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Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (ASRS) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automated storage/retrieval systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Mission: Deliver member value by collectively and collaboratively growing and supporting the Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems market. Vision: To be recognized as the independent authority on Automated Storage/Retrieval System solutions and technologies. The Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently through: Contribution to the development and promotion of standards and safety codes Delivery of market intelligence through the collection of statistics and other activities. Preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials on key features, advantages and benefits of AS/RS for customers. Developing safe-harbor relationships through networking and collaboration. An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is a combination of equipment and controls that handle, store and retrieve materials as needed with precision, accuracy and speed under a defined degree of automation. Systems vary from relatively simple, manually controlled order-picking machines operating in small storage structures to extremely large, computer-controlled storage/retrieval systems totally integrated into a manufacturing and distribution process. Generically speaking, AS/RS refers to a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically depositing and retrieving loads to and from defined storage locations. Within an AS/RS environment one would find one or more of the following technologies: Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules, and/or Robotic Storage Retrieval Systems (RSR), the latter utilizing special storage retrieval machines to do the work needed to insert, extract and deliver loads to designated input/output locations within the aisles being served. The right application of AS/RS provides a long list of user benefits! It has been demonstrated time and time again that Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems are proven technologies capable of effectively and reliably handling and buffering raw materials, work-in-process inventories and finished goods of all kinds, making it possible to totally integrate material handling storage, however temporary, into the total process being served. The AS/RS Industry Group is a member-driven organization. Members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of Automated Storage/ Retrieval Systems, and to create value in areas they cannot achieve independently through: The development and promotion of standard nomenclature; Assisting and coordinating the efforts of related trade associations and product sections of MHI as applicable to Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems and component elements; The preparation and distribution of promotional and educational materials; The establishment of liaison and cooperation with private and governmental entities establishing standards and/or safety codes that may be pertinent to this Product Section and Working Groups The collection and dissemination of reliable industry statistics.
A loading dock is typically an elevated opening (or openings) in a building’s sidewall where shipments are sorted and staged for loading and unloading of trailers, shipping containers or rail cars. To make that area more accessible and safe during the movement of goods, loading dock equipment and attachments are used. Because the shipping and receiving process requires personnel to conduct loading and unloading processes, dock equipment is designed to ensure the safety of both the workers and the loads as they enter and exit the trailer. Typical equipment includes attachments that secure and bridge the gap between the vehicle and the dock, lighting to illuminate the inside of the trailer, building-to-vehicle communication systems and weather protection. What Is Dock Equipment? There are several types of dock equipment. These include: Security: To secure the trailer, shipping container or rail car to the dock face, or outside wall of the dock door area, and ensure that it does not roll or shift away, a variety of devices are employed. These include: Dock bumpers - Pieces of rubber located at the floor level of a dock opening to cushion the building from truck trailer impact. Chocks (also called wheel chocks - Triangular blocks of rubber, wood or metal placed in front of, between or behind truck wheels to prevent trailer movement. Trailer restraint - Mechanical or hydraulic devices attached to the dock face that connect to the trailer to prevent its movement. Trailer jack – A device used to support the vehicle end of an over-the-road trailer when the vehicle departs, leaving the trailer behind for extended loading or unloading. Gap bridging: To properly align the floor of the dock and the floor of the trailer, shipping container or railcar—or to close any space between the two—a variety of devices are used to adjust the elevation of the vehicle and bridge the gap. These include: Dock board or dock plate- A portable plate that can be placed manually or with a lift truck. Dock ramp or yard ramp – A portable metal ramp with curbs and wheels attached, pushed into position at the rear of a truck or side of a railcar to provide a bridge down to ground level for personnel or lift trucks to use in loading and unloading. The longer the ramp, the less steep the angle to be climbed. Dock leveler or edge-of-dock leveler - A manually, hydraulically air or electrically operated plate, located at the dock entrance, that can be raised and lowered to accommodate varying trailer floor heights. Dock lift – A fixed lift whose travel is generally 5 feet or less that is used to load/unload material from trucks and transfer it to dock or ground elevation. For loading and unloading trailers when no direct access to the building is available, a movable device can be used instead. These portable dock platforms use a scissor lift mechanism to lift the surface up to the level of the trailer. This allows personnel and handling equipment to ride up to the trailer and back down to ground level with loads. Hinged bridge - A hinged transition plate attached to the edge of the dock platform that unfolds to reach the truck bed. Conveyor – In certain facilities, trailers can be loaded or unloaded from a conveyor line in a fluid load process. Lighting: Lights are often used at the dock to both illuminate the work area, as well as to facilitate communication between personnel at the dock and a truck driver. Types include: Communication lights – Similar to traffic signals, these two- or three-light devices operate in pairs. The exterior light station signals to the truck driver when it is safe to dock the vehicle or depart from the dock. The interior light station notifies warehouse personnel that a vehicle is present at the dock face. Illumination lighting – Because dock areas are often utilized at night, dock lights are used to illuminate the work area, as well as to bring light into the trailer, shipping container or railcar to help personnel do their jobs safely. Weather protection: For dock areas that are exposed to the elements, a variety of devices are used to protect workers and surfaces from rain, snow, ice, heat and humidity. These include: Loading dock