San Rafael, CA (February 8, 2023) – PAC Machinery (PAC) is bringing top automatic bagging machines and the NEW options in sustainable packaging it makes for these baggers to the biggest manufacturing and supply chain event of 2023 – ProMat. The bi-annual show takes place this year in Chicago at McCormick Place, March 20-23, 2023. Leaders in packaging, PAC Machinery, at exhibit N8321, will showcase the Rollbag® R785, R1285, R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger and the R3200XL along with sustainable bag options including a NEW curbside recyclable paper mailer, options from the Recylene® line of Recycled Rollbags and other environmentally friendly options.ProMat attendees will learn what makes these packaging machines so ideal for fulfillment packaging including high performance and value, right size packaging to the product, and the ability to print and apply labels right on your bag among many other exciting features!“ProMat will be another great show for PAC to showcase our wide range of Rollbag automatic baggers for poly mailing designed to save businesses time, money, and make packaging a smoother, more automated process," said Greg Berguig, PAC Machinery, VP Sales, Marketing. “Our systems come in a range of configurations, from tabletop to large floor-standing units with loads of customized options that can tailor a machine to a business’s needs. It will also be a treat for attendees to see several of our environmentally-friendly bags running on our machines as that’s really where packaging is heading as companies become more responsible in using packaging materials that are better for the environment,” Berguig said.Here is a preview of our upcoming exhibit at N8321. For more information visit our event page on our website https://www.pacmachinery.com/event/promat-2023. For more information on these machines contact us at sales@pacmachinery.com or call 1 (800) 985.9570. For show info promatshow.com.Bagging MachinesRollbag R3200 FulfillmentThis bagger is ideal for e-commerce, order fulfillment and distribution facilities that require the highest level of performance in their order fulfillment packaging operation. The standard Rollbag R3200 works with bags up to 16″ wide x 24″ long and has a seal bar opening of up to 6″ (8″ opening optional).Rollbag R3200XL FulfillmentThis system makes a bag to length, prints and applies a shipping label on it, allows it to be loaded automatically or manually and seals and separates the bag. Works with bags up to 22″ wide x 36″ long and features a seal bar opening of up to 11″.Rollbag R785 Automatic BaggerThis system is a unique, all-electric tabletop automatic poly bagger is a dependable, industrial quality, multi-shift packaging solution. The R785 is able to operate at a rate of up to 40 bags/min depending on application. Engineered to accommodate bags on a roll up to 12” wide and 20” long.Rollbag R1285The Rollbag R1285 automatic bagger is the fastest tabletop poly mailer packaging system on the market for mail order fulfillment packaging.Bagging Materials NEW Paper Mailer: Set for a 2023 release, show attendees will be among the first to see this curbside recyclable paper mailer in action, running on our Rollbag automatic baggers.The Recylene® line of poly mailers are made from unique formulas with up to 90% recycled content and include a mix of ocean-bound consumer and industrial recycled plastic mix – Ideal for the environmentally-conscious company. This unique sustainable mailer bag is very strong, measuring 2mil thick and complies with USPS, UPS, and FedEx poly mailer shipping requirements. Will run well on virtually any automatic poly mailer bagger, but when used on PAC's versatile, high-speed Rollbag machines, the combination makes for a formidable solution for fast, environmentally-conscious, E-commerce order fulfillment packaging.ABOUT PAC MACHINERY As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over 60 years, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses desiring more from their packaging capabilities. From global companies, pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to online retailers, PAC Machinery can transform packaging operations with customized solutions that immediately improve ROI. Products include: versatile poly bagging, shrink wrapping, bag sealing and flow wrapping systems. PAC’s solutions increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging requirement.PAC Machinery’s globally recognized machine brands include: Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, and Rollbag, Headquartered in San Rafael, California with an additional manufacturing facilities in Berea, OH and Milwaukee, WI. PAC Machinery at 25 Tiburon Street, San Rafael, CA 94901.ContactShannon Winans1 (800) 985-9570 x261Shannonw@pacmachinery.compacmachinery.com 

