported they have to be put on a van with a tail lift.

Some people prefer them some don't it's a matter of personal preference.

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 28 Sep 2007, 19:03

Oooh! That's interesting. It would seem that my manager has no experience with them either then. My walk starts a little over two miles from the office. As for getting it on the van, he wants us to take the empty HCT up in the van (a two man lift apparently) and then load it at my start point....there are some slight hills but I think the plan is to lock up and walk up and down them.
I would not consider it to be a round that has a high density of mail. In fact, my round is one of the longer duties in the office, distance-wise.
Thanks y'all!

The Sarge · Post by **The Sarge** » 28 Sep 2007, 19:18

HCT info can be found in this document: http://www.cwu.org/uploads/documents/HS ... e-Reps.pdf

HCTs are very good but certain rules must be adhered to before they can be deployed.

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 28 Sep 2007, 19:24

Thanks for that link! Very informative! It would seem that he'll have a bit of a wait before I can use one on my delivery, if at all, then!

pop it in pete · Post by **pop it in pete** » 28 Sep 2007, 20:27

Ask to see the safe systems of working for h.c.t. you will find that it states that they shouldnt be used of hilly ground. Unless its the electric version.

robd · Post by **robd** » 28 Sep 2007, 20:37

During our last office revision,loads of these trolley duties were introduced,to ease pressure off the drivers,in terms
of packets,second bags.
i must say we have a lot of timed deliveries due to lots of large firms,but i suspect the real motive was to ensure your
not making too much time out on delivery.
The reason i say this is,officially when you've finished ,the empty trolley should be chained up and collected by a driver,
but as all the duties are plotted close to the office,you end up having to walk the bloody thing back.
While i don't mind using it,as it keeps the weight of your back,they are prone to problems such as wheels falling off,
and keys snapping in the lock,etc..
Your manager will say it must be in sight at all times,but just not practical,and i for one don't believe he tested the
duty by walking all the way round with it while delivering.
Worryingly our DOM has just ordered some new electric trolleys that can take upto 150kg.
But worth asking your DOM his thinking behind this,as your driver will still be taking your bags out,as well as
you and an empty trolley!

Edward Hunter · Post by **Edward Hunter** » 28 Sep 2007, 21:35

I use one on my delivery, and they are very good, keeping the weight off your back (still have 3 or 4 drop bags though). As has been said they are ideal for city walks with high density (ie houses converted into flats) I am rarely more than 2 steps away from mine, and locking and unlocking can be a pain. Failiure to keep them locked (if you are found out) can result in an automatic 2 years serious offence against your record!

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 28 Sep 2007, 21:49

Thanks for that. It looks like he's going to have to plan this duty by combining the HCT with drops. A question though...I mentioned elsewhere that I have part of my break at my house which is at the top of a hill. Now, he'll be expecting me to chain the HCT up at the bottom of the hill and walk up and down it, no doubt. As it happens, I mentioned to him today that one problem I could see arising would be how would I get the thing into my passage (oo-er!) while I took my break there, not thinking about the steep hill involved. His first suggestion was that I have my full break before going out on delivery. I explained that I don't want to do that as I like part of my break within the delivery time as I feel walking for 3 and a half hours is a bit much. He then suggested that I chain it up outside. I said that it may cause a problem for access as it's only a narrow pavement outside.
I am also interested in what has been said regarding not leaving it out of my sight. I know that he regards them as being secure therefore it would be okay (but one quick use of a stanley knife would surely get them open!), and is planning my duty as such. Is there any official guidelines regarding this?

Post by **POSTMAN** » 28 Sep 2007, 23:52

I used to use one years ago at my previous DO but it was a high st walk and was perfect for it.

You need a special van with a tail lift to take you out on your walk and these vans seem to be very rare.
DO NOT LIFT THEM EVEN WHEN EMPTY AND USE A NORMAL VAN!!!
Some walks/DO's wont be able to have them,my present DO can't.
I couldn't use one now on the walks i do.

What about the normal trollies with 3 panier(spellin) can you use them?

Oh and get ready for some serious sore wrist action!(easy,it's a family show.)

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 29 Sep 2007, 00:05

Well, the one we have (a HCT) that's been gathering dust for over a year ( and for some time to come) is currently stored in the boiler room, where no epuipment should be stored, I believe?

Post by **POSTMAN** » 29 Sep 2007, 00:12

Pokemon Postmon wrote:Well, the one we have (a HCT) that's been gathering dust for over a year ( and for some time to come) is currently stored in the boiler room, where no epuipment should be stored, I believe?

They thought they were clever and bought one down to us once.
Until we told them we couldn't use it as we didn't have the proper van for it.

Ours was left by the leccie genertor for yonks!

brothermagrew · Post by **brothermagrew** » 29 Sep 2007, 04:13

Pokemon Postman

I would also suggest that you visit our union website and do a search under the LTBs Letters for Branches for HCT (High Capacity Trolley) more useful stuff is there to be found.

Manager is right on one thing all duties have to be properly risk assessed (and it is up to him to properly risk assess it) ask for a copy of the risk assessment for your particular duty as you are legally entitled to it. If you don't get any joy then please involve firstly your unit workplace safety rep or failing that your Area Safety Representative.

IMHO DOMs rarely know jack sh** about proper risk assessments.

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 29 Sep 2007, 04:41

Again, a thanks for the link. This is one gem I've discovered from it so far:
"The introduction of this ramp therefore removes the requirement and inconvenience of having to transport empty HCTs to remote deliveries and then having to fill them with mail. More importantly it also removes the need to lift them into vehicles, a practice which was, and still is un-agreed with the CWU."
We have no ramp nor van with tail lift. How will I cope?!