door – Similar to a residential garage door, these retractable doors can be made of panels or curtains to control ambient temperature and humidity inside the building. They can be opened manually or automatically when a trailer is secured to the dock face. Dock seal or weather seal - A rubber or canvas covered pad or drape that extends a few inches out from a dock face to seal the gap between the dock and the trailer’s entrance. Dock shelter - A cover that can be extended to protect the opening between the door of a rail car or truck and a warehouse from inclement weather. How Is Dock Equipment Used? Dock equipment is used at the point where a trailer, shipping container or railcar is loaded or unloaded. Shipping: At the dock faces where outbound shipments leave the facility Receiving: At the dock faces where inbound shipments arrive at a facility Yard: If a building has no elevated dock openings, or if all dock openings are occupied by other vehicles, loading and unloading can be accomplished in the yard What Are the Benefits? Dock equipment provides a variety of benefits: Communication: Lighting that indicates and directs truck drivers and warehouse personnel that it is safe to park, enter or exit a trailer Illumination: Lighting that extends into the trailer to help warehouse personnel as they load or unload contents Loading and unloading: Providing safe access by bridging the gap between the dock face and trailer, shipping container or railcar Safety: Preventing personnel or loads from tripping or falling through any gap between the trailer, shipping container or railcar and the dock face Security: Securing the transport vehicle to the building to prevent movement until the loading or unloading process is complete Weather protection: Protecting personnel and loads from inclement weather Where Is Dock Equipment Used? Dock equipment can be found in facilities in nearly every industry, including: Aerospace Appliance Automotive Beverage Chemicals Construction Consumer goods E-Commerce Food Hardware Hospital Manufacturing Materials processing Paper Pharmaceutical Plastics Retail Warehousing and distribution Read more about how Dock Equipment is used in different industries and applications. Case studies detailing the use of Dock Lifts can be found here. Learn More About Dock Equipment Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers (LODEM) Industry Group Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers (LODEM) Industry Group Members Dock Equipment Standards
CMAA is the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc., an independent trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry. CMAA traces its roots to the Electric Overhead Crane Institute, known as EOCI, which was founded in 1927 by leading crane manufacturers of that time to promote the standardization of cranes as well as uniform quality and performance. The voluntary association was incorporated as the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. in 1955. Member Companies, representing the industry leaders in the overhead crane industry, serve the United States market from operations based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mission Deliver technical specifications and resources that promote safety in the design, operation, and maintenance of overhead cranes. Vision To be the most trusted knowledge resource for overhead cranes. As the premier, preferred brand in the materials handling industry, CMAA: Is recognized as the leading advocate for the safe application and operation of overhead traveling crane equipment and related products. Engineering specifications are widely recognized as the preferred design standard for overhead traveling cranes, integrated crane systems, and crane components. Is recognized as the leading authority and the principal resource in the overhead traveling crane industry. Conducts business professionally with a spirit of enthusiasm, cooperation, honesty and integrity. Positions its Members to achieve marketplace leadership. Members, recognized as the leaders in the marketplace: Deliver superior value in their products and services. Provide products and services that are safe and productive. Provide high value and versatile solutions. Develop knowledgeable and expert channel partners. Provide an environment in which our customers can confidently purchase and derive superior value from our products.
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Mission: ProGMA promotes safety, security, and guarding for people, products, and facilities. ProGMA educates about protective barrier and guarding solutions through industry standards and best practices. Vision Statement: To be the authoritative resource for the best practices, standards, and applications of protective barrier, guarding solutions and associated technologies for industrial facilities. Protective Guarding Manufacturing Association member companies meet regularly to review and discuss industrial safety hazards and to promote specific guarding solutions for people, products, and facilities. ProGMA programs include: Development of educational materials for the promotion of proper protective guarding methods. Development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standards and specifications. Promotion of the features, advantages, and benefits of properly used protective guarding equipment. Development and promotion of standard nomenclature for protective guarding products. Dissemination of information regarding relevant legislation and international trade. Development, review and revision of product standards. Confidential collection and reporting of market statistics for different types of guarding products. Protective Guarding is a fixed barrier or device, used in manufacturing, distribution, and other industrial facilities to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory from hazards present in the workplace. Protective Guarding items range from fixed objects installed around articulating equipment, machinery, or material storage areas such as safety fence, netting, guard rail, and bollards to specialized switches designed to stop machine operation as well as safeguarding through visual or auditory aids.
Tele Radio develops, manufactures and markets safe radio control systems for industrial use. The company was founded in Sweden in 1955 and has since developed into an expansive group: the Tele Radio Group. Tele Radio provides end-to-end product solutions, technologies and services in the field of wireless equipment control and machine communication, where reliability and safety are the key decisive factors.
Raysan redefines safety in industrial environments with its next-generation flexible protection barriers. Our innovative product designs, advanced impact-absorbing polymer technology, and modular systems deliver superior protection for people, equipment, and infrastructure. Globally certified and rigorously tested, Raysan solutions reduce operational costs thanks to their long-lasting, maintenance-free structures while also supporting sustainability through recyclable materials. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction and engineering excellence, Raysan has become a trusted partner in more than 40 countries. From warehouses to production facilities, our flexible safety systems ensure reliable, adaptable, and future-ready protection that meets the evolving needs of modern industry.
