[PDF] Mechanical Material Handling Safety

Mechanical Material Handling Safety

What is Mechanical Material Handling?

Mechanical Material Handling is defined as the movement of goods by mechanical force for the purpose of feeding, loading, or unloading to or from a machine, plant, storage place, or means of transport such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft.

Hazards in Mechanical Material Handling

• Wrong selection of equipment
• Design defects or unsafe construction
• Lack of operational space
• Lack of skill, training, or correct attitude of operators
• Overloading of equipment
• Wrong positioning of material or equipment
• Excessive operating speed
• Unauthorized operators
• Improperly guarded or unguarded machinery
• Electrical faults
• Poor maintenance or lack of testing

Do’s – Safe Work Practices

• Allow only trained and authorized persons to operate lifting equipment
• Wear task-specific PPE at all times
• Use lifting tools and tackles with adequate capacity
• Ensure all tools have identification number and SWL marked
• Assess load weight, distance, and hazards before lifting
• Inspect and test lifting tools regularly
• Protect slings from sharp edges using pads
• Operate cranes at low speed near end travel
• Use guide ropes during load shifting
• Maintain clear communication between all team members

Don’ts – Unsafe Practices

• Do not use equipment for unintended purposes
• Do not stand or allow others under suspended loads
• Do not exceed Safe Working Load
• Do not use makeshift lifting arrangements
• Do not use defective or untested tools and tackles
• Do not drag chains, ropes, or cables on the floor
• Do not operate cranes suddenly or cause shock loading
• Do not allow unauthorized persons to operate cranes
• Do not handle suspended loads over people
• Do not allow unauthorized access to crane gantry