In response to the worst nuclear
incident in Japan’s history,
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has
developed the world’s first radiationshielded
forklift truck cabin. Under
its protection, operators will be able
to dispose of contaminated rubble
much more quickly. To date, the
clearance has been a slow process
involving unmanned, radiocontrolled
heavy equipment.

The cabin has been fitted to the
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks FD150N
15t diesel counterbalance (part of the
FD80-160N series). Initially two
trucks are to be supplied for use at
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Constructed using 100mm thick
steel plates and 230mm thick lead
glass, the air-conditioned cabin is
equipped with special filters to
remove dust and other contamination.

It is also pressurised to prevent
external air from entering.