At JR Automation, we are transforming how the world's leading companies make and distribute products. A critical area of this is warehousing, where we have decades of experience utilizing robotics to improve palletizing (including mixed SKU palletization), depalletizing, sortation, singulation, picking, packaging, kitting and more. Whether you are a manufacturer, 3PL, or carrier, we have the expertise to help you succeed. Our global team of engineers will work with you to develop tailored solutions that fit your goals and budget. We can collaborate with any supplier or equipment, providing the flexibility to design the perfect warehouse automation system for you. By implementing robotics in critical areas, we will help you overcome labor challenges, increase accuracy, improve safety, and provide the reliability your customers demand.
Gorbel® has over 40 years of experience providing material handling solutions that help companies improve their safety, ergonomics, and productivity. Providing a comprehensive line of overhead lifting and ergonomic positioning equipment, Gorbel® uses a consultative approach to match solutions with industry needs. Regional distributors bring expertise to the local level while Gorbel® products are used internationally in industries ranging from heavy manufacturing to aerospace. Products include enclosed track workstation and jib cranes, monorails, G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Devices, GS Electric Chain Hoists, and Cleveland Tramrail® patented track cranes. Additionally, Tether Track™ provides fully engineered fall arrest for those working at heights. For warehouses and distribution centers, Destuff-it™ portable ergonomic conveyors provide a safe and efficient solution for handling floor-stacked packages in shipping containers or related vessels.
The recently launched Combi-CB70E earns global recognition for its ergonomic design, performance, and sustainability at the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards 2025Essen, Germany – July 2025 – Irish-based manufacturer Combilift, a global leader in multi-directional and customised handling solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025 for its Combi-CB70E, high-capacity, electric-powered multidirectional forklift, developed to meet the needs of heavy-duty, long-load handling in more sustainable ways.The Red Dot Award, one of the most internationally renowned design competitions, recognises excellence in design quality and innovation, and is no stranger to Combilift’s exceptional vision to shaping the future of the Commercial Vehicles Industry. This award completes a hat trick for Combilift who previously won a Red Dot for the Combi-WR and ‘Best of the Best’ for the Combi-CB4. Combilift’s Combi-CB70E impressed the international jury with its new ergonomic design, environmental credentials, and ability to enhance operator comfort and productivity in demanding industrial settings.Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift, commented:“We are delighted to receive our third Red Dot Award this year for the Combi-CB70E. Our design and engineering teams have been striving to provide solutions that are not only functional and safe but also reflect excellence in industrial design. Our customers increasingly demand electric alternatives that don’t compromise on performance, and the CB70E is exactly that.”The multidirectional Combi-CB70E is a 7-tonne capacity electric counterbalance forklift, specifically designed for handling long and bulky loads in confined or challenging spaces. Equipped with Combilift’s patented Independent Traction Control System and large elastic rubber tyres, it provides all-terrain capability while maintaining zero-emission operation. The spacious gas strut suspension cab and floor to ceiling glazing offers enhanced visibility and comfort, while the Auto Swivel Seat- which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel- ensures optimal ergonomics and comfort for operators, even during extended shifts.This Red Dot recognition comes in an exceptional 11 months of success for Combilift, which has also received multiple international accolades for its products and leadership, including Product of the Year and Ergonomics Award at the UKMHA Archies Awards, as well as Design Team of the Year and Industry Leader awards from the UK’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards.About CombiliftWith over 1,000 employees and exports to more than 85 countries, Combilift continues to set benchmarks in safety, design, and innovation in the materials handling sector.Learn more by watching this video or visiting us at www.combilifit.com/combi-cb70e.
