Author: leighbliss

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Conveyor Belts Conveyor Systems

4 Types Of Material Handling Equipment

4 Types of Material Handling Equipment

In a situation where it’s crucial to move large or heavy materials, you’ll need something to help. These heavy materials certainly can’t be moved through sheer willpower. That’s where material handling equipment comes into play.

Just what is material handling equipment? It’s the equipment that you will use to help you move a large or heavy object, store items between uses, and transport a product to its destination. That’s a pretty broad definition, defining anything from transportation to storage and control of the product.

While the definition of material handling equipment is broad in and of itself, there are certain types of equipment that are used for specific, individual purposes. Let’s take a look at what this all entails. Here are the four main types of equipment for material handling.

Storage and Handling Equipment

Providing your team with the right equipment helps them function more efficiently and reach higher levels of productivity. Their workstations matter. By outfitting the workstations with ergonomic equipment and storage solutions, you are enabling your workers to thrive at what they do best. 

These simple storage equipment will help your team stay organized and efficient. These items include:

  • Shelves
  • Racks
  • Bins
  • Stacking frames
  • Drawers

Your entire production system is maximized when it operates efficiently and has an organized space. 

Bulk Material Handling

The storage, control, and transportation of bulk materials are done by bulk handling equipment. These are pieces of equipment that handle items when they are loose. By controlling the unpackaged items, you are able to streamline your production and packaging lines and increase the productivity of your employees. Examples of bulk handling equipment include:

These items store your product until it is ready to be used. Sometimes the storage container funnels these items so they can be easily packaged and distributed. 

Modular Office Spaces

Modular buildings can be put up practically anywhere and can be customized to fit all your needs. These structures are reconfigurable so that as your business model evolves, your building can change with it. 

By creating modular office spaces, you can quickly add employees during busy times without purchasing or leasing another building. In slow times, this space can be used for storage for equipment or documentation.

Industrial Trucks

This term loosely defines a variety of equipment, from pallet jacks to forklifts. The one thing they do have in common though — they all provide a way to move an item from point A to point B. When we think trucks, we usually think large vehicles, and while this category of material handling equipment can include large trucks, it also includes smaller ones that can create mobility for an object being handled. 

Some of these trucks include:

  • Pallet trucks
  • Pallet jacks
  • Order pickers
  • Walking stackers
  • Side-loaders
  • Automated guided vehicles

Some of these trucks can be driven by humans, and some are completely automated — following a pre-defined track on a floor. But they all have the ability to transport your product to its final destination.Material handling equipment is a broad term that encompasses many different items. It’s hard to know exactly what someone is talking about without more specific details on that person’s situation. But one thing is certain: companies need different types of material handling equipment within their business. For more information on what types of equipment will benefit your operation, visit our product page today. If you know what you need, give us a shout — we’d be happy to put together a quote specific to your needs.

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Lift Equipment

Types of Scissor Lifts Guide

Warehouse scissor LIft

What is a scissor lift?

A scissor lift is a piece of machinery that moves up and down and is equipped with a platform. It’s very useful in warehouses and construction sites and provides a safe way for workers to accomplish tasks in high-up places. 

Scissor lifts vary in size and application. Let’s take a look at these different types of lifts and how they work. 

How does a scissor lift work?

There are several types of scissor lifts, and while they all function the same, the way the lift is powered varies. Here is the general idea as to how they work:

  • The power is turned on by a person on the lift. This fills a cylinder with hydraulic fluid or compressed air. 
  • As the fluid or air is pushed through the cylinder, it causes the lift’s legs to push apart.
  • When the legs get pushed apart, the platform is raised.
  • This platform can carry people or equipment up in the air to reach things high up. 
  • When that person is ready to return to the ground, they will push a button to release the pressure or fluid in the cylinder, thus lowering the lift.  

What are some types of scissor lifts?

Although scissor lifts are similar in the way they move, each type of lift has a distinct purpose and application. Let’s take a look.

Hydraulic scissor lifts

These construction lifts are powered by hydraulic systems. These systems are either hand-operated or driven by an engine and are relatively easy to use. When the lift is turned on, the changing pressure of the hydraulic oil moves the platform up or down. 

