HEAVY LOAD CARRIERS: SAFETY FIRST!

When making investment decisions in today's economy, numerous factors influence procurement choices. Especially in heavy material transportation processes, due to the high initial investment costs and significant safety risks involved, a detailed decision-making process is necessary. Key factors influencing the decision-making process include the economy, factory efficiency, environmental concerns, maintenance, operator requirements and training, space utilization, energy consumption, transport distance, and many other diverse elements. However, when it comes to life and property safety, SAFETY should always be at the top of the list.

Various categories of transport equipment exist for the movement of heavy loads:

·         Heavy Load Carriers - wheeled
·         Heavy Load Carriers - track-mounted
·         Bridge Cranes, Gantry Cranes, Jib Cranes

Operations requiring the movement of heavy loads potentially entail serious hazards. These include:

·         Crushing due to load drops
·         Equipment damage due to malfunctions
·         Surface hazards from weak ground or obstacles
·         Risks from untrained operators or distractions
·         Personnel risks and injuries due to unsafe working procedures or equipment
·         Material damage due to operations or collisions without safety precautions
·         Environmental hazards like slippery floors, obstacles on transport routes, wind, and others
·         Risks arising from incorrect loading and preparation of loads

Fada is a leading manufacturer of heavy load carriers and specializes in transporting heavy loads up to 250 tons both within and outside facilities.

Heavy Load Carriers - Low-Risk Solution

Heavy load carriers are one of the safest methods for transporting heavy loads within a factory, and here's why:

·         Loads are placed on a specially designed large steel platform in a stable position.
·         The vehicle is supported and moved on wheels capable of carrying heavy loads.
·         Movement is precise and easily managed through user-friendly controls, with stable and gradual braking.
·         The driver is remotely controlled via a remote interface.
·         High-tech sensors "see" obstacles and personnel along the movement path and respond accordingly. Depending on the site and application, various sensors can be added to the vehicle.
·         Minimal operator training is required, and after basic training, the carriers can effectively operate within approximately an hour.
·         Precise movement eliminates the risk of damage to goods.
·         Electric motors operate quietly.
·         Zero air pollution.
·         No oil leaks or spills from electric motors.
·         Four-wheel-steered carriers have individual wheel control, each with its motor and brake.
·         Operating in confined spaces is a normal part of heavy load carrier operations.
·         Carriers are equipped with high-tech safety equipment for maximum safety and efficiency.
·         An ATEX option is available for use in explosive-risk environments.

Bridge/Gantry Cranes - High Risk

Working with cranes entails potentially severe risks. To ensure the safety of the load being moved, materials on the site, or worse, personnel and operators on the site, well-trained and experienced operators are required.

Cranes suspend the load at a specific height, stabilizing it. Movement of the load over other equipment or individuals within the area is done by minimizing swinging motion.

Chains or hooks must be sufficiently powerful and large to hold heavy loads. Handling and proper attachment of chains are risky processes on their own. Operators must work directly with chains and the load, leading to error-related fatalities in work environments using cranes every year.

Track-Mounted Carriers - Low Risk

Track-mounted carriers are an efficient solution for operations requiring the straight-line movement of loads. However, compared to wheeled carriers, the presence of tracks on the ground poses additional safety hazards. These primarily include the risk of jamming and the tracks serving as an obstacle for some small-wheeled equipment.

Another safety advantage provided is the knowledge that carriers and heavy loads will move along a fixed route within the facility and can be easily observed.

Forklifts - Moderate Risk

Forklifts are commonly used in industrial applications and can be an option for certain manufacturing processes up to specific weights. However, for heavy-load transport, forklifts might be inadequate from a safety perspective.

Some safety hazards associated with forklifts are entirely eliminated with the use of heavy load carriers.

1. Maneuverability: Rear-wheel steering provides a tight turning radius for the front of the forklift but requires a wide area for rear maneuvering.
2. Blind spots: Loads can create blind spots for operators.
3. Load stability: Vehicles and loads can become unstable on inclines, wet or oily surfaces, and rough terrain.
4. Fueling: Refueling and charging pose their own dangers due to containing flammable and combustible materials.
5. Speed: The load on a forklift, coupled with its own weight and speed, creates momentum. Hence, a forklift moving at slow speeds can cause damage similar to a vehicle going at about 25 km/h.

Safety Factors There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the most suitable heavy-material transport technology for your facility. Ensure that SAFETY is at the top of your list when making decisions.

Accurate analysis of needs and working with an experienced supplier are crucial when making investment decisions.