Expanding Motion’s Service Footprint in CanadaBirmingham, Ala. – Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of a new sales branch in Quebec, Canada. The new facility, located at 2903 7th Street, Val-d'Or, officially opened on June 2, 2025. This strategic location strengthens the company’s ability to better serve and expand its customer base in Northern Quebec.The Val-d’Or facility joins an extensive network of approximately 70 Motion branches across Canada, further expanding the company’s market footprint. Services include product order fulfillment supported by a large inventory network, as well as engineering and repair services in pneumatics, hydraulics and power transmission. The location also offers industry training opportunities for customers.Leadership Quotes on the New FacilityMotion’s new Val-d’Or branch enhances customer service in Northern Quebec. Brent Pope, Motion’s Senior Group Vice President, Canada & Sales Excellence, said:“This new branch is set up for success thanks to its experienced team, innovative services and strategic industrial park location. It reflects our commitment to supporting Quebec’s economy by delivering expert solutions and fostering strong community connections.”James Howe, President of Motion, added:“By establishing a foothold in Northern Quebec, we can now provide local customers with faster, more responsive service to help keep their facilities running smoothly. We’re eager to build lasting relationships through exceptional service.”A Positive Economic Impact for QuebecIn addition to providing industry-leading services, the branch will create opportunities for skilled jobs in Quebec, stimulating the local economy and supporting a thriving community.About MotionWith annual sales of over $8 billion, Motion is a leading industrial distributor of more than 18 million parts and supplies, including bearings; mechanical power transmission products; electrical and industrial automation components; hose, belting, and gaskets; hydraulic and pneumatic components; process pumps; industrial and safety products; seals and accessories; material handling solutions; and more. To increase customers’ productivity, the company offers many value-added services, including engineering, fabrication, repair and Industry 4.0 solutions across these product groups. In addition, Motion Automation Intelligence (Motion Ai), Motion Conveyance Solutions and Motion Repair & Services were formed to offer a wide range of specialized, related products and innovative solutions tailored for diverse applications.Motion North America operates over 600 branches and service centers and 17 market distribution centers. Motion Asia Pacific has nearly 150 branches and service centers and 13 distribution centers in Australasia. Motion serves more than 190,000 OEM and MRO customers in aggregate and cement, automotive, chemical and allied products, equipment and machinery, equipment rental and leasing, fabricated metals, food and beverage, iron and steel, lumber and wood, oil and gas, pulp and paper, rubber, utilities, and more. Motion is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC). Visit our website at www.Motion.com.ContactBrenda MillerMotion(205) 956-1122
Fleet of reach trucks, order pickers power new, high-density facility that manages 80% of electronics maker's annual order volumesGREENVILLE, N.C. (July 9, 2025) – Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces that its work optimizing warehouse operations at a new Hamilton Beach facility in Byhalia, Mississippi has been recognized as a Top Supply Chain Project by Supply & Demand Chain Executive. Yale recommended a switch from a lift truck fleet powered by internal combustion engines (ICE) to an electric fleet, with equipment recommendations tailored to support the transition away from floor-level, slip sheet storage to high-density, narrow aisle racking. Ultimately, the new facility helped Hamilton Beach reduce product damage by 80% and ship more than twice as many direct-to-consumer orders annually compared to their previous facility.“Being a warehouse lift truck provider is about far more than just selling equipment or pushing certain technology,” says Brad Long, Global Activation Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “It’s about thoroughly understanding the operation and finding solutions that best fit where they want to go. Our work with Hamilton Beach is proof of our ability to help businesses evaluate current and future requirements, and build a best-in-class warehouse operation from the ground up.”Prior to the move, Hamilton Beach was working in a 1.2-million square foot facility that struggled with disorganization and congestion that hindered productivity and led to about $2 million in annual product damage. By moving to racking, with about 80% of that being double deep, Hamilton Beach was able to significantly increase storage density while reducing product damage by 80% in the new facility.The new storage configuration and lift truck fleet also helped Hamilton Beach maintain a strong safety record, with zero OSHA-recordable incidents through the first eight months of 2023. In the previous facility, operators used counterbalanced lift trucks to navigate a bulk storage layout that afforded them limited visibility, with operators straining to see around loads. But at the new facility, the racking configuration and side stance of the stand-up reach truck models enable operators to see more easily, enhancing operator comfort and helping to reduce the risk of lift truck accidents.To best service the narrow-aisle racking configuration, Yale recommended a fleet of 51 electric lift trucks, including 33 reach trucks and 12 low-level order pickers. Even with a three-shift, 20-hours-per-day operation, opportunity charging during breaks and gaps between shifts made it possible for the trucks to remain operational throughout the entire day without redundant units. Each truck runs approximately 50% longer during a week than its ICE counterpart in the previous facility. Emissions from the new fleet are greatly reduced compared to the previous ICE trucks, and the efficiency improvements of the building drove a 75% reduction of utility costs – even with the need to charge the new trucks.Black Equipment, a certified Yale dealer, offers 24-hour on-call service and local parts availability for Hamilton Beach, helping to reduce downtime and keep business moving. An on-site technician is also on hand to help with regular maintenance, repairs, warranty claims and more.“I’ve been in supply chain for 30 years, and at previous companies, we’ve had difficulty getting certain equipment serviced. The fact that we have Black Equipment and Yale as a turnkey provider is huge,” says Mike Bunge, Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Operations, Hamilton Beach. “And to top it off we now have the most advanced lift truck technologies for a world-class operation.”About the AwardSupply & Demand Chain Executive’s Top Supply Chain Projects award program profiles innovative projects that are designed to optimize, automate, streamline and improve supply chains.About Yale Lift Truck TechnologiesYale Lift Truck Technologies leverages over a century of material handling experience and substantial investment in innovation to bring the most advanced technology-driven lift truck solutions to market. The company offers a full line of award-winning lift trucks, including reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, pallet jacks and trucks, pallet stackers, tow tractors and counterbalanced forklifts, as well as powerful operator assist solutions, proven robotics and a wide range of power sources to help customers adapt to today’s demanding supply chain. Yale and its independent dealer network support these solutions with comprehensive after-sales service, parts, financing and training.Yale Lift Truck Technologies is a division of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Inc. (NYSE:HY) which is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and operates globally.ContactBrad LongYale Lift Truck Technologies252-412-3652brad.long@hyster-yale.com
Easily assembled, cost-efficient panels now bear higher loads thanks to a new profile design.Bosch Rexroth has enhanced the EcoSafe portfolio of modular components for protective fences and enclosures, thus optimizing cost-effectiveness, flexibility and equipment safety. Complementary frame profiles, quick-to-assemble direct panels and connectors reduce the assembly work involved so that new installations, conversion projects and extensions can be carried out quicker. The free MTpro engineering software speeds up planning with numerous design aids, automatically generated parts lists.Variable production requires safety guarding in the production environment that can be put in place and altered quickly. The next generation of EcoSafe protective guarding from Bosch Rexroth meets these requirements, as well as maintaining its compatibility with the original EcoSafe system and structures made from Bosch Rexroth’s modular aluminum profile system.A slim, yet stable, 22.5 x 45 mm aluminum frame profile serves as the new base component, and the foundation of the new EcoSafe system.Quick installation with prefabricated panelsWith the new frame profile, assembly teams can progress quickly, particularly when assembling linear safety fences. The next generation EcoSafe portfolio includes not only suspended panels but also “direct panels” that facilitate rapid assembly. Two adjacent direct panels are connected at the bottom using the new universal foot and at the top with a robust fixing cap, secured with just a few screws.The new universal foot can accommodate two safety frame profiles (22.5 x 45 mm) or a standard profile (45 x 45 mm) and is anchored to the floor using two bolts, reducing the amount of required drilled holes. This innovation reduces installation time by approximately 40 percent. For non-linear arrangements, the base features a hinge function that allows for adjustable angles between the protective grilles.Quick planning and digital engineeringWith Bosch Rexroth‘s free MTpro engineering software and the MTpro Online Designer, safety fences and other safety systems can be planned, calculated, and documented in just a few steps. The software facilitates automatic generation of order lists, easy exchange or printing of layout data, and direct transfer to the Rexroth Online Shop or partner companies, all of which contribute to significant time savings during the design process.Learn more about EcoSafe at www.boschrexroth-us.com/ecosafeAbout Bosch RexrothAs one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 32,600 associates generated sales revenue of 6.5 billion euros in 2024.To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth.com.iot.bosch.comThe Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 417,900 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 90.5 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 86,900 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.Contact Bosch Rexroth CorporationEden Estabrook(704) 942-4227Eden.estabrook@boschrexroth-us.com
This is a paid advertisement. Discover how Powerfleet transforms warehouse operations with a comprehensive AIoT safety ecosystem that addresses the critical intersection of speed and safety. Learn about our intelligent solutions that create protective environments where technology anticipates human error before accidents occur, connecting equipment, operators, and pedestrians through proactive monitoring and real-time intervention. Understand how integrated safety intelligence prevents collisions, documents critical incidents, and maintains regulatory compliance while safeguarding your workforce in high-pressure fulfillment environments where every second counts.
This is a paid advertisement. Streamline the sorting process with a dumper that has efficiency and safety features for operators to do their work at optimum levels. The pallet fork retainers secure the pallet of palletized packages while a spring assisted adjustable retainer bar secures varying height gaylord boxes during the unloading process. Control configurations range from simple (operator required) manual controls to fully automated including AGV loading integration.Click on the video link below to learn more about Ensign Equipment's Package and Parcel Handling Equipment & Systems!
A loading dock that’s tailored for your unique business can be a huge contributor to your productivity, but choosing the wrong equipment can result in a loading dock that is a major bottleneck and safety hazard.
In the dynamic world of material handling, where the efficiency and safety of operations hinge on the reliability of equipment, the often-overlooked heroes are the casters and wheels. Both play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of loads through industrial environments, yet the intricacies of selecting the right ones are often underestimated.Before you add to cart consider these common mistakes to avoid.Ignoring Load Limits: The Pitfalls of Overlooking Capacity RequirementsExceeding the recommended load capacity of casters can result in premature wear, damage, and failure. Most loads don't maintain an even weightacross the length and width of the platform. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters. If a caster fails due to excessive weight, it can potentially cause injuries to workers and damage to products or infrastructure.It's crucial to accurately assess load requirements and choose casters that can accommodate the appropriate load capacity (including the weight of your cart!) Pro Tip: For optimal load distribution and safety, the common mistake of dividing the load capacity by 4 overlooks crucial factors. Instead, we advise dividing by 3 to account for potential uneven floors and to ensure stability. There are two reasons for this: First, on uneven surfaces, 3 or fewer casters bear a greater load, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the load can be adequately supported by 3 casters for operator safety and equipment integrity.Second, unpredictable load distribution necessitates planning for potential shifts, whether due to floor irregularities or weight imbalances. Adjusting the load rating accordingly ensures a proactive approach to prevent potential issues.Material Mismatch: Why the Right Wheel Matters for Your EnvironmentWheels are used in material handling because they significantly reduce the force required to move an object. Think about the force needed to push a heavy box across a floor. Static friction demands a specific applied force to initiate motion, and once in motion, dynamic friction