CSS Walk Sequencing Machines - Weld Failures

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 28 Sep 2010, 15:39

No. 833/10
Ref C12
Date: 28 September 2010

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues

Re: CSS Walk Sequencing Machines - Weld Failures:

A number of weld failures have been identified to date on CSS Walk Sequencing Machines and this has been subject to ongoing remedial action by the manufacturer Solystic and progress report updates from Richard Moor Walk Sequencing Programme Manager (Royal Mail Operations Transformation Programme).

A Feeder Torque Limiter failed in a seized mode at Oldham MPU causing the feeder belt to over-tighten, causing the spring to snap under compressive force and the ledge piece on the casting to break under the resultant excess force. The operator upon lifting the pushplate had to use a greater force than in normal operation, causing the pushplate to lift up suddenly, striking and injuring the Operator. Urgent remedial action
was taken to change all similar Torque Limiters on other CSS Machines.

A significant weld failure occurred in Gatwick MC early this year where there was a complete weld failure on the bracket that holds the gas strut in place on one of the stackers. There was also a weld failure on a supporting plate in Southampton Mail Centre. The weld failed on the supporting runner for the tray trolley.

This incident was investigated as it led to an accident near miss. The incident led to a full and comprehensive review of all the welds in relation to the use of the CSS machines. On the back of the incidents Royal Mail and Solystic have investigated the quality of all welds to ensure that the welds across all CSS machines are fit for purpose.

Other aspects are subject to detailed investigation and the Project Manager is reviewing the commissioning process and the post installation risk assessment.

Royal Mail have assured the Union that they will ensure the safety of CSS Machine operators and a comprehensive review has been undertaken to check of the welds on CSS machines working with Solystic and the Regions.

All sites where CSS machines have been deployed have been reviewed and manufacturers Solystic have completed an inspection of the CSS machines. At this moment in time Welds have been prioritised which Solystic have deemed to be at greatest risk. As a consequence in Manchester MC and Rochdale 1 frame
has already been exchanged. During September frames will be exchanged at Bath, Liverpool North, Southampton and Chester DO – 3 frames.

There are a further 22 minor weld issues that this audit has identified and Solystic are due to provide a plan on rectification of this with new frames this Month. Solystic have changed their manufacture process on the CSS machines to reduce the risk of welds failing

We are satisfied that the appropriate level of attention and urgency is being given to safety issues identified to date on CSS machine by Richard Moor Walk Sequencing Programme Manager and Solystics who are keen to work with the CWU and welcome feedback on any health and safety concerns.

Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 28 Sep 2010, 15:59

We do spend our money well...don't we?
Crappy PDA's...Powered HCT's that don't work...Vans that are obviously too small and now CSS machines that come apart at the seams.
Who's in charge of Royal Mail procurement...the three blind mice.

Post by **Straight4ward** » 28 Sep 2010, 16:41

Who's in charge of Royal Mail procurement...the three blind mice.

Probably been outsourced, FT.

The mice have joined the ranks of the unemployed

three_blind_mice_md_clr.gif

clashcityrocker · Post by **clashcityrocker** » 28 Sep 2010, 16:44

fishtank wrote:We do spend our money well...don't we?
Crappy PDA's...Powered HCT's that don't work...Vans that are obviously too small and now CSS machines that come apart at the seams.
Who's in charge of Royal Mail procurement...the three blind mice.

If they put the three blind mice in charge it would be a massive improvement.
It seems we've got some right f***ing morons in charge of procurement pissing money the company apparently doesn't have down the drain like nobody's business.
Never mind - I'm sure they awarded themselves a hefty bonus for doing crap work.
Trebles all round?

clashcityrocker · Post by **clashcityrocker** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:38

Straight4ward wrote:
The mice have joined the ranks of the unemployed

And I bet they don't get Incapacity Benefit.

gpaton1511025 · Post by **gpaton1511025** » 02 Nov 2010, 09:29

clashcityrocker wrote:
fishtank wrote:We do spend our money well...don't we?
Crappy PDA's...Powered HCT's that don't work...Vans that are obviously too small and now CSS machines that come apart at the seams.
Who's in charge of Royal Mail procurement...the three blind mice.
If they put the three blind mice in charge it would be a massive improvement.
It seems we've got some right f***ing morons in charge of procurement pissing money the company apparently doesn't have down the drain like nobody's business.
Never mind - I'm sure they awarded themselves a hefty bonus for doing crap work.
Trebles all round?

Post by **blue1873** » 23 Sep 2013, 16:52

Straight4ward wrote:
Who's in charge of Royal Mail procurement...the three blind mice.
Probably been outsourced, FT.

The mice have joined the ranks of the unemployed
three_blind_mice_md_clr.gif

Greeny,Higgy and Brydo per chance ?