FEATURE Materials Handling
The essential material-handling equipment to protect staff
This article comes from Slingsby, a UK supplier of industrial and commercial equipment S
upply-chain issues have aff ected businesses in every industry, both across the UK and globally. Backlogs and shortages are likely to continue for at least a year as the impact of volatile global markets continues to have an eff ect. Adding more pressure to this are the labour shortages that have hit businesses across all sectors, with 75% of companies struggling to hire staff , according to recent research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). And, in 2021, 19% of all workplace accidents were related to lifting and handling, which puts people off going into such industries. However, using the correct handling equipment ensures a working environment where the risk of back strain or other injuries is minimised. Manual handling jobs are made easier and quicker to complete, keeping businesses run smoothly. Not only this, but under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, it is a company’s legal obligation to minimise manual handling in the workplace where possible.
As both employers and employees continue to prioritise welfare, implementing the right equipment can help staff feel safer and more able to complete their tasks. There are many diff erent types and categories of handling equipment, but here are some of the most essential across various industries:
1. Hand-operated trucks Hand and platform trucks are among the most common types of hand-operated trucks, made up of a frame, platform and wheels. They are also one of the most versatile labour-saving equipment that can be widely used. They come in diff erent specifi cations, depending on their application and what needs transporting. Trucks with swivel wheels, for example, can easily navigate tight corners in offi ces and buildings, with those with larger weight capacities being more useful in industrial settings. In environments where heavy items are moved around, the space around a site or existing machinery might not always be appropriate for electric or drivable trucks. In
30 December/January 2023 | Automation
equipment that lift items off the ground and onto shelving. Whilst they do a similar job to forklift trucks, stackers are less expensive to run, making them cost eff ective for small- to medium-sized applications. Before investing, ensure that the truck is
this case, the varying features of pallet trucks can prove useful in allowing the staff to do more without overexerting themselves. Foldable platform trucks are also available for facilities or areas short on space, keeping the fl oor neat and clear of hazards when they’re not in use.
2. Shelf and container trollies Shelf and container trollies are a very effi cient way of moving items around. Container trucks and trollies can move heavier items, whereas shelf trollies smaller items, like cleaning equipment and room supplies. Trollies can be specifi cally designed to house hazardous materials or transport medical equipment.
3. Pallet trucks Pallet trucks or pallet jacks are another important piece of equipment where goods are primarily transported on pallets, such as in warehouses and distribution centres in the logistics industry. They feature two forks to grip the pallet and a hydraulic system, allowing them to be used by hand and with minimal eff ort, moving large quantities or heavy loads effi ciently. Electric-assisted pallet trucks can off er an even easier way for workers to move large loads.
4. Drivable trucks
Equipment like forklifts, sideloaders and order pickers are motorised or fully drivable. Some are designed for moving materials whereas others for both, loading and stacking. For example, if you have a small space with a stacking system, sideloaders are specially designed to easily navigate narrow aisles and store items at height. Stackers are another type of bulk material handling
appropriate for the space and materials used. When you have the correct equipment, it can speed up warehouse operations and help to keep fragile items transported and stored safely. As a result, waste from damaged products can be reduced. In addition, having these systems can improve safety, especially in industries such as warehousing and logistics where improper storage is a leading cause of accidents.
5. Electric drive powered tugs Electric drive powered tugs are a better solution for increasing effi ciency in moving heavy-duty loads. Using electric batteries, these programmable tugs can push, pull and steer wheeled loads around and easily move large items across inclines or declines. Drive-powered tugs allow for easy movement and require little physical eff ort from operators, meaning processes can be completed more quickly, increasing productivity. Apart from saving the energy and eff ort of staff , the reduction of manual handling also reduces the risk of injury. Tugs are a higher-value investment, but
they are well worth it for the advantages they bring to operations.
6. Conveyor systems If a facility works with large quantities of items, it’s best to use equipment that is designed to move items in bulk, simultaneously. Conveyor systems are a good example of this and can either be manual or motor-driven. Whilst both increase labour effi ciency and improve packing and dispatch times, motor-driven belts provide greater control for moving items across inclines or declines. This also reduces the risk of staff injuries, making the facility safer. Conveyor systems are also customisable, and can be belt, gravity roller or fl exible conveyors, all adjustable in size to meet the needs of the business.
automationmagazine.co.uk
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