insists on a consistent force to sustain it. The person exerting the force encounters a delicate balance: their applied force against the friction force generated by the box's weight and the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact caster performance.Will it navigate rough or uneven floor conditions? Is floor protection a priority? Does noise or speed play a role? Will the wheel be subjected to washdown or high-heat applications? These are the questions that guide the meticulous selection of the right caster and wheel.The complexities within polyurethane wheels alone can create paralysis in selecting the right type. Add in metal, nylon, rubber, and pneumatic, and it becomes even more crucial to comprehend the environment the wheel will be working in. Choosing caster materials unsuitable for the environment can have a significant impact on rolling resistance, triggering a waterfall effect of potential issues including compromised performance and durability, premature wear, failure, and a more strenuous work environment.Pro Tip: Casters and wheels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to match unique performance requirements. Some roll-on tracks and temperatures up to 500F. Others bear 40,000-pound loads inside and outside the factory. Gather application data and choose an industrial caster/wheel manufacturer (or distributor) that you trust to help you select the right caster. Taking these extra steps will prevent headaches down the road. RELATED: Casters, Wheels, and Accessories GuideMaintaining Momentum: Why Speed Matters Most casters are rated for walking speed (3-5 mph), but sometimes the need for speed extends beyond this. Faster speeds require a caster that can not only withstand the increased velocity but also the increased severity of impacts. When towing loads at accelerated paces, it becomes imperative to assess not only the wheel material but the bearing type as well.Precision ball bearings can typically handle higher speeds and radial forces. These bearings are best for manual applications due to lower start-up forces. Wheels used in towing applications benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for side load conditions as well as higher industrial speeds. Pushing the speed boundaries requires casters that can keep up without compromising performance or safety.Pro Tip: Larger wheel diameters and axles, more robust swivel construction, and bearing selection are critical components that enhance casters' overall performance and endurance at higher speeds. Overlooking Safety Standards: Don’t Put Your Workplace at RiskAccording to the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, over 1.3 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders that lead to low back, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain. While the causal pathways of these disorders are influenced by a multitude of factors, the workplace environment is a consideration.Adhering to safety standards ensures casters used in material handling meet specific load capacity, durability, and design criteria. This compliance is directly tied to workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to both personnel and property. Following safety standards helps create a safer working environment by ensuring casters can withstand the demands of the application.Pro Tip: Ask if the manufacturer is a member of the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM), a Material Handling Institute (MHI) subgroup. Members are committed to safety and must adhere to certain criteria such as the American National Standard ANSI ICWM-2018, Vocabulary, Performance, and Testing Requirements for Casters and Wheels. This Standard is intended to guide owners, users, designers, purchasers, and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.Neglecting Maintenance: The Silent Killer of Caster LongevityAccording to Forbes, unplanned/unscheduled downtime represents one of the costliest events at any manufacturing plant. Specific to casters, failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can lead to the accumulation of foreign objects and debris on caster components. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the casters and increasing the risk of failure and unplanned downtime.Alternatively, planned downtime is a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns, and the build-up of contaminants within your caster to prolong the life of your equipment. Should you be using a caster that is not maintenance-free, it is important to implement a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of caster components. Pro Tip: Have you considered maintenance-free casters? These casters minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for lubrication or regular upkeep. Featuring sealed precision bearings and durable construction, they provide consistent performance, enhanced safety, and cleaner operation. Perfect for lean manufacturing, automated systems, and industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, electronics assembly, cleanrooms, and renewable energy.As we understand the pitfalls explored above, it becomes evident that the right caster choice is not just about functionality but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and longevity. So, before you proceed with your next caster purchase, remember the cardinal rules: respect load limits, choose materials wisely, embrace routine maintenance, adhere to safety standards, and consider the often-underestimated factor – velocity. Each decision contributes to a chain reaction of reliability and performance in the workplace.Never consider casters and wheels a commodity; rather consider them the foundation of a safe, efficient, and enduring material handling environment.For more information visit hamiltoncaster.com or www.mhi.org/icwm.
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Since 1981, a growth in technology and specialized equipment has enabled Highlight Industries of Wyoming Michigan to assist their clients to think safety first when using their automated equipment. An industry leader in stretch wrappers, case sealers, strapping machines, stretch film test and quality control systems. More recently, Highlight Industries has introduced the Magnum line of case sealers and the Saturn line of strapping machines, applying over 30 years of machine experience to their new product lines.
A brand new BWU6 fulfilment centre in Sydney needed a solid barrier to protect pedestrians, equipment and infrastructure from forklift collisions. The distribution centre had several intersecting traffic streams. This made the risk of collisions very high. Boplan's safety expertise was called upon. Boplan's partner - NPSG Australia - installed various safety solutions such as the TB 400 PLUS, a robust collision protection system with handrails that not only protects against collisions but also guides pedestrians.
At a new facility 40 miles south of Milwaukee, Niagara Bottling was looking to protect brand new equipment and create pedestrian walkways, as well as ensuring the site complied with OSHA standards for overall health and safety. “The key factors that drove Niagara to change its standard approach to protective barriers on recent projects were A-SAFE’s modular approach, damage-preventing design, and overall commercial competitiveness.”
