Handling with care

September 24, 2015 10:44 am

A comprehensive approach to create a safe manufacturing environment
 Material handling is an integral part of any manufacturing facility. However, creating a safe operating environment depends to a large extent on the material handling process involved. Not abiding by safety rules, ignorance to safety aspects and lack of awareness on safety features are some of the major factors that make a material handling process vulnerable to mishaps. Such mishaps can cost huge in terms of man, materials, machines and production downtime.
Commenting on the importance of safety in material handling, Adarsh Hegde, GM – Sales and Marketing, Demag – Terex Material Handling and Port Solutions said, “Material handling is one of the prime causes of work-related injuries and associated costs worldwide. The results of material handling related accidents can really be catastrophic. Hence, safety must always be the primary consideration while selection of material handling equipment or methods.”
“All of ElectroMech’s cranes come equipped as a standard with redundant safety electric limit switches as well as mechanical barriers to ensure that the hook path does not stray dangerously out of the intended work envelope,” assures Tushar Mehendale, Managing Director, ElectroMech. The company has several electrical interlock systems hardwired in its circuitry which prevent an operator from running the crane in an unsafe manner even if he wishes to do so.
Furthermore, by having smooth start and smooth stop functions as standard on all of its cranes, ElectroMech ensures that the load swing is restricted to absolute minimum levels and associated accidents and personal injuries are eliminated.
Today, with increasing awareness, the industry is welcoming the material handling equipment having adequate safety features. Commenting on this aspect, Dayanidhi Anand, Country Head, STAHL CraneSystems said, “Safety has become an important factor behind decision making while buying a crane. Safety features such as overload protection, temperature protection, slack-rope and brake-monitoring systems play a decisive role in running of plant using these equipment. STAHL hoists give highest priority to safety in its equipment.”
Armsel Kito understands and ensures the importance of safety at workplaces. The machinery handling manuals are of a prime focus both as preventive measure and an ongoing safety kit. “Familiarisation, inspection techniques and right safety driven operating procedures are emphasised to every customer,” a company spokesperson said.
The company offers workshops and seminars to imbibe safety operating system at the start. A team of professionally trained service engineers and operation experts imparts training to all its customers and associates.
“At Terex we are committed to designing, manufacturing and selling safe products in compliance with the standards and regulations for markets in which they are sold and used. We have dedicated product safety management teams for meeting the Terex product safety mission goals,” Mr Hegde informed.