Hydraulic oil is difficult to use in cold weather environments, so these lifts are best suited for warmer climates or where horsepower is not a high priority for the lift. The speed of a hydraulic lift is dependent upon the weight that is on the lift when it is raising or lowering, so if you have a heavy load, this lift may not be the best option for your project. 

Electric scissor lifts

Electric lift tables run off of electricity and are less bulky than some of the other scissor lifts. They do not emit fumes or noise since they are run by electricity and feature silent drive mechanisms. This makes them perfect for small, indoor spaces. 

Pneumatic scissor lifts

This type of scissor lift runs using air pressure. These are perfect for companies looking for environment-friendly options, as they do not emit hazardous fumes. Pneumatic lifts do not provide as much horsepower as some of the other options, since they run off of compressed atmospheric air. This makes them better for smaller projects. They are suitable for any environment, indoors or out. 

Rough terrain scissor lifts/all-terrain scissor lifts

These lifts are hardier than the other types of scissor lifts. They are designed for outdoor use and have heavy-duty tires. They also have a high weight capacity and additional safety features, such as arrestors and fall restraints. Rough terrain lifts are perfect for places with uneven surfaces, working on slopes, and projects that must take place in poor weather. These all-terrain lifts can be powered by diesel fuel, gas, or liquid propane.

Using the right lift

When purchasing a scissor lift, look at what tasks you will be doing. This will help you determine which type of lift you need. Using a lift that is designed for a small indoor space would be disastrous when working outside in a snowstorm. For more information on how the different styles of lifts can benefit you, visit our lift equipment page.

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Conveyor Belts Conveyor Systems

Material Handling Equipment For Productivity

Material Handling Equipment for Productivity

From production lines to industrial plants, from warehousing to distribution, material handling is central to a wide range of business concerns. Regardless of your industry sector, specialized equipment is needed to handle materials effectively. Common examples of material handling equipment include vehicles for off-site and on-site transportation, conveyor systems and hoists for horizontal and vertical movements, and storage equipment for accessibility and control.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global conveyor system market will be driven over the next six years by growth in the e-commerce sector and the emergence of Industry 4.0.

From the moment bulk materials come through your door to conveyors, cranes, and stacking frames, simple and highly-engineered systems need to work together in harmony.

Conveyor systems for increased efficiency

Material handling is a large field that differs considerably between businesses and locations. However, despite divergent operational demands, most equipment falls into a few categories.

  • Industrial trucks and other vehicles are used to transport goods from one place to another, both between and within facilities.
  • Bulk material handling equipment is used to manage items before they hit the production line, including conveyors, stackers, and bucket elevator systems.
  • Complex conveyor systems and automatic guided vehicles (AVG) are used in some facilities, with mobile robotic technology central to many large-scale applications.
  • Storage systems are used to manage materials and goods at all stages of the delivery and production cycle, including racks, stacking frames, and silos.

Conveyor systems play a central role in many industrial and commercial operations. Not only are they used to handle bulk materials, but they are also essential in many production lines, distribution applications, and transactional processes. From simple conveyors with manual controls to automated systems with lasers, magnets, and cameras, the right conveyor system can improve every aspect of your business.

At Handling Solutions, we offer the following conveyor systems to help you increase your productivity and maximize your efficiency:

  • Roller conveyors consist of cylindrical rollers in series, with powered rollers using a chain or belt mechanism to move items forward.
  • Belt conveyors move items on a belt, which is turned by pulleys that are attached to a motor. The most common belt conveyors use a single drive pulley powered by a rotor.
  • Metal belt conveyors function in the same way as standard belt conveyors, with a strong and highly durable metal belt ideal for abrasive materials and demanding applications.
  • Low-profile conveyors are a common variation of the belt conveyor. Low-profile units are ideal when you are working with small items and have limited space.
  • Plastic belt conveyors are another belted variation. In terms of strength and durability, plastic belts are a middle-ground between standard fabric belts and tough metal belts.

Types of lifting tool equipment for increased efficiency

Along with conveyor systems, lifting tools play a key role in many warehouses and industrial facilities. Lifting tools include manipulators, lift assists, cranes, hoists, lift tables, tilters, and vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs). This equipment is used to move heavy items from one place to another, offering numerous safety and efficiency advantages over manual or forklift movements.

At Handling Solutions, we offer the following lifting tools:

  • Manipulators and lift assists – We have manipulator arms, lift cylinders, grippers, and other equipment to lift heavy equipment and perform demanding tasks with ease.
  • Ergonomic cranes – Industrial cranes give you complete flexibility over material movements. We have jib cranes, bridge cranes, and industrial hoists, among other devices.
  • Lift tables, tilters, and VRCs – Specialized equipment is needed to load goods and materials safely. We have lift tables, platforms, tilters, freight lifts, and more.

Access to professional material handling equipment is crucial in many industrial and commercial businesses. When you have the right conveyor systems and lifting tools for the job at hand, you can improve the efficiency of your business and the safety of your workforce. If you would like to make an order or learn more about our products, please contact our team or request a quote today.

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Conveyor Systems

What Are The Different Types Of Warehouse Lift Equipment?

Industrial Work Lift

Warehouse Lift Equipment

Lifts are useful for quickly moving heavy items and even people from point A to point B. They are common in construction sites and material handling facilities such as warehouses, factories, and storage depots. Lift systems make it much easier to hoist and haul heavy cargo and also help create a safe workplace environment for the staff involved, especially those handling hazardous or delicate materials.

Industrial lifts have been around for decades. Thanks to advancements in hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical technologies, lifts have evolved over the years into various distinct designs and models. In this guide, we’ll discuss four main types of lifts, highlighting the distinguishing features and ideal applications for each type.

Visit our products page if you’d like to learn more about specialized lift equipment and tools.

Let’s get started on the different types of lifts and their uses:

Boom lifts

Boom lifts are some of the most common and versatile types of lifts available today. They have a pretty basic design and working principle. An arm (known as the boom) sits on a turntable mounted on a motorized vehicle or ground anchor. A bucket, cage, or lifting platform is attached to the other end of the boom. The arm can stretch out vertically and swivel on the turntable to raise, lower, and rotate the bucket into position.

Boom lifts are typically used outdoors or in large warehouses, mostly to hoist workers repairing, painting, or cleaning hard-to-reach places. Farmers also use them to pick fruit from trees.

There are two types of boom lifts:

  • Telescopic boom lifts (with straight boom)
  • Articulating (knuckle) boom lift (with jointed boom)

Scissor lifts

A scissor lift features a more compact design compared to a boom lift. Instead of an arm, scissor lifts have a cross-brace mechanism that moves up and down between the base and the platform. Depending on its application, the lift can sit on either a movable vehicle or a solid base. The lifting platform can be a flat scissor lift table or a caged bucket that accommodates one or two people.

This type of lift is generally used in applications that only need up and down movements, such as accessing high shelves in warehouses and any task requiring an elevated work platform.

Scissor lifts come in a wide range of specs and builds for various applications. However, the design largely stays the same. The only distinction between the different types of lifts is the power source, which can be:

  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatic
  • Diesel
  • Electric

Freight lifts/vertical conveyors

Freight lifts or vertical conveyors are used to move cargo from one elevation point to another in a storage or processing facility. They often lie between two horizontal conveyor systems separated by a height. In most cases, vertical conveyors link different sections of industrial supply chains or floors in a multistory building. But unlike service elevators, these types of lifts are not rated for human cargo. Unlike passenger elevators, freight lifts abide by a national safety code described in the ANSI/ASME B20.1 (Safety Standards for Conveyors).

Freight lifts fall into different categories depending on their build structure and design. Below is a list of the main types of vertical conveyors. Note that there are several iterations of the same designs, which further split these into even finer subcategories.

  • Vertical reciprocating conveyors
  • Continuous vertical conveyors
  • Spiral conveyors
  • Vertical screw conveyors
  • Scissor lift conveyors

Aerial lifts

An aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted elevation platform used to temporarily hoist personnel or cargo to otherwise inaccessible heights. Basically, it is any mechanical work platform that replaces ladders, scaffolding, and harnesses in a job site, be it construction, building maintenance, or warehouse stacking. This type of lift includes:

  • Boom lifts
  • Scissor lifts
  • Bucket trucks
  • Cherry pickers
  • Personnel lifts (mechanical ladders)

Wrapping up

Industrial lifts come in all different sizes, specs, shapes, and designs. Although most lifts are built to be as versatile as possible, each type suits a particular application, industry, or use case. Understand your elevation requirements in order to determine the most suitable type of lift for your needs.If you’re still stuck on choosing the best type of lift for your business, Handling Solutions Inc. is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or call 704-554-7117 for more information about lift equipment.

