You Down with PPE? Yeah.. You Know Me!
May 17, 2012 Leave a Comment
The New Rail King is Here!
March 30, 2012 Leave a Comment
It was quite an exciting morning at our Des Moines Branch yesterday! A new Rail King RK320 arrived at our dock doors in all of its bright orange glory!
If you’d like to see this amazing piece of machinery in person just stop by our facility or contact MH Equipment for more information!
ReSales Feature | Rail King SS4850
March 16, 2012 Leave a Comment
2005 Rail King SS4850
- UNIT HAS BEEN PAINTED
- CAT DIESEL
- AIR CONDITIONED CAB
- 75 GALLON FUEL TANK
- 75 CFM TRAIN AIR BRAKE
Please Contact:
Charles Blankenship
Rail King Program Manager
(513) 383-7784
Email: cblankenship@mhequipment.com
Browse our pre-owned Rail Car Mover inventory!
Be “Boy Scout” Prepared for Winter Travel – ALL the time!
December 28, 2011 Leave a Comment
Often times while growing up my parents had vehicles that weren’t exactly “reliable” – spending money on fancy new cars – or even mechanics for that matter - was never really their thing… However, being prepared for the worst definitely was! (Like Boy Scout prepared… ALL the time!)
No matter what time of year it was there was ALWAYS a tool box stashed in the car, and if it was winter you can bet there were blankets, candles, matches, boots, sand, and even snacks in the car too!
I’ll never forget how exasperated my dad was one night a couple of years ago when I stopped by their house – in the dead of winter with several inches of snow on the ground – AND wearing my bedroom slippers of course. He just about came unglued! “What are you doing?! What if your car broke down?!” (I think he may have even called me crazy…)
I scoffed – “I have a cell phone and roadside service… what do you mean?”
Oh did I ever get an earful!
While cell phones and road service are great they’re not the only tools to have in your winter survival vehicle kit. I have to give my dad credit on that one… I guess I would be really grateful to have a blanket and boots if for some crazy reason my cell phone wasn’t working!
So, here’s a list of must haves if you are going to be traveling in the Midwest this winter (even if it is just a few miles to mom and dad’s house you go!)
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A multi-tool knife
- Extra set of clothes – so you can turn the car off and still stay warm
- Extra socks, gloves and hats
- Blankets
- Boots
- Waterproof matches and candle (- used to help keep warm)
- Small can – to melt snow for drinking water
- Local maps
- Tools (screwdriver, pliers, wrench)
- Road flares
- Rope
- Jumper Cables
- Small shovel
- Set of tire chains
- Bottled water
- Food such as nuts, dried fruit or energy bars
- First aid kit – and know how to use it
Make sure you update the contents of your kit on a regular basis and make sure all drivers and passengers know where to find it.
Driving in Inclement Weather
December 20, 2011 Leave a Comment
With all of the snow and inclement weather we’ve experienced in the midwest these past few days, our next “Safe in the Moment” post is how to be safe when driving in snow and wet weather. We included wet weather because, well… we hope the snow will melt sometime!
Driving in Snow/Ice
The Weather Channel listed some great snow and ice driving tips. The best tip to staying safe while driving in bad weather is to avoid driving if at all possible. But if you need to brave the snow and ice, make sure your car is prepared and follow these tips below.
- Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop. The rule of thumb is to leave three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding and sliding. If your wheels happen to lock up, ease off the brake.
- In bad weather, always have your lights on to increase your visibility.
- Keep lights cleared from snow and ice, and keep your windshield clean.
- Use low gears to keep traction, especially when diving on hills.
- Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
- Use caution when driving on a bridge, overpass or infrequently traveled roads because those are the first to freeze. Even if temperatures are above freezing, shady areas or exposed roadways like bridges can freeze.
- Don’t pass snow plows or sand/salt trucks. These drivers have low visibility and the road behind them is usually better then the road in front of them.
- Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even vehicles with four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive can encounter trouble while driving in inclement conditions.
Weather.com also has some tips on if your rear wheels skid, front wheels skid or if you get stuck. Snow and Ice tips are courtesy of weather.com.
Driving in Wet Weather
Melting snow can cause wet roads and risky driving situations. Taking into account these simple tips from the National Safety Council can save your life.
