CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM 6: DETERMINING EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Selecting the optimal material handling system for a specific business or process can be a complex task. To simplify this intricate endeavor, we will attempt to guide you by breaking it down into several fundamental questions.

So far, we have discussed the weight of the load, maneuverability and flexibility requirements, the distance and frequency of load movement, the cost of the chosen transport system, and finally, what can be done to make the load "loadable."

Today, our focus is on the necessary training and certifications for the operation of the material handling system. This question not only answers how and by whom the acquired machinery will be used but also encompasses the associated costs. Upon acquiring a material handling system, it may not be immediately operational. Many systems involve hidden costs and require preliminary efforts, particularly for mechanically complex and potentially hazardous transport systems. Regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may impose conditions for safety, including training, certification, and in some cases, licensing.

These conditions may appear daunting for businesses, but they undeniably add value. For example, a study on "forklift-related injuries" published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery determined that "most injuries can be prevented with proper training and certification of forklift operators." However, these requirements raise significant secondary questions.

1. Recruitment:

Businesses may need to review their recruitment processes, especially for equipment like cranes and forklifts that require certified operators, and in some cases, the creation of new positions for spotters and other assistants. This can impact recruitment and employment strategies.

2. Training:

Operating heavy machinery effectively and safely requires a high level of expertise and skill. Additional training becomes a necessary component. However, this increases the cost of the system and may result in operators being away from their duties during the training period. For example, forklift certification may require an investment of several hundred dollars and 1-2 days away from work. On the other hand, crane certification may necessitate weeks or even months of training and incur significant costs.

3. Safety Planning:

The primary purpose of training and certification is to ensure safety. Therefore, the chosen material handling system may require changes in an organization's safety protocols to comply with regulations. In some cases, input from risk managers and legal advisors may be necessary.

4. Operational Planning:

Material handling systems can have complex logistical and operational implications. The more extensive the training and certification requirements, the more limited the pool of resources operators become. In this context, crane and forklift operators may become operational bottlenecks if they are occupied elsewhere or on a break, affecting overall efficiency and productivity.

On the other hand, battery-powered transfer carts, conveyors, rail systems, and air cushion carriers are simpler to operate and require minimal to no training. For example, training for certain transfer carts can be completed in just a few hours. It's essential to remember that every system requires a certain level of training. The training requirement depends on the design of the material handling system, associated safety risks, and the complexity of the application.

For more detailed information on this topic, please contact us. Our expert team will provide you with the most suitable solution, considering various cost factors.

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