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Conveyor Belts Conveyor Systems

Types Of Bulk Material Handling Equipment

What Is Bulk Material?

Bulk materials play a central role in process manufacturing. Regardless of what you’re making, all products start out as unrefined bulk materials. From granules and powders to flakes and pellets, from minerals and ores to gravel and sand, a wide variety of materials are supplied and delivered in their bulk form, ready for manufacturing. Bulk materials are sourced from multiple suppliers around the world on a regular basis, and different materials have vastly different handling and processing needs.

According to Future Market Insights, revenue from the bulk material handling system market is expected to reach US$5.1 billion in 2021, thanks in part to growth in housing and infrastructure development. 

Bulk materials are used by countless industry sectors, from food and beverage producers to manufacturing, textiles, and agricultural operations. Let’s take a detailed look at bulk material handling, from unloading and transporting materials to solutions and equipment options. 

What is bulk material handling?

Bulk material handling is central to many industrial and commercial applications. This field is mostly concerned with engineering, particularly the design and operation of mechanical equipment for the handling and processing of bulk materials. In practice, bulk material handling can involve screw conveyors, bucket conveyors, hoists, bulk bag frames, and other handling systems. 

Unloading and transporting bulk materials

Unloading bulk materials is a big job that requires specialized handling systems. The equipment used depends on the nature of the materials, with examples including conveyors, hoists, and cranes. Some handling systems are used for loading and unloading materials, and others are used to transport materials from A to B. When managing bulk materials on-site, it’s important to address material quantity, density, form, packaging, and flow characteristics, among other considerations.

The characteristics of each product dictate how you should handle it, from the timing of the delivery to the storage and loading requirements. Processing plants typically store their materials in bulk before transporting and unloading them at various stages of their processing. Mechanical bulk material handling equipment is needed to discharge material from bulk bags – this process is called bulk bag unloading.

Space restrictions and storage needs also have to be addressed by plant managers, not just for the bulk materials themselves but also for the bulk bag frames and unloading equipment. Custom unloading, transporting, and storage options are often needed to meet operational needs. For example, some applications require a hoist to enable vertical movements above the bulk bag system framework. It’s important to install a system that fits in your space and gives you free access to your production line and unloading area.

Solutions for bulk material handling

When you’re dealing with bulk materials, it’s essential to have a proficient handling system. Handling Solutions leads from the front, with our team working with you to create the perfect operating environment. We have more than 50 years in operation, so you can rely on proven solutions that meet the demands of your production line and industry sector. We can improve efficiency throughout your space and streamline every aspect of material handling and movement. 

At Handling Solutions, we have a huge range of equipment options to satisfy your operational needs, including conveyor systems, bucket elevators, cranes, hoists, workstations, and storage solutions. From conception to completion, our solutions are designed to meet your handling needs. We understand that no plant is identical, and we know how to create innovative solutions that make the best possible use of your space.Bulk materials play a vital role in numerous industry sectors. In order to receive, unload, transport, store, and manage bulk materials effectively, you need to have the right infrastructure in place. If you would like to learn more about our products or request a quote, please contact our team today.

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Overhead Cranes

Types Of Industrial Cranes | Material Handling Equipment

Types of Cranes

Overhead cranes play a vital role in many industry sectors, including manufacturing, warehousing, and construction. If you need to lift and move heavy equipment at a plant or industrial facility, cranes provide a safe and effective solution. When you have the right crane for the job at hand, you can extend your reach and expand your operational capabilities. Not all cranes are created equal, however, with differences in size, capacity, and ergonomics influencing the range of potential applications.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, about 100 employees are killed and almost 95,000 are injured every year while operating forklifts in all industries. Cranes are a viable material handling alternative to forklifts in many situations.

