Toolbox training ensures consistent, optimised lubrication maintenance.

To prevent accidents involving forklifts at loading and unloading bays, Rite-Hite developed the Wheel-Lok vehicle restraint. The company installs and maintains these systems and discovered that in certain regions faults occurred more frequently, which could not be explained by differing customer usage or other local conditions. Investigation provided clarity: lubrication maintenance was not being carried out uniformly or with the correct products. As a solution, a standardised maintenance instruction was developed in collaboration with Interflon, and maintenance technicians were trained via a toolbox meeting.

Rite-Hite, based in Twello in the Twente region, is a highly innovative company. Its own engineers have, for example, designed an industrial high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fan in recent years. This enables more efficient air circulation in large spaces such as aircraft hangars, sports halls or large sheds. A range of industrial doors has also been developed, excelling in both functionality and design. However, the emphasis remains firmly on achieving loading bay safety. A worthwhile task, since 7% of forklift-related injuries occur at loading and unloading bays, and 70% of these could be prevented by appropriate safety measures.

Global Wheel-Lok

Take, for instance, the deployment of the Global Wheel-Lok vehicle restraint—another in-house development that has been used on loading bays throughout Europe since 1997. The solution is a simple-to-install restraint that is mounted just before the loading bay entrance. It then locks automatically into the correct position based on a rear tyre measurement. Friso Backer, Team Leader Service & Projects at Rite-Hite, explains: “This means the system can be used universally on any tyre type. Once the restraint is engaged, it can only be released when the situation is truly safe.”

Richard Bicker adds: “This solution prevents vehicles from departing prematurely from a loading bay. In addition, the Wheel-Lok protects against trailer creep and the so-called dock walk, the gradual sliding away of a truck from a loading bay.”

Toolbox meeting

Rite-Hite not only supplies and installs these restraint systems but also maintains them. It became apparent that more faults were being reported in certain regions than in others. Investigation revealed that the cause lay in the use of different procedures and products for lubrication maintenance.

Together with Interflon, options were explored to standardise the working methods and products used. This led to the creation of a lubrication plan, supplementing the factory-set maintenance instructions. It provides clear, unambiguous instructions, including the necessary cleaning and lubricating products and their application procedures. Attention was paid to the fact that Rite-Hite prefers to work with as few different products as possible to minimise the chance of selecting the wrong one. Backer notes: “This plan was explained to the technicians in a toolbox meeting and then put into practice. Before long, the pronounced differences had indeed disappeared.”

Interflon is now a permanent partner for lubricants and cleaning agents. Rite-Hite makes use of products such as Interflon Lube TF (an industrial dry lubricant) and HD2 (a synthetic grease resistant to high pressures and temperatures). Both lubricants are PFAS-free and feature MicPol® technology for optimal adhesion and protection. The versatile Interflon Degreaser EM30+ has also been added to the range. Backer comments: “A rewarding collaboration for the long term!”