ALBERTSON'S MAY WIDEN USE OF DAMAGE ALARM

LINDA PURPURA

BOISE, Idaho -- Having cut rack and equipment damage in one distribution center by mounting a damage-control device on its stand-up reach trucks and floor scrubbers, Albertson's here is exploring the possibility of using the device on sit-down forklifts and electric pallet jacks.

No decision has been made yet on whether the device will be installed on these pieces of equipment, according to Jaime Hansen, facilities maintenance manager at Albertson's. The device is currently being used in an Albertson's distribution center in Portland, Ore.

If a truck bumps a rack at more than 1.5 pounds of force, the operator's horn sounds. The alarm is wired to the horn. The operator has to get off the truck and wait for the supervisor to arrive to reset the device.

Albertson's has damage-control devices mounted on the control compartment of 40 of its stand-up reach trucks. The use of the unit has resulted in a "significant" reduction in rack damage and helps the retailer keep track of the lifts operating in the building.

"Employees have become accustomed to it," Hansen said. "We don't hear many [employee] complaints about it.

The device used at Albertson's comes from Media Recovery, Dallas.