When choosing a crane for your business, it’s important to select a model that’s right for the project and the environment. If a crane has worked well in a similar building, it doesn’t mean it’s the best crane for your facility or application. When you get the right crane, you are likely to operate more efficiently and streamline all aspects of your workflow. Let’s take a look at common types of overhead cranes and hoists so you can get the perfect model for your needs.

Types of overhead cranes

Overhead cranes are a specialized type of crane found in many industrial environments. Two of the most common configurations are jib cranes and bridge cranes. Other examples include gantry cranes, monorail cranes, and workstation cranes. Regardless of the name, all overhead cranes have a parallel runway configuration with a traveling bridge that spans the gap.

Jib cranes

A jib crane is a common type of crane where a horizontal member supports a moveable hoist. This member is fixed to the wall or floor, with the jib either fixed or providing lateral movement depending on the application. Jib cranes are used in many manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and distribution centers. They are also seen on some military vehicles. Air and electric chain hoists feature a similar construction to jib cranes. However, hoists are normally a special construction fitted to the top floor of a building to enable the movement of goods between floors.

Jib cranes are named after the jib or jib arm, which is a horizontal or near-horizontal beam that supports the load clear of the main support. In most configurations, jib arms are attached to a vertical mast or tower. In other configurations, they may be attached to an inclined boom. When a crane design does not include a jib arm, and the load is hung directly from a boom, it is often still referred to as a jib.

Bridge cranes

A bridge crane is the common name used to describe all overhead cranes. It also refers to a particular configuration that features an elevated runway system that runs the length of the building. Bridge cranes include both single and double girder bridge arrangements, and both types enable three dimensions of movement.

The bridge part of a crane is the only section that is ever in motion. It supports the lifting device and facilitates load movement. Bridge cranes are similar to monorail cranes, with the former designed to work with rectangular work areas and the latter designed to cover work areas of various shapes. Monorail cranes move along a linear path and can link areas together.

Types of hoists

Hoists are similar to cranes but feature a more simple form of construction. While cranes can move loads in any direction, hoists simply lift and lower materials from one place to another. Hoists are designed to lift loads through chains or ropes, with most modern hoists operated either electrically and pneumatically. Cranes also include a hoist section, which describes the lifting component of a crane that travels along the bridge.

Air and electric chain hoists

There are many types of hoists in operation across industry sectors, some of which are manually operated and others of which are operated electrically or pneumatically. While all hoists use chains, ropes, or fiber to actually lift the load, different technology is used to control the lifting mechanism. Electric chain hoists use a powerful electric motor, and pneumatic hoists use compressed air to eliminate the need for a suitable power supply. While electric hoists are generally more powerful than air hoists, air hoists are typically much lighter and more portable.

Wrapping up

Finding the right crane or hoist for your environment and application requires careful research and consideration. By comparing different products based on weight, height, cost, and speed, it becomes easier to select the perfect equipment for the job at hand. If you would like to learn more about our cranes, please review our lifting equipment or contact Handling Solutions today.

Industrial lifts come in all different sizes, specs, shapes, and designs. Although most lifts are built to be as versatile as possible, each type suits a particular application, industry, or use case. Understand your elevation requirements in order to determine the most suitable type of lift for your needs.If you’re still stuck on choosing the best type of lift for your business, Handling Solutions Inc. is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out by requesting a quote or call 704-554-7117 for more information about lifting equipment.

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Conveyor Belts

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor | Material Lifts

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors

When you operate a factory, industrial facility, warehouse, or distribution center, you need a safe and effective way to move goods and materials. For any industrial or commercial building of a certain size, vertical movement is critical. Vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) are a powerful and economical way to raise and lower materials between levels.

According to Global Market Insights, the vertical reciprocating conveyor market is set to hit $700 million by 2027. Growth in the sector is due to the increased adoption of advanced technologies across the board, along with expansion in the healthcare sector.

The primary components of a VRC are the guide columns, the carriage, and the actuating mechanism. This mechanism can be operated either mechanically or by hydraulic means. While VRCs feature a reciprocating shaft similar to elevators, they are designed to move goods and not people. This makes them exempt from elevator safety restrictions. VRCs have their own national code (ASME B20.1) as “material-moving” vertical conveyors.

