TPi July 2009

Handl ing Mater ials

Safe material handling in a confined area Today’s market requires every company to ensure that the in-plant material flow, storekeeping and movement of goods are organised economically. As many companies continue to experience considerable pressure on prices and lead times, the ergonomic planning of in-plant material flow can lead to an immediate reduction in costs. Stierli Bieger AG has developed a new and unique roll-out material storage system based on intensive on-site research with a number of existing customers. The main advantages of the Stierli Bieger systemare the improvement in utilisation of floor space, tidy and compact storage within the factory, and fast and safe material handling. Best practice in handling plastic pipes Radius Systems has helped the Plastic Pipes Industry Forum produce a DVD outlining best practice in handling plastic pipes.

In addition, downtimes of production machinery can be minimised, and safe working practice within the customer’s company can be considerably improved. By using this system, the company claims to avoid the usual risks associated with the stacking and storage of stock materials. The number of arms, width clearance, single or double construction can be individually selected. The arms can be removed easily and safely by hand. The synchronised system developed by Stierli Bieger AG guarantees parallel running of the arms with a loading capacity of up to 1,500kg/arm. The arms are equipped with maintenance- free grooved ball bearings. Additional sheet metal channels or wood supports can prevent damage. Stierli Bieger is a manufacturer of roll- out racks, devices for welding and dressing, and horizontal bending machines. Stierli Bieger AG – Switzerland www.stierli-bieger.com Effective clamping devices for accurate fit-up The Sumner ® Ultra Clamp is a fast and accurate fit-up clamp that can be used for pipe-to-pipe, pipe-to- fitting, and pipe-to-flange. Three model sizes accommodate pipes from 1" to 12" in diameter. The clamps are very lightweight and have a rugged and durable frame, while stainless steel alignment screws at all contact points hold fittings in place and allow for fine adjustment. Smooth roller clamping action enables positive gripping and the operating handle repositions for close work. Fit-up settings can be maintained for repeat fit-ups. The company also supplies the Fold-A- Jack, which is a handy folding jack for professional welders and contractors. The Fold-A-Jack has up to a 2,500lb (900kg) capacity and features folding legs made from 1" square tubing and an adjustment screw made from heavy

The ‘Putting Safe Practice to Work’ DVD provides guidelines on safe handling S S procedures

The 12-minute DVD, entitled ‘Putting Safe Practice to Work’, contains a foreword by Carol Grainger, workplace transport programme manager at the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and is an example of many suppliers within the chain collaborating to help to compile common guidelines for safe practice. The DVD is intended to provide clear, easy-to-follow guidelines for those working with plastic pipes and coils, including safe loading, transport, storage and unloading procedures. Gary Wain, transport and SUPER scheme manager at Radius Systems, said the company was actively promoting safe procedures, and had already presented at two sell-out events in conjunction with the HSE’s ‘Safety, Health Awareness Days’ with audiences of 100 people at each. Mr Wain was also due to speak about Radius Systems’ ‘best practice’ experience at the National Exhibition Centre in May, on behalf of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). The safety DVD is available to anyone involved in the handling or transportation of plastic pipes, or other industries wishing to use a collaborative approach to safe operations. As Mr Wain concluded, “Being able to sit around a table with our competitors, customers and hauliers openly discussing safety issues and new ideas was a real breath of fresh air and has to be the way forