Maximising Efficiency with Board Trolleys: A Comprehensive Guide
In the bustling world of construction, joinery shops, builders’ merchants, and engineering workshops, efficiency is key. One tool that has proven to be a game-changer in these industries is the board trolley. Designed to transport boards, panels, and other flat sheets of material, board trolleys have become an essential piece of equipment in any facility that handles large, flat materials. This article will explore how board trolleys can significantly improve productivity and efficiency in various industries. Understanding Board Trolleys Before we delve into the benefits, it's important to understand what board trolleys are. These are specially designed trolleys that transport boards, panels, and other flat sheets of material upright. They come in various sizes and can be equipped with casters...
How to Use Gas Cylinder Trolleys Safely in the Workplace
Gas cylinder trolleys, also known as gas bottle trolleys, are manual handling equipment specifically designed for transporting cylinders that contain compressed gases. These gases are often stored under high pressure, making the cylinders themselves quite heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. Trolleys are used in various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, scientific research, and hospitality sectors, and contribute significantly to the safety and efficiency of gas cylinder handling. This article will provide an in-depth overview of how to use gas cylinder trolleys safely, ensuring the protection of employees and enhancing productivity within your workplace. Understanding Gas Cylinder Trolleys Before diving into the safety protocols, it's important to understand what gas cylinder trolleys are and what they're used for. Gas cylinder trolleys are...
Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know
As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as bunded pallets and IBC bunds. These are secondary containment systems designed to prevent the escape of hazardous chemicals or liquids in case of a spill or leak. Not only do these systems protect your assets, but they also contribute to maintaining the safety and health of people and the environment. In this article, we'll focus on the importance of bund integrity testing for bunded pallets and IBC bunds, the different methods available for this process, and the benefits of regular testing. Spill Containment Bunds: Bunded Pallets and IBC Bunds Bunded pallets and...
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Gas Cylinder Trolley
Choosing the right Gas Cylinder Trolley can feel like a daunting task, given the array of options available. However, making the right choice is fundamental to ensuring safety, reducing operator fatigue, and streamlining operations in your establishment. This comprehensive guide aims to ease this process by detailing the key factors that necessitate consideration when deciding on a gas cylinder trolley. Understanding Your Needs Before venturing into specific models, it's crucial to understand your unique requirements. The type and size of gas cylinders you frequently handle, the environment you'll be operating in, and the frequency of use should all influence your decision. Are you in need of a trolley that can handle multiple small cylinders or a single large one? Is...
Best Turntable Trucks to Use Outdoors
From landscape gardeners and groundskeepers to everyday garden enthusiasts, outdoor work often involves moving heavy or bulky items across various terrains. To make these tasks more manageable, turntable trucks are an indispensable tool. These pieces of manual handling equipment are specifically designed for transporting heavy loads with ease. Unlike other manual handling equipment, turntable trucks offer a unique combination of loading platforms, pneumatic wheels, and a handle that allows easy manoeuvrability, even when fully loaded. In this article, we will delve into the features of some of the best turntable trucks for outdoor use, focusing on their design, capacity, and wheel types. Mesh Base Turntable Truck with Pneumatic Wheels The Mesh Base Turntable Truck with Pneumatic Wheels is a sturdy,...
The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety
Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a soft, energy-absorbing material, this foam effectively dissipates impact forces, reducing the risk of serious harm.In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of Foam Impact Protectors, specifically tailored for industrial workshops. With a conversational tone, we will delve into the benefits, applications, and various options available, ensuring you have all the information you need to make informed decisions regarding workplace safety. Understanding Foam Impact Protectors What is Impact Protection Foam? Impact Protection Foam, renowned for its remarkable qualities, offers unparalleled protection in industrial settings. Its primary purpose is to absorb and dissipate impact...
The Essential Role of Turntable Trucks in Maximising Workplace Efficiency
When it comes to optimising the workflow in warehouses and manufacturing facilities, the choice of material handling equipment is critical. Among the various options available, Turntable Trucks have emerged as a highly efficient way to transport materials, components and other materials around the workplace. In this article, we delve into the mechanics of Turntable Trucks and discuss how they can maximise workplace efficiency with real-world examples. What are Turntable Trucks? Turntable Trucks are material handling tools comprising a flat platform mounted on wheels. What sets them apart from other types of trucks and trolleys is their unique turntable steering mechanism. This involves a rotating platform that allows the front wheels to be steered independently, while the rear wheels follow in...
Benefits of Industrial Fans in Warehouses
Using Industrial Floor Fans in your warehouse can be a cost-effective way to keep workers cool during warmer weather. Industrial fans maintain a comfortable and efficient work environment and play a critical role in promoting safety and protecting your valuable inventory. In this article, we'll explore why warehouses and factories need industrial fans and the numerous benefits they offer. Do Warehouses and Factories Need Industrial Fans? Industrial fans are essential for warehouses and factories for several reasons, including enhanced air circulation, humidity regulation, and employee health. In addition, these powerful and efficient tools are indispensable in large facilities that require effective cooling solutions. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that large industrial fans can reduce the perceived...
Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers (2023 Facts and Statistics)
A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more than a quarter of respondents experience stress every day, with another quarter feeling frequently stressed (once or twice per week). The study identified the cost of living crisis and the financial concerns it creates as the main source of stress for nearly half of the respondents. Interestingly, only 8.77% of those surveyed cited job security as a cause of stress, suggesting that the primary concern is not job loss, but rather the increasing cost of fuel, food, and energy. Approximately 20% of participants reported that their stress levels had worsened recently, reflecting a...
Mats for Wudu / Ablution Areas in Mosques
Here at First Mats, we have an extensive selection of wet room matting ideal for Wudu/ Ablution areas in Mosques and other spiritual sites. The outstanding water drainage, anti-slip properties and anti-bacterial hygienic surfaces of our Wudu mats allow any Mosque to keep hygiene and safety levels high - a must for the holy cleansing of Wudu. What is Wudu/Ablution? A Wudu/Ablution area is a dedicated space for performing ritual cleansing before Muslim prayer. This cleansing is known as ‘wudu’ or ‘ablution’, and involves washing the hands, face, arms and feet. It is an integral part of the Islamic faith, and its importance comes from the fact that it prepares the worshipper to be in the presence of Allah in a clean state. Ablution Washrooms...
The Most Unsafe Places to Work in Britain (2023)
The Health and Safety Executive releases updated figures on workplace injuries and fatalities annually, and its latest report has cast a light on many areas’ alarming increases in worker injuries. Nationally, there was an increase of 22.66% in non-fatal injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the last year: this national trend is to be expected as a result of workplaces reopening fully after being closed due to the pandemic. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out the duties that employers have towards their staff, including the requirement to assess risks, provide adequate training and equipment, and maintain a safe working environment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the regulatory body responsible...
Workplace Safety Facts and Statistics
Workplace-related injury is shockingly high in the UK. And statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) show that thousands of UK workers are injured or killed on the job every year due to preventable accidents. And hopefully, you're sitting down because 36.8 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and injury between 2021 and 2022! In total, a shocking 123 workers were killed in workplace accidents, and 565,000 were injured. So, employers need to be aware of the latest facts and statistics and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of their workers. This article explores critical workplace safety facts and statistics, with suggestions regarding how employers can create a safer work environment. What is the most common...
A Simple Guide to ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14001 certification is a globally recognised standard for implementing an effective environmental management system. It is designed to help organisations reduce their environmental impact, manage resources more efficiently, and increase their sustainability. The certification is essential for organisations that wish to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection but may not have the resources or knowledge to do it independently. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of ISO 14001 certification, the steps to achieving it, and the requirements needed to become certified. We'll also discuss how to analyse your organisation's current situation and develop the necessary certification documentation. What is ISO 14001 Certification? ISO 14001 certification is designed to help organisations: Reduce their environmental impact, Manage resources more efficiently, and ...