What are vertical reciprocating conveyors used for?

VRCs are used to transport goods and materials between vertical levels of a building or structure. This equipment plays an integral role in many organizations, and it is a powerful alternative to elevators, cranes, forklifts, or manual staff movements.

Benefits of using vertical reciprocating conveyors for material lifting

VRCs offer a range of safety, compliance, and operational benefits to any business. As one of the easiest, fastest, and safest ways to move materials, VRCs are unsurpassed when it comes to managing vertical movements. VRCs are both flexible and robust, with materials and goods able to be transported either up or down between floors, basements, and mezzanine levels.

The following benefits are central to any application:

  • Safe and compliant – Material lifts are incredibly safe in most use case scenarios. There is much less danger to workers compared to manual or forklift movements, and compliance is improved due to ASME B20.1 codes.
  • Simple to use – Vertical conveyors are designed to be simple, with transparent operating principles combined with reliable technology standards. Because VRCs are classified as a material conveyor, there is no additional training required by OSHA.
  • Cost-effective – VRC lift equipment is a cost-effective solution compared to many alternatives. While there is an initial outlay, they are less expensive than elevators and forklifts, and they also require much less maintenance.

Options for material lifts

If you’re thinking about getting a vertical reciprocating conveyor, it’s important to understand the many options available to you. Every business has unique operational needs, with custom solutions designed to cover all possible use case scenarios. For example, you may need to move large pallets, medium-sized carts, or small boxes.

The type of VRC you need depends on the size and shape of your building, along with the specifics of what you need to move and how often you need to move it. The conveyor lifting mechanism can differ considerably between installations, with the following types of lifts available to choose from:

  • Mechanical vertical conveyor – These elevator conveyor systems provide fast, smooth, and continuous operation between multiple floors or levels. Mechanical systems are the preferred option for many applications, as they offer higher speeds, improved capacity, and higher cycles than hydraulic systems.
  • Hydraulic vertical conveyor – These elevator conveyors are a cost-effective solution for applications that only require movement between two floors. Hydraulic systems have a limited load capacity, so they’re not an option for businesses with large capacity requirements or complex movement needs.

From large warehouses and distribution centers to complex industrial settings and production lines, the vertical movement of goods and materials is central to many businesses. Vertical reciprocating conveyors enable safe, fast, and controlled movements between multiple levels with ease. If you would like more information, please review our products or contact Handling Solutions today.

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Warehouse Safety

Warehouse Safety Topics | Osha Safety Guidelines

OSHA Warehouse Safety

In today’s society, your warehouse safety plan is crucial to the survival of your business. Hazards are everywhere, and your safety plan keeps your employees safe from these dangers. It also keeps your company protected should something happen. You need to be proactive and make safety a high priority. 

Companies are struggling to keep up with warehousing giants, and safety processes are changing frequently. Injury and fatality statistics are on the rise in the industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)‘s changing requirements can be hard to keep up with, and sometimes, companies are delayed in implementing them. But you are in danger of lawsuits, fines, and losing your good employees if you don’t have a solid safety plan in place.

Warehouse safety topics

Improving warehouse safety requires commitment by everyone working in the warehouse, not just the safety team. Your entire staff must consistently work toward keeping your warehouse safe. Employees must be trained, and the required certifications must be kept up to date, but it’s more than that. Having relevant meetings regularly can help bring awareness to the safety rules in your warehouse. Some topics for your next safety meeting can include:

  • Forklift safety
  • Working at heights in the warehouse or with a lift safely
  • Complying with PPE policies
  • Handling and storage of hazardous materials
  • Falling objects
  • Electrical hazards

At these meetings, always take a minute to review any new OSHA warehouse regulations that pertain to your industry.

Today’s warehouse safety challenges

Every warehouse has challenges that are unique to its personnel and industry, but there are a few that plague every warehouse. These challenges can hinder productivity and cause your employees to feel unsafe in the workplace.