Gorbel’s Work Station Crane with telescoping bridges provided a Wisconsin valve maker with a cost effective way handle a growing work cell. Husco International is a world leader in providing products and services that optimize the performance, control and safety of mobile equipment. This particular work cell in their Wisconsin plant handles valves which are supplied to a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment.
This Guideline was developed by the Lift Manufacturers ("LIFT"), an Industry Group of the Material Handling Institute ("MHI"); and represents suggested practices and considerations for precautionary labels on Industrial Scissors Lifts and Tilters. It is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers and/or specifiers of such equipment. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, its repair or its replacement, and should not be relied upon as such. However, such a safety program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.
This article, which first appeared in MHI Solutions, Q1, 2016, provides guidance on integrating barrier protection with ergonomic equipment as a means to avoid injury in the workplace. Workcells, machinery, assembly lines, conveyors, walkways, and mezzanines are all areas in which barriers and ergonomic equipment should be considered. The article also provides guidance on selecting the appropriate safety equipment for your application.For more information, visit the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) at https://www.mhi.org/progma.
To complement a new educational video, thought leaders representing the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), an MHI product group, discuss the importance of protecting personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities.ProGMA has recently launched the second in a series of videos about the importance of protective guarding products in the material handling industry. The video titled “Proper Safeguarding for Elevated Work Platforms” followed the inaugural, educational video titled, “Essential Safety Barriers for Automated / Robotic Workcells”. (http://www.mhi.org/progma/videos)Here, representatives of member companies expand on the themes explored within the latest video in the group’s first blog.Before we start, says Arlin Keck, corporate research and development engineer at Steel King (a manufacturer of pallet racks, mezzanines and guardrails), it’s important to clarify what we mean by “mezzanine” in this context. “The technical term for what my company and other members make is work platforms. Mezzanine was an old term for these systems; however, the word mezzanine had to be dropped because mezzanine, as defined in the building codes, refers to a specified type of floor within a building structure and carries with it added requirements for fire safety, egress, parking, and so on,” Keck explains.A typical work platform is design to support the site-specific load that will be placed on the floor, be it palletized loads, pallet jacks, foot traffic, work equipment, filing cabinets, racking or shelving units, to name just a few possibilities.Keck says that the main purpose of an elevated work platform is to add additional floor space into a building or room by taking advantage of surplus ceiling clearance that may exist in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Aaron Conway, president at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. (a manufacturer of safety gates to secure the ledges of pallet drop areas on mezzanines and rack picking systems), says, “A company that has utilized all of its ground space can build upward. An elevated platform allows one to use the space for workflow or to store product.”As Hue Schlegel, director of marketing at Wildeck Inc. (a manufacturer of mezzanines and work platforms), puts it, “Move up, not out.” He adds, “Depending on the available height in a building, platforms can be one, two, or three levels high, with the most common height being 10 ft. top-of-deck and supporting a floor load of 125 lbs. per square foot. Their length and width are only limited by facility size.” Importantly, he explains, they cannot occupy more than two thirds of a fire-rated area within a building.Keck says work platforms are also used to create catwalks between separated platforms, and to serve as sortation and conveyance areas for mechanized systems. Conway agrees, adding, “Companies that supply elevated work platforms can fabricate them in virtually any configuration. They can be designed to accommodate specific workflow operations or to fit with existing structures in the building.”Industrial buildings are getting bigger and elevated work platforms are scaling up with them. Say, 50 years ago, facilities were much smaller and ceilings lower so there were fewer requirements for elevated platforms. Further, the equipment to load at such heights didn’t exist. Now, the capability of equipment is greater and taller structures are being utilized as a result. Within them, work and storage takes place on multiple levels.These multi-level work platforms present a danger of personnel and objects falling from height.As the latest video warns, the pallet drop area of elevated work platforms can lead to accidents if the ledge is open without adequate guarding. Falls to lower levels cost employers $5 billion annually in compensation claims in the U.S. alone. OSHA reports that it costs on average 16 lost working days per injured employee.Conway says, “Falling from an elevated level, whether it be people or products, is a serious danger and both should be addressed proactively, securing the situation before an incident occurs.” Schlegel adds, “The worst case, of course, is death; while the best scenario is that a worker survives a fall from the typical mezzanine height of 10 ft. sustaining only broken bones, fractures, and other injuries from hitting the concrete floor below. It is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.”Traditional railing or guarding systems are effective at preventing falls from height as long as they include a kick plate that is installed in conjunction with ANSI MH 28.3-2009. Adding netting or expanded metal and safety products to traditional railing systems provides added protection by capturing small objects that might otherwise fall into the work area below.OSHA Standard 1926.502, meanwhile, requires paneling or screening where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a toe-board or kick plate. ProGMA members also manufacture both netting and wire mesh panels that comply with that standard.However, David Brentz, chairman of ProGMA and vice president of member company Industrial Netting (a manufacturer of plastic netting), says, “That’s only a minimum requirement; added protection is financially prudent. The cost to install netting or wire screens around the perimeter of an elevated work platform pales in comparison to the cost of a single lost time accident. ProGMA members offer several simple, cost effective solutions to protect employees below loose objects that may fall or be kicked off work platforms.”Conway says, “In the past, properly guarding a pallet drop area or installing netting or wire was something that would be retrofitted, either after an incident occurred or after someone