Introduction to Materials Handling Module 00109-09

Materials Handling Objective When students are finished with this module students will be able to do the following. Define load Establish a pre-task plan before moving a load. Choose appropriate materials handling tools for the job. Recognize hazards and follow safety procedures for moving materials.

Materials Handling Define Load A load is quantity of materials able to be carried, transported, or relocated at one time by a machine, vehicle, piece of equipment, or person.

Materials Handling Materials Handling Injuries

Materials Handling Pre Task Planning One of the most important things to do before moving materials is to consciously think about what you are doing before moving or handling construction materials.

Materials Handling Pre-Task Planning Check to make sure the load is not too big, too heavy, or hard to grasp. Make sure the material is something you are able to lift by yourself. If not, ask a co-worker for assistance. Make sure the load does not have any protruding nails, wires, or sharp edges. Inspect your path of travel. Look out for hazards that could make you slip, trip or fall. Always read the warning labels or instructions on materials before they are moved.

Materials Handling Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) Always make sure you have proper PPE when moving or handling materials. Always keep your hand tools on your person while at work.

Materials Handling Proper Lifting Procedures As you lift an object, make sure you have firm footing. Bend your knees and get a good grip. Be sure to lift with your legs, keep your back straight, and keep your head up.

Materials Handling Proper Lifting Procedures Ask a co-worker for assistance when: The load is too heavy to carry alone. (50 lbs. or more) Handling objects longer than 10 feet, such as lumber, pipes, conduit and scaffolding poles. Handling objects that can be affected by wind gusts, such as plywood and tarps. Sometimes it may not be the weight of a load that gives you trouble, but its configuration. Secure long or cumbersome objects. Floppy rods, pipes, or lumber should be tied together in several places before you try to carry them, and never carry more pieces that you can carry.

Materials Handling Lowering Loads from Overhead Three things to consider when lowering an object from above. If it looks too heavy to have been lifted by one person to its current location, then it is probably too heavy for one person to take down. How did it get up there? Was it put there by a lift truck or by more than one person? Lower objects down the same way you would lift them up.

Materials Handling Stacking and Storing Materials Never stack cartons higher than the height listed on the carton. Stack materials neatly and sensibly in order to not have to dig through to get to something. Store flammables, such as gasoline, in a well ventilated area away from danger of ignition or in an approved flammable storage cabinet.

Materials Handling Blocks should be properly stacked.

Materials Handling Stacking and Storage Guidelines When stacking bagged material by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every 10 bags high. Stack lumber neatly in order to prevent warping and twisting. This will also allow you to find materials easier when needed.

Materials Handling Chock(block) all material and equipment such as pipes, drums, tanks, reels, trailers, and wagons as necessary to prevent shifting or rolling.

Materials Handling Working with Cables Read and understand both the operating and safety instruction for the pull system before pulling cable. When manually pulling wire, spread your legs to maintain your balance and do not stretch. Select a rope that has a pulling load rating greater than the estimated forces required for the pull.

Materials Handling Working with Cables Continued Use low-stretch rope and inspect before each use. Damaged rope should be taken out of surface.

Types of material handling equipment used in construction. Materials Handling Types of material handling equipment used in construction. Material Carts Hand Trucks Roller Skids Wheelbarrows Pipe Mules Pipe Transports Jacks Pallet Jacks

Materials Handling Use the appropriate device for the job and the load to be carried. Inspect the device before using it to ensure that all parts are intact and functioning properly. Always put the heaviest load on the bottom of the device to lower the center of gravity and to make it easier to handle. Maintain a safe speed and keep the device under control.

Materials Handling Materials Carts or Platform Trucks Make sure that the casters will roll and swivel freely during transport. Make sure the surface has adequate traction to avoid slips. Make sure your load is centered and secured so it does not roll or fall off. Use caution when moving a cart on an inclined or declined surface, and never load a cart past its labeled weight capacity.

Materials Handling Hand Trucks(Dollies) Inspect the framework for stress fractures, and check the tires. Hold the object against the cart as you tilt both back on the wheel.

Materials Handling Roller Skids Used for moving equipment. Some roller skids may have a rotating table surface, some have spikes on the table surface for better grip, and some simply have a plain surface just like any other table.

Materials Handling Jack A portable device used for raising heavy objects by means of force applied with a lever screw, or hydraulic press.

Materials Handling Motorized Materials Handling To use a motorized material handler you must be trained, certified, and authorized to operate motorized materials-handling equipment.

Materials Handling Industrial Forklift An industrial forklift is a vehicle with a power-operated pronged platform that can be raised and lower for insertion under a load to be lifted and moved. Forklifts are typically used to lift, lower, and transport large or heavy loads in areas with a smooth terrain, such as warehouses or shops.

Materials Handling Industrial Forklift Workers must stay clear of the fall zone. This area is the diameter twice the height of the object being lifted. The tines of the forklift are the L-shaped parts that support the material load. It is important to always maintain eye contact with the lift driver at all times.

Materials Handling