  • PPE – Personal protective equipment is key for the safety of your employees. Some companies fail to provide the proper equipment, and some do not enforce wearing it. Hardhats, gloves, safety vests, and proper footwear can be a lifesaver for your employees. 
  • Clean the job site – A clean warehouse is usually a safe warehouse. There is less of a risk of slips and falls in a clean workspace. Dispose of debris and encourage workers to clean up after themselves. While most people dislike cleaning up, remind employees that it is part of the job.  
  • Hazardous materials – Flammable liquids, acids, and other hazardous materials must be handled with care. These can cause serious physical harm and disfigurement from improper handling. 
  • Training –  Take the time to train your employees and make them feel safe. Training can give them the confidence they need to take care when they work. It may take time away from productivity, but your company can be more efficient if no one is injured on the job. 

Training employees for warehouse safety

As mentioned above, training employees in today’s warehouse is a big challenge. There is a push to get everything done faster and with fewer employees, but this is not always in the interest of safety. OSHA warehouse safety regulations require a certain amount of training for your employees based on your industry. 

Keeping PPE available for your employees is a must. While the required gear changes based on your industry, some of the key pieces are:

  • Gloves
  • Safety Vests
  • Harnesses
  • Proper footwear
  • Hard hats or other headwear
  • Earplugs
  • Eye protection

Warehouse safety is a big issue, and it is not one easily solved. With so many injuries happening each year, it is crucial to create and maintain a safety policy that will keep your employees free from harm. No one wants to go to work fearing injury each day. For more information on solutions you can put into place in your warehouse, visit our services and solutions page. 

How to Put a Warehouse Safety Plan into Motion

Following OSHA warehouse safety guidelines and regulations decreases danger to employees. It also increases productivity because there are fewer incident-related delays. OSHA guidelines help create a culture of safety. By reinforcing this culture at all levels, warehouse management ensures enhanced safety and productivity. To find out more about how you can promote safety at your warehouse, visit our services and solutions page or contact us to request a custom quote today.

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Workspace Solutions

Warehouse Storage & Office Space Solutions

Warehouse storage & office spaces

Industrial and warehouse spaces demand quality furniture and storage solutions. From workstations and benches to packaging stations and industrial cabinets, effective space management is key to every successful business. When good quality products are combined with great design, you can improve employee engagement and workplace performance. And, when productive work zones are combined with smart storage solutions, you can increase productivity and boost workplace safety.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 145,000 people are working in over 7,000 warehouses across the United States. Every one of these businesses requires professional infrastructure solutions. 

Let’s take a look at common furniture and storage items for industrial and warehouse operations.

Workstations and Workbenches

A workstation is a specially designed furniture item capable of accommodating multiple staff members. A typical workstation includes 4-8 workers seated next to each other, with parallel, corner, and modular configurations all available. Workstation furniture differs considerably based on industry sector and business size. Some units are designed for group work and collaboration, while others offer privacy screens to improve workplace focus and performance.

A workbench features a similar design, only this time, people are seated side by side. Seated and standing workbenches are both available, along with custom designs for specific industry sectors and production line needs. There can be a difference in application between workstations and workbenches, with the former typical in office spaces and the latter used in a range of industrial, manufacturing, and commercial situations.

Office workstations and workbenches play a central role in many business environments. While isolated desks and chairs still have their place, these products are a great way to save space, manage employee movements, and improve staff engagement. At Handling Solutions, we have multiple workstations and workbench products, many of which feature integrated storage solutions.

Packaging Stations

Packaging stations are integral to many businesses, including factories, warehouses, and logistics operations. Whenever goods are leaving your facility, it’s important to have them packed professionally. A packaging or preparation station is a custom workspace dedicated to the art and science of commercial packaging.

Depending on the individual design, these stations can include a flat, stable surface for item placement and manipulation, storage shelves and drawers for packaging materials, and dedicated spaces for packaging rollers and machines. At Handling Solutions, we have a range of professional packaging stations, including integrated ergonomic workbenches and standalone solutions.

Industrial Cabinets & Storage Systems

When you’re running a warehouse or manufacturing plant, organization is everything. From how you lay out workbenches and machinery to the location of your production lines, space management is the key to workplace efficiency. While it doesn’t get much attention, storage is central to this process. The materials you use every day should always be accessible to your workers and located next to your production line. Good storage is not just about being neat and tidy; it’s also about placing things at the appropriate location.

