Safety Hazard on APPS Prime Function May Cause Serious Injury and Loss of Life

APWU members are advised not to use the “prime function” to pre-load belts on APPS (Automated Package Processing System) machines.

According to Management Maintenance Order (MMO) 153-11, the load and incline belts may start operating without warning lights and horns.

“This results in a very dangerous situation that may cause serious injury and loss of life,” the MMO warns.

MMO-153-11 includes instructions to, “Immediately cease using the Prime function.” It also includes a Mandatory Safety Talk, which should be provided to anyone that may be exposed to the hazard – the unexpected start of an APPS machine.