- Drive slow and carefully to prevent skids, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch.
- Turn on your lights and maintain a clean windshield with properly working windshield wipers.
- If you start to skid, remain calm and ease your foot off the gas. Carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid braking. This procedure of “steering into the skid,” will essentially bring your back end of the car in line with the front end. If your car does have anti-lock brakes, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.
- Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly and maintain good tire tread.
- If you hydroplane, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road. If you need to brake, do so gently with light pumping actions. If your car has ABS, brake normally; the car’s computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.
- Be a defensive driver. Adjust your speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.
While driving in snow, ice or wet weather conditions try to minimize distractions. Limit your cell phone use, adjusting the radio or anything that takes your attention off the road.
Safe driving!
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Preparing Forklift Operations for Ice and Snow
December 8, 2011 Leave a Comment
As one of the Midwest’s largest forklift truck suppliers, MH Equipment advises forklift users to get prepared for ice, snow and freezing conditions to ensure that any forklifts critical to a supply chain run smoothly, reliably and safely this winter.
Some useful suggestions:
- Talk to your supplier as early as possible to ensure that all forklifts are specified correctly, for example with the right forklift tires for outdoor operation.
- Ensure that the forklifts are serviced regularly otherwise the cold, wet weather could lead to increased component failures and breakdowns. Vital components such as batteries, hydraulics and electrical systems become ever more important and engines need protection from cold weather. MH Equipment, for example, provides oils and lubricants to ensure engines run smoothly and efficiently.
- Ice or rain may create slippery surfaces, either outdoors or on loading bays, so training drivers to be more cautious with their speed and supervision where necessary helps to reduce a number of safety risks.
- If a forklift operates in a muddy or dirty environment, it is important to regularly clean the equipment to prevent parts becoming blocked or clogged.
- Check the condition of the forklift tires to ensure traction and stability in icy, wet conditions. MH Equipment can provide planned site visits to check tread levels and tire condition. Gritting yard areas in the snow and freezing conditions will also help to maintain traction.
- Ensure forklift drivers are doing their daily checks.
- As it gets dark early, check there is suitable lighting on the forklifts or in external areas. MH Equipment can fit lights and beacons for your truck quickly and economically.
- If the forklift doesn’t have a cab for the driver you could consider upgrading the machine. MH Equipment can fit screens, wipers, covers, heaters and even complete cabs depending on your requirement and budget. Additionally workers should be provided with winter clothing such as waterproof jackets, body warmers and gloves.
- Always ensure that there is a reliable, experienced forklift service provider looking after the fleet, who can respond effectively in case of breakdown. MH Equipment uses state-of-the-art technology to provide customers with an efficient support service 24 hours a day and in any weather conditions. It uses a web-based vehicle tracking system on its vans, which allows a more efficient and speedy service response, allowing dispatchers to assign the nearest engineer according to skills and parts required.
- Check the security and stock level of the fuel supply in case supply is delayed or restricted due to snow.
- Check that forklift snow plows, scoops, salt spreaders/sanders and a wide range of other useful attachments are readily available on site. These are available through MH Equipment as well.
To help you be well prepared contact MH Equipment at one of our branch locations near you.
Special thanks to Andrew Dawson, National Service Manager from Barloworld Handling for providing the ideas above.
Am I Being Safe at this Very Moment?
November 16, 2011 1 Comment
On the average there are 10 accidental deaths and about 1000 disabling injuries every hour in the United States. In every instance the victim was somebody who did not plan or expect they would be hurt or killed.
In just a matter of seconds, your whole world could change.
It’s impossible to predict every single hazard you will encounter in a day since there is never a total absence of risks in our lives. Risks are voluntary actions and can be managed by constantly asking ourselves: “Am I being safe at this very moment?”
Think about the job at hand and evaluate for hazardous conditions:
- Check the weight of an item before trying to lift it.
- Check the area above, below, and around you for protrusions to avoid bumping your head or other body parts.
Think before you act:
- Do not hurry.
- Don’t become careless.
Think Clean! Good housekeeping prevents many injuries:
- Place tools back into proper storage when finished with them.
- Remove trash and debris from walkways.
- Clean up spills.
