Reducing Our Diesel Emissions

CSR’s workplace Health, Safety and Environment Committee Challenged the Cemintel team to review how they could cut diesel emissions

Cemintel’s two largest forklifts needed replacing, and on considering size versus maneuverability, operator comfort, cost as well as emissions, the team reviewed a new generation of Linde diesel powered H150D forklifts.

These units are the first of their kind in Australia with a Mercedes MTU Tier 4 diesel engine providing the motive power. Tier 4 compliant engines significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen to near zero levels. These emission reductions are achieved through the use of control technologies which include advanced exhaust gas after treatment, and in this case the use of AdBlue®.

AdBlue® is a water based solution sprayed into the exhaust to convert fumes into harmless gas and water vapours. It is safe to handle, is classified as non–dangerous good, and is non toxic and non flammable.

Oliver Ivanac, Operations Manager, Cemintel “the impressive manoeuvrability and safe, precise load handling even in confined areas, with superb all-round visibility is provided by the cabin’s clear view front screen, large side windows and glass top panel.  The operation is able to work with everything safely in view. Ergonomically positioned fingertip controls for all functions as well as cameras to assist with tyne positioning and reversing.   The level of comfort improvement includes a fully air conditioned cabin and a heated fully adjustable air lift seat.”

The team also opted for an integrated management system called Fleet Focus which lets them control who has access to individual machines, and provides for a pre-operation start question set that must be completed at nominated times. It also has an impact detection system that puts the machine into lock-out mode should a red level impact occur. A factory fitted weighing system is fitted so loads can be checked if there is any doubt about the loads being lifted.

Oliver goes on to say “With our existing forklifts, it is impossible to see the tips of both tynes, so with all these improvements, such as better visibility front and back, better turning ability along with logged access to the forklifts we believe we can significantly reduce the amount of product damage that until now has been difficult to reduce.”

 

Summer 2017/2018