pointed out the issue. Designing proper safety guarding for the structure at the time of purchase makes for a much better fit; when retrofitting, there is often insufficient room for proper guarding and concessions have to be made. But, it is important to note that even if proper guarding wasn’t designed with the structure, it still should be installed. There are companies in the ProGMA that can customize solutions to fit these areas.”He continues, “Don’t confuse luck with judgment. If I visit a facility that was built, say, 20 years ago, I’m sure to find open pallet drop areas or insufficient guardrails. Just because these areas have been around for a while isn’t a reason not to properly secure them. I’ve heard the line, ‘Well, we’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has gotten hurt’. To that I say, ‘You’ve been lucky!’”Schlegel says, “The biggest safety risk is when a forklift access gate on mezzanine is left open creating a fall hazard for someone off-loading a pallet at the upper level. There are many products, provided by ProGMA members, that prevent the gate from being left open or that keep the operator at a safe distance, which should always be installed.”ANSI says, “Any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift up, leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”Dual gate systems such as a rolling gate ensure that the operator is separated from the ledge as well as the load. A pivoting gate ensures the operator is never exposed to the ledge and does not require him or her to walk near an open ledge to operate the gate.Unfortunately, sometimes it can take an incident and a facility to be shut down during an investigation for companies to understand the serious financial consequences of a workplace injury. There are many other companies that understand the risks and proactively secure their work areas. These diligent companies end up ahead in the long run:1. They typically get better solutions because they had the time to design them correctly;2. They get a better price because they can take their time and research the solutions;3. Safety solutions are in place before they need them.Conway concludes, “The large majority of people don’t want to get hurt and are not acting recklessly on the job. Typically, they are performing a repetitive operation, and in their process miss a step or push something too far and someone gets hurt. Proper guarding should be in place to prevent injury if this happens.”About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at http://www.mhi.org/ProGMAAbout MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. http://www.mhi.orgContactAnupam Berry Boseabose@mhi.org704-676-1190
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded. By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190
We delve into the dynamic world of supply chain safety and automation with Rite-Hite, a leading innovator in industrial safety equipment, which is revolutionizing loading docks and warehouses to enhance worker safety and streamline operations.
In this episode, we talk to three members of the Overhead Alliance. Josh Arwood, president of CMAA, Jerry Eischens, president of MMA, and Mark Arthur, president of HMI. They tell us the benefits of overhead material handling and what you need to consider when deciding which equipment to choose. We also talk about what to expect from the online safety conference taking place in September of this year.
The Product Sections affiliated with the Material Handling Industry of America have and continue to develop specifications and standards for performance, testing, safety and design of various types of material handling equipment. To preview these MHIA developed standards, please utilize the MHIA Web site at www.mhia.org/bs .
The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMA) was formed in 1974 by visionary industry leaders as a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America, a non-profit Trade Association. SMA's mission includes development and advancement of standards and activities to advance the quality, safety and general fitness for intended use of industrial/storage equipment. SMA member companies are concerned, conscientious manufacturers affiliated in an industry association to provide voluntary standards for the design of steel industrial/storage equipment, and to formulate guidelines for the proper use, operation and maintenance of these products. Principal among these products are steel shelving, industrial mezzanines, work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers and directly related equipment. For contact information, please see SMA .
This precautionary label brochure has been prepared by the Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers Product Section (hereafter referred to as “LODEM”) of the Material Handling Industry of America. It has been created as a service to owners, users, designers and specifiers of loading dock levelers. The purpose of this publication is to provide voluntary guidelines for the selection and application of safety labels for use on loading dock levelers. This is a voluntary guide and should be incorporated into a comprehensive safety program by owners of loading dock levelers.
In January 2017, a series of rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) pertaining to walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards were enacted. The rule affects a wide range of workers, including warehouse workers. Specific to warehouse workers, new rules pertaining to loading dock equipment were enacted. The new rule specific to loading dock equipment is outlined in 29 CFR 1910,26, “Dockboards.” The new rules impose new requirements on employers who operate loading docks to either equip dockboards with run-off guards or to demonstrate that there is no hazard of transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge. This document summarizes how an employer could apply American National Standards pertaining to loading dock equipment to demonstrate that hazards pertaining to run-off are adequately addressed.
This guidance document represents user considerations associated with multi-level shelving. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.
This guidance document represents user considerations associated with industrial work platforms. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.
This standard is a free downloadThis standard provides manufacturers, specifiers and users with a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability, structural adequacy, and technical requirements for group-specific casters and wheels. The standard defines industry terms, specific tests, equipment/methods that can be used, the conditions of tests, and minimum acceptance levels to be used in evaluating these products. This standard addresses the total range or market for casters and wheels for these categories:furniture chair casters;industrial casters (at or under 2.5 mph and over 2.5 mph);institutional and medical equipment casters; and business machine and shopping cart casters.This standard includes a glossary of caster and wheel terms, definitions, symbols and dimensions. Additionally, appropriate caster and wheel test equipment, procedures and methods are delineated and incorporated into this standard.