Think about driving more cautiously especially as inclement weather approaches:
- Inspect your vehicle to make sure everything is in good working order.
- Use your headlights to be SEEN by other drivers.
- Use turn signals so others know your intentions.
- Double check for traffic when your traffic light turns green. People run red lights!
Think about your coworkers’ safety:
- Help a coworker to avoid an injury.
- Point out unsafe behavior to coworker.
- Have a “See it, Own it, Solve it.” attitude when it comes to safety issues.
Maintaining a Safe Environment is Everyone’s Responsibility
November 2, 2011 Leave a Comment
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, slips, trips, and falls account for the majority of general industry accidents. That adds up to a lot of injuries every year, and even some deaths.
In most workplaces a variety of slip, trip, and fall hazards can develop during the course of a workday or workweek. Loose flooring or carpeting, wet spots, uneven walking surfaces, clutter and electrical cords are just a few. The most important thing to remember is to be observant of potential hazards. While preventing these hazards seems obvious, the unfortunate truth is those measures are often ignored.
Maintaining a safe environment is everyone’s responsibility. Here are a few housekeeping tips to help you prevent slips, trips, and falls in your workplace:
- Keep work areas clean and orderly.
- Maintain aisles and other walkways. Keep them clear of trip hazards, like cartons, stored materials, tools, etc.
- Pick up fallen items from the floor.
- Keep walking surfaces dry.
- Post warning signs for wet floor areas.
- Use non-slip footgear to decrease slip and fall hazards in areas that are frequently wet.
- Report or clean up spills immediately.
- Clean only one side of a passageway at a time.
- Safely store scrap, debris, and waste, and promptly remove them from the work site.
- Tape or anchor temporary electrical cords that cross aisles and post a warning sign.
Sources:
Daily Safety Advisor
Oh How I Love that Extra Hour of Sleep!
November 1, 2011 Leave a Comment
Can you believe it’s already November? It seems the year has flown by! It’s also Daylight Savings Time! This weekend, in addition to setting your clocks back an hour, take this opportunity to make sure your family is safe for the winter months to come – and also get that extra hour of sleep! Oh yeah!
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
- Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors.
- Check the batteries in your thermostat. This is the last thing you want to fail you on a cold night…..trust me I know!
- Check the batteries in your flashlights, and make sure they are stored in a convenient place. You want to be able to find them if the lights go out.
- Change the filters in your furnace, this helps in efficiency as well as filtering out dust.
- Have a professional come in and inspect your heating and cooling system. Preventative maintenance can go a long way.
- Change to energy efficient bulbs. If you haven’t done this already, it’s time. They cost a little more money, but they last much longer and use less energy!
- Check your fire extinguisher – make sure it’s ready should you need to use it
- Clean your fireplace and inspect your chimney if you have one. Make sure it is ready and safe for the season.
- Make sure you have shovels and salt on hand for icy driveways and sidewalks.
- Make sure all the lights on your vehicle are in good working order and you have an anti-freeze formula windshield wiper fluid – when it’s dark when you come to work in the morning and leave work at night this will make for a much safer trip!
- Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
Straining for Zero Injuries?
October 25, 2011 Leave a Comment
You bend over to pick up a box and YOUCH! There goes your back! A strained back can be extremely painful and take days – if not weeks to recover from. Every move you make every step you take… it’ll be hurting you.
Below are several tips to avoid strains and sprains and keep you SAFE and HEALTHY!
• Be safe in the moment. Ask yourself “Is what I am doing being safe?” If not, don’t do it.
• Don’t over reach. If you need to, walk around and lift the object properly. If object is up high use a step stool or ladder to reach the object.
• Avoid bending and twisting.
• Use proper lifting techniques. Squat close to the object, grip with your palms, lift with your legs.
• Use lifting equipment for objects that are too large or awkward for one person.
• Ask someone to help when dealing with an awkward load. Don’t try to do it alone.
• Take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy weight. Extra pounds can cause stress on the lower back.
• Exercise builds strong muscles and helps prevent injury.
• Stretch to maintain flexibility.
• Eat healthy! Good food builds a strong body, bones, and muscles.
• Get a good night sleep. Rested muscles are stronger muscles!
You can prevent strains and sprains by practicing good safety measures and always being SAFE IN THE MOMENT!