How to Remove The Smell from Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are versatile and extremely useful in various applications, from gyms to warehouses to garage floors. They are naturally durable, flexible and have a long lifespan. However, amongst all the positives of investing in rubber matting, many buyers notice that their new rubber mats have an unpleasant smell. But there's no need to worry; we are here to help. Follow our tips below to find out how to remove smells from your rubber mat and make your space smell much sweeter. Why Do Rubber Mats Smell? Before we dive into all the different ways to remove the smell from a rubber mat, it's essential to know why they can smell unpleasant in the first place. Rubber Mats smell because they...
The Impact of a 4-Day Working Week on Employee Health
The past decade has seen an increased focus on employee health and well-being. And for good reason, because workers are a company’s most valuable asset. One solution being trialled is the 4-day working week, which if adopted nationally, could have huge benefits for the physical health and well-being of employees, especially those in high-stress or physically demanding jobs. A 4-day week would give employees an extra day to relax and take time for themselves, potentially improving their health and well-being in the long run. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? This article examines the potential impact of a 4-day working week on employee health and well-being by examining a range of research outcomes and studies. We'll review...
Flyball - The Everything Guide
Are you looking for a new activity to enjoy with your dog? Perhaps you want to help socialise your pup while providing excellent exercise that stimulates their brain, agility, and heart rate. Flyball could be your dog's new favourite pastime. Flyball was first played by dogs and their owners in California in the 1960s until its popularity spread across the entire United States. And now this high-action competition sport is a big deal in the UK. This article is all about flyball — offering insight into the kit you need, the rules, and how to train your pooch to participate in this super-fun pursuit. Ready? Let’s go! What is flyball? Most dogs love playing fetch — and if your dog...
How to Charge Your Electric Car if You Don’t Have a Driveway
Are you considering buying an electric car, van, or moped? If you have your own driveway, it’s easy to charge your EV — but what happens if you don’t? How do you charge your EV if you don’t have a driveway? We all know that electric vehicles are greener, cleaner, and quieter than vehicles with traditional combustion engines. And electric is an excellent choice if you can park your vehicle within your home's boundaries. But what about people who can't park their cars within the boundary of their homes? Is it practical to trail a wire across the pavement? This article explores how to charge your electric vehicle when you don't have a driveway. We'll examine your legal obligations and...
The Importance of Doormats & How They Can Save You Money
Most of us are considering how we can save money around the home right now. But for business owners, cost-cutting has become essential to sustaining a long-term business. And while installing energy-saving lightbulbs and low-energy computer monitors can help cut back on your skyrocketing energy outgoings, have you thought about how to preserve your building over the longer term? Doormats can save you money in cleaning bills, but they can also protect you from unwelcome litigation. This article explores the importance of doormats, examining how installing the correct type of mat for your building can — in the long run — help save money. Why install a doormat? Wiping your feet as you enter a building is as natural to...
How to Boost Productivity by Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace
Are you losing precious productivity due to employee back pain and musculoskeletal-related injury? Is your workplace acting to reduce existing conditions that stop employees from carrying out their roles? Back pain is one of the main causes of workplace absence in the UK, resulting in over 12 million work days lost each year. And while many back problems aren’t directly related to working practices, the HSE states that employers must protect workers from potential workplace risks that cause or worsen back pain or Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). That’s quite a responsibility. Are you doing everything you can to protect your workforce? This article offers practical advice and recommendations to help ensure your business complies with HSE regulations and keep your...
How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills
Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past ten years, while gas has risen 250% over the past couple of years. Perhaps you’re looking for ways of keeping your workforce warm at work for less? The wholesale cost of buying UK electricity this winter Keeping your workforce warm should be a priority because cold workers are less productive. Long-term exposure to the cold can result in long-term health problems: respiratory, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as a range of debilitating skin problems. Turning the heating up is one solution, but it will impact your profit margin, and it's...