Industrial cabinets and storage systems should be functional, ergonomic, and accessible from work zones and production lines to ensure maximum performance. Good storage habits also have a significant impact on workplace safety, with messy environments associated with accidents, injuries, and compliance issues. At Handling Solutions, we have several cabinets and storage solutions to satisfy the needs of your workplace.Quality furniture and storage items are central to every successful business. From general workstations and integrated benches to dedicated packaging and warehouse storage solutions, the relationship between your workers and your production line should always be a chief concern. If you’re looking for professional warehouse storage solutions for your business, please request a quote today.

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Conveyor Belts Conveyor Systems

What is a conveyor system? | Automated conveyor systems

What Is a Conveyor System?

Conveyor systems are used across industry sectors to move and manipulate materials and products between locations. These machines are fast, efficient, and based on mechanical components for automatic operation. From factories and distribution centers to retail outlets and airports, this ubiquitous technology is designed to replace or augment human labor.

A conveyor system is a collection of mechanical handling devices that move materials from one place to another. These systems are commonly used to manipulate heavy materials, but they also excel in moving small products and components between different manufacturing, delivery, or transactional stages. Conveyor systems offer a range of benefits to businesses, including more efficient material movement, greater operational control, reduced labor costs, and increased workplace safety.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for conveyor systems is projected to reach $7.43 billion by 2027, including 4.5% annual growth between 2020 and 2027. Let’s review different types of automated conveyor systems and how to choose the right conveyor line for your needs.

Types of conveyor systems

Conveyor system technologies share a number of features, including moving parts to hold materials and frames to guide materials between stages. Depending on the application, conveying equipment may use rollers, wheels, a belt, or a chain to transport objects. While most conveyor systems use motorized drive rollers, magnetic, pneumatic, and vibrating systems can also be used to move certain materials.

In the most typical installation, conveyor systems consist of a belt stretched between multiple pulleys. There are multiple variations available, however, with the following conveyors in common use:

  • Belt conveyor – These devices include a moving belt turned by pulleys and attached to a motor. The most common type includes a single drive pulley powered by a rotor. Metal and plastic belts are available alongside standard fabric designs. 
  • Chute conveyor – This conveyor type functions as a slide for materials and packages. This technology is often used to transport items between different levels of a building.
  • Roller conveyor – These conveyors include gravity rollers and powered or live rollers. The former type consists of cylindrical rollers on a decline, and the latter type uses a chain or belt to move the rollers.
  • Bucket conveyor – These conveyors are often used to move grain and other agricultural products. A series of buckets attached to a chain or cable is used to scoop up, transport, and dump materials.
  • Ball transfer conveyor – This type of technology is used in some manufacturing plants to move objects around. A series of ball casters on a table enables multi-directional movement.
  • Chain conveyor – These conveyors utilize a chain instead of rollers or a belt. Chain conveyors are used to move heavy objects close to the ground, with slat conveyors using two chains and a guiding system for additional control.
  • Trolley conveyor – Common in manufacturing plants, this entire family of conveyors is designed to carry loads beneath the track rather than on top. An inverted monorail conveyor is a trolley conveyor turned upside down.
  • Vertical conveyor – As their name would suggest, these conveyors are designed to lift materials and products between levels of a building.

How to choose the right conveyor system

If you are setting up or expanding an industrial or commercial business, you may need to invest in new conveyor devices. Choosing between systems is not always easy, with so many issues to consider and variables to take into account. While you need to review product requirements, you also need to analyze procedural demands and infrastructure restrictions.

From the size of your building to the type of materials you need to transport, the following factors are important:

  • Building size and architecture
  • Material access points
  • Material type and requirements
  • Operational and workplace safety
  • Energy efficiency
  • Reliability and maintenance
  • Ability to expand or change over time
  • Total and opportunity costs

Commercial and industrial conveyor systems play a vital role in many modern businesses. As a key part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, conveyor line technology allows you to automate and control every aspect of your operation. In order to benefit from conveyors, however, it’s important to select different system types based on the unique needs of your business.If you would like to learn more about conveyors or to boost your production with new equipment solutions, please check out Handling Solutions today to request a quote on your next conveyor.