Use of Electric Telehandler and Rubber Wheeled Pallet Truck

The Whitechapel Station Main Works project is located in a dense urban environment, with residential properties adjacent to the sites. Whilst working within consent limits the project still received over twenty noise complaints between June and July 2020 and in the community Liaison Panel (CLP) meeting held in July 2020, residents raised numerous issues with regards to noise levels from site. One of the issues raised was the constant noise from using a diesel telehandler for distribution of materials in site compounds adjacent to their property.

As part of noise mitigation measures put in place by the project team, the diesel telehandler was swapped with an electric one. The pallet truck on site was also swapped with one that has rubber wheels. The  electric telehandler offers the same performance as the equivalent conventional one but without the noise of a combustion engine (reduced noise levels). It produces zero emissions and is 100% electric. It has up to 6 hours of battery life when charged for 3.45 hours (standard charging)/1.5 hours (fast charging). It also has reduced operational and maintenance costs.

These measures had the following results:

• Contributed to 95% reduction in noise complaints.
• A significant reduction in noise level.
• Contributed to the positive feedback received from residents in the follow up CLP meeting.
• Contributes to reduction in the carbon emissions produced.
• Contributes to reduction in use of natural resources.
• Contributes to improved air quality.