The wrong way: Invicta's solution minimises the danger

Forks and attachment specialist Invicta has released a new add-on auto-tip mechanism to counter the dangers of working with large skips.

The company notes the increased use of skips as businesses seek to take advantage of commercial waste incentive programs.

The use of roll-on roll-off skips, up to 36.5 m in length and 2.5 m high, means operators are routinely working at height in unsafe conditions, increasing the risk of falls, according to Invicta managing director Peter Sharpe.

"Most skips carried by forklifts require a forward-tipping action to unload, but the height and design of these super-sized skips often sees operators standing on mud guards or climbing the side of the yard skip to reach the release mechanism," he explains

Invicta has been involved in the manufacture and supply of tipping skips for over 20 years and has developed various skip options, including a four-way entry base, bottom-emptying skip.

It also claims to have been the first to design and manufacture an auto-tipping version.

The mechanism unlocks the tipping action when the base is lowered to the edge of the receiving skip, with a secondary locking mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.

"We've designed the auto-tip mechanism to eliminate the need to get out of the cab," he adds. "Operators have immediately seen its potential, allowing them to get on with their work and not exit the cab, which is the safest place for them. The option is now a standard feature on our tipping skip range.

"Manual release mechanisms will always be required, but the option of the auto-tip function improves efficiency as well as adding safety."

The auto-tip function is now available as a bolt-on item to the standard tipping skip, allowing customers to upgrade as their business grows.

Invicta manufactures mechanical fork attachments from tipping skips and work platforms to lifting jibs and drum-handling equipment.