​As well as their environmental credentials, the new forklifts include built-in safety features. For instance, one has anti-static forks and gas sensors to make it safer to carry large gas canisters, as built-in sensors can detect leaks and shut off the forklift motor. The forklifts also include automatic load levelling and an overturning sensor, which limits cornering speed to prevent overbalancing.

Although the science at ISIS is usually focussed on the very small – down to the atomic scale – the equipment required to do so is often very large. And moving it about takes skill and specialised equipment. At ISIS, that role is fulfilled by the Lifting ​Team.

The team have also switched the older diesel-powered forklifts to sustainable biofuel, which can be used as a direct replacement for the old red diesel fuel. “It's much better for the environment and it's a healthier working environment too. Instead of diesel fumes the biofuel smells of nothing," says Lifting Team Section Leader Ian Ersser-Smith.

The Lifting Team are also responsible for the overhead cranes in ISIS target stations and elsewhere. These are used for moving heavy objects around the Target Stations and other facilities; the team played an important role in installing the new diffraction detectors in the IMAT beamline.