Weather may have a significant impact on the safety of outdoor forklift operations, presenting obstacles for the operator as the terrain changes and the forklift itself is impacted. Forklift operators who are operating outside must be aware of the weather and understand how the circumstances will affect their capacity to operate the lift safely.

Before starting an operation, check the weather forecast. If bad weather is expected, you may want to postpone your plans. Be aware of seasonal weather hazards as well, such as heat in the summer and snow or ice in the winter. Seasonal conditions may affect the forklift's performance, the terrain, and the driver's skill.

A 40 foot container was loaded and dispatched from the old home, Lord Harris Court. The container was loaded by a number of Masons, Members of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, a UK registered charity,

M/s Abigail Cranston, the Home Manager and Emmy one of her colleagues. We were ably assisted by WBro Andy Welsher of Sandhurst Lodge No 8505 who also provided one of his forklift trucks from his company Welfaux Materials Handling.

The container and sea freight cost £4000 and is being shipped from Tilbury within the next few days to:-

The Edward Francis Small, Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia.

This cost has been borne by our very own Berkshire Masonic Charity and Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem on a 50/50 basis.

The approx replacement value of the goods shipped is £200,000 and consisted of:-

Surplus to requirement electric beds (40)

Round and Square tables, chairs, PPE, Books (600), Mattresses, Walking aids, Wheelchairs, Linen etc.

All items were offered to other RMBI Homes but not required.

Written by Peter Wells (BERKSHIRE FREEMASONS)