GREENE, N.Y., March 6, 2024 — Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), comprised of two main companies, Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation, will establish an advanced energy storage solutions development, prototyping and test center in Henrietta, New York. The forward-thinking research and development center, located at 1565 Jefferson Road, will see TMHNA collaborate with Rochester area energy storage resources to further support its own and Toyota Industries’ advanced energy solutions technology efforts, including lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. As a result, TMHNA has committed to creating up to 40 new jobs. The company expects to begin preparational activities at the site immediately and be operational at the testing center in the spring. Currently, TMHNA employs 2,560 workers statewide. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul and ESD remain laser-focused on expanding New York State’s green economy by supporting the creation of 21st century research and development and manufacturing jobs. Toyota Material Handling North America’s continued commitment to driving alternative energy applications for the lift truck industry is truly commendable, and we are thrilled that they are moving full speed ahead with all the opportunities that the state and Finger Lakes region have to offer.” TMHNA is a trusted source of quality and reliable products and is committed to being a total material handling solutions provider from forklifts to energy solutions to automation technology. Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation have a combined 150 years in the industry, providing total solutions, including the latest research and advancements in alternative energy and forklift battery technology, being the first U.S. manufacturer to establish UL certification for an integrated lithium-ion battery and forklift solution. President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America and Senior Executive Officer at Toyota Industries Group Brett Wood said, “We look forward to working alongside ESD to establish an energy storage and fuel cell development and testing center in Henrietta, New York. We are honored to contribute to the growth of this community while advancing innovation in sustainable technology. This initiative signifies our commitment to excellence and underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship. Through this venture, we aim to create new jobs, empowering individuals and driving progress toward a better and brighter future.” ESD is assisting the company with the project by providing up to $1.5 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit program. County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency and Greater Rochester Enterprise also provided support for the venture. The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $2 million. The company had considered locating its new, state-of-the-art R & D facility elsewhere, but selected the Finger Lakes region due to its world-renowned reputation for available top-notch talent and its innovative technology base. State Senator Jeremy Cooney, said, “With Toyota Material Handling North America’s new facility, cutting edge energy innovations will be happening in Henrietta. Our region's workforce talent continues to attract businesses to Monroe County, and I am looking forward to seeing the impact this project will have for our workers and our community’s continued economic growth.” State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, said, “Rochester's connection to the auto industry runs deep and Toyota Material Handling North America is continuing this tradition in our region and connecting to our new status as a green energy leader and tech hub. This investment is critical to expanding our workforce in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors, and ensuring good jobs are made available to hardworking people throughout our area. Thank you ESD and Governor Hochul for your work to bring this new industry to Henrietta." Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, said, “Toyota Material Handling North America’s decision to establish an advanced energy storage solutions research and development facility in the Town of Henrietta is a pioneering leap into the future of our green economy. I applaud TMHNA for their vision and leadership and for recognizing Monroe County’s strength as a hub for high-tech innovation. We're grateful to Empire State Development and Gov. Kathy Hochul for their commitment to our economy, job creation, and advancing sustainability in our region.” Henrietta Town Supervisor Stephen Schultz, said, “The Town of Henrietta is excited that Toyota will have a presence in town working on innovative technologies regarding sustainable energy efforts. Henrietta has made a significant push for sustainable energy, including upgrading all of its streetlights to energy-efficient LED lamps, a project that is currently underway. Henrietta also is home to RIT and its Battery Prototyping Center, which also works in close collaboration with Empire State Development. Between Toyota, RIT, and energy research companies, Henrietta and Monroe County are becoming hubs for leading the way to a cleaner energy future.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy, said, “As a storied company with roots in Upstate New York, Toyota Material Handling North America’s commitment to growth in Greater Rochester underscores the vitality of our region, including an exceptional talent pool and innovative technology ecosystem. Congratulations to president and CEO Brett Wood and his team, and we look forward to collaborating with Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation to unlock even more opportunities for growth.” Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise, said, “As a leader in the energy innovation sector, the Greater Rochester, NY region is the perfect location for Toyota Material Handling North America to establish an energy storage and fuel cell development center. GRE helped connect TMHNA leaders to economic development partners and the battery and energy storage expertise and integrated ecosystem available in the Greater Rochester, NY region to support the company’s growth plans.” About Toyota Material Handling North America Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, is composed of two main group companies: Toyota Material Handling, Inc. and The Raymond Corporation. One in three forklifts sold in North America is either a Toyota or Raymond product. With nearly 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing space, TMHNA is composed of five manufacturing plant locations: Columbus, Indiana; Greene, New York; Muscatine, Iowa; East Chicago, Indiana and Oakville, Ontario, Canada that produce racking products and more than 1,500 forklifts per week. With an annual revenue of over $4 billion, TMHNA has more than 15,000 associates and more than 300 dealer locations to support Toyota and Raymond customers throughout North America. About Toyota Material Handling Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com. About The Raymond Corporation The Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 100 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond® electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on. For more information, visit raymondcorp.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY" the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact Elizabeth Buza The Raymond Corporation elizabeth.buza@raymondcorp.com 607-656-2734

San Rafael, CA, January 17, 2024 - PAC Machinery, a leader in the packaging industry with one of the most comprehensive ranges of equipment, will exhibit at Modex, a leading show for supply chain and manufacturing, several packaging options that save companies money on materials, help increase production and provides flexible solutions for sustainable packaging. The Modex Expo is held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, March 11-14, 2024. The most exciting and latest option in automatic bagging and fulfillment will be the focal point of PAC Machinery’s exhibit. See the flexible Rollbag® R3200 Fulfillment Automatic Bagger that can run with three different types of material for added cost savings and versatility in sustainable packaging that includes PAC Machinery’s sustainable poly bags made with at least 25% recycled resins (available up to 100% recycled resins). Additionally, the R3200 Fulfillment works with Fiberflex® curbside recyclable paper packaging for plastic-free packaging that will be running on the machine at Modex. This versatile bagger can also run using PAC’s proprietary poly tubing that makes the bag to the length of a product, reducing material usage and cost. “We are excited to showcase the combination of our most versatile bagger with the first-ever paper packaging for automatic bagging, Fiberflex, that is curbside recyclable, said Greg Berguig, Vice President, PAC Machinery. “Fiberflex is a plastic-free packaging option for select PAC Machinery Rollbag bagger models and on one of our flow wrapper models, Berguig said. Paper packaging for packaging automation is one of the newest environmentally-friendly advancements in the packaging industry today. Modex attendees can see this new innovative packaging solution at PAC Machinery’s exhibit located at #C4488. PAC Machinery will also be exhibiting top-selling Rollbag R785 tabletop bagger with thermal transfer printer – a great first bagging machine with the ability to print directly on the bag. This machine can package items in mailer or clear poly bags up to 12” wide. See PAC’s largest bagger, the R3200XL Fulfillment bagger that works with bags up to 22″ wide x 36″ long. This powerhouse packager is for larger items and gives manufacturers the ability to also print on the bags and right-size the bag to the product for additional savings using poly tubing. In addition, PAC Machinery automatic baggers will be running with poly bags made with at least 25% recycled resins, showcasing sustainable packaging. MODEX 2024 is expected to be the largest supply chain and logistics show of the year and automated packaging equipment and materials with flexibility and sustainability like PAC Machinery will exhibit is sure to be one thrilling and informative exhibit at C4488. About the Exhibit Fiberflex® paper packaging Create high-performance, eco-friendly paper mailers for automatic bagging and flow wrapping machines that consumers can recycle curbside. Fiberflex eliminates boxing items, manual hand packing, packaging with plastic and the ability to package at least 4X’s faster than by hand. Rollbag R785 Automatic Bagger A unique, all-electric, flexible, tabletop automatic poly bagger that delivers a dependable, industrial quality, multi-shift packaging solution able to operate at up to 40 bags/min. Runs poly bags on a roll up to 12”w and 20”L. Rollbag R3200 Fulfillment with Fiberflex® paper This is the ultimate versatile automatic poly bagger that can run with three different types of material for added cost savings and versatility in sustainable packaging options that includes PAC Machinery’s sustainable poly bags made with at least 25% recycled resins (available up to 100% recycled resins). Additionally, the R3200 Fulfillment also works with Fiberflex® curbside recyclable paper packaging for plastic-free packaging. It also can run using PAC’s poly tubing that makes the bag to the length of a product which reduces material usage and costs. This machine can make bags as small as 2” x 3” to 16” x 32”. Rollbag R3200XL Fulfillment Increase efficiency and lower material costs with this innovative auto bagger equipped with a label printer applicator, to create a fully integrated batch-less order fulfillment bagging solution. Works with bags up to 22″ wide x 36″ long and features a seal bar opening of up to 11″. R3200XL Fulfillment is the largest bagger in PAC’s automatic bagging category. About PAC Machinery As a leader in the flexible packaging industry for over 60 years, PAC Machinery is a trusted partner for businesses desiring more from their packaging capabilities. From global companies, pharmaceutical and medical industry manufacturers to online retailers, PAC Machinery can transform packaging operations with customized solutions that immediately improve ROI. Products include: versatile poly bagging, shrink wrapping, bag sealing and flow wrapping systems. PAC’s solutions increase productivity through automation, reduce return rates with superior package integrity, minimize package volume to save shipping costs, and extend product shelf life for maximum freshness. With better choices and more experience, PAC Machinery creates the ideal solution for any packaging requirement. PAC Machinery’s globally recognized machine brands include: Packaging Aids, Vertrod, Clamco, and Rollbag produced out of San Rafael, California and Berea, Ohio facilities. PAC Machinery also makes Bags and Material for automated packaging systems from its Milwaukee, WI location. Contact Shannon Winans PAC Machinery- Marketing Director 1.234.222.1000 x 261 ShannonW@pacmachinery.com

A leading global provider of commercial cleaning and hygiene products wanted to acquire LEED® Certification for their 550,000 sq. ft. distribution center. The facility set up the dock equipment to work in a predetermined sequence which includes Kelley® Hydraulic dock levelers and vehicle restraints. The vehicle restraints, along with the Kelley TS Rigid Frame Shelters, assist in maintaining a positively pressured facility, which contributes to LEED Certification Credits in categories such as Indoor Environmental Quality.

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

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

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