WHY IT MATTERS Heavy loads and awkwardly shaped items present significant hazards when not handled with the right equipment. Incorrect or makeshift lifting methods can lead to dropped loads, serious injuries, equipment damage, and costly downtime. Using the appropriate hoisting and materials handling equipment helps to protect workers from physical strain and injury and prevents damage to valuable materials and infrastructure. Utilising the correct materials handling equipment with appropriate Working Load Limit (WLL) ratings, colour-coded safety features, and compliance with Australian Standards is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient workplace. This approach not only protects workers but also enhances operational productivity and ensures compliance with safety regulations. CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT IN THE WORKPLACE In workplaces where heavy lifting, load transfer, and elevated work are part of daily operations—such as construction sites, warehouses, factories, and workshops— using the right hoisting and materials handling equipment is not just a matter of efficiency, it’s critical to safety, compliance, and overall productivity.
TYPES OF MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT A diverse range of equipment is employed to move and lift heavy items safely: • Manual Chain Blocks and Lever Blocks: Manual devices for lifting and tensioning and ideal for where electrical power is unavailable or where the lifting mechanism needs to be portable and easily moved. • Electric and Air Hoists: Preferred over manual hoists for tasks involving repetitive lifting, for heavier loads and situations where physical exertion is a concern. • Girder Trolleys and Clamps: Girder trolleys facilitate horizontal movement of loads along beams, while girder clamps provide a secure, stationery point for attaching or suspending equipment. • Winches (Electric, Hand, and Air): Provide a controlled pulling force. • Sheave and Snatch Blocks: Change the direction of a load or increase lifting capacity. • Concrete Clutches: Securely hold concrete elements during lifting. • Pallet Trucks and Trolleys: Safely and efficiently transport goods over short distances. • Forklift Attachments and Scissor Lift Tables: Raise and lift heavy or awkward items for easier moving and handling. • Work and Goods Cages: Safely transport personnel and materials. • Spreader Beams and Bars: Distribute load evenly to prevent damage.
2 | BUNZL SAFETY & LIFTING | SAFETY PRODUCTS CATALOGUE VOL2 4
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker