While the field of material handling equipment may not be the most lucrative, a safe and efficient process is impossible without it. Every stage of any production, manufacturing or manufacturing process requires the movement of materials. The flow of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products determines the absolute limit to how fast a process can run. Industrial equipment designed for this area has to do its job without fail to keep workers safe and move the production line.
Lifting & Rigging – Hoist Rings & More
When lifting operations are involved in material handling, safety and efficiency take centre stage. A major safety rule for cranes and lifting equipment is never to carry loads on other workers. Additionally, all lifting industrial equipment is designed to support twice the maximum expected load to prevent costly failures that can damage process equipment and cause injuries. Every component of the system, from the smallest hoist rings to the rigging, must be rigid and durable; The weakest link breaks first.
When hoist rings are considered, they can be used in a variety of configurations for flexible material handling systems. They come in a variety of sizes, materials, and with multiple swivel points. For example, fixed hoist rings are the most robust configuration available, but sacrifice manoeuvrability. Systems designed to handle loads in complex paths or to load goods in process stages may not use fixed mount hoist rings.
A swivel mount, on the other hand, provides freedom of movement for more complex aerobatics. Hoist rings can be designed with three independent swivel points for maximum flexibility in multiple directions. With additional moving parts, extra care and maintenance are required to keep all swivel points lubricated and moving freely.
As far as rigging is concerned, sturdiness and durability are again a top priority. Select rigging rated at least twice the expected load to ensure safety as well as ample room for wear. Choose materials that will be used in any working condition. For example, in a chemical plant containing corrosive chemicals, stainless steel will last longer than carbon steel. It is safer to use more expensive materials that do not require frequent replacement.
Use the same logic when choosing training equipment. Always choose a crane that is designed to carry a heavier load than intended.
Material Handling Procedures for Drums
Drum handling is a unique affair. In addition to the standard hazard, drums usually contain hazardous material, making the spill even more dangerous. While a dropped load of sheet metal can cause damage and injury, a dropped drum can inhale or release dangerous fumes, causing serious injury over a wide area.
With this in mind, the first safety rule for drums is to never try to shake the drum by turning it on its side. No matter where the drums go, always use material handling equipment Melbourne such as a drum dolly or cart. Drums can also be loaded onto pallets and driven through worksite by forklift. Specially designed drum handlers are also available that combine a lifting device with a movable cart to safely combine all material handling tasks for the drum into a single piece of equipment. The bottom line is never trying to drum roll.
Role of castors and loads on wheels
The easiest way to move anything is to put some wheels on it. However, there is more effort and thought involved in using casters and wheeled carts safely.The load requires five casters to be properly balanced and ready for transport. A rectangular load may require only four wheels, but any round or cylindrical shaped load requires a fifth base point.
After the load is carried, it should not be left on casters or wheels. They are not designed to support static loads, even if they are equipped with wheel locks. Transfer goods to a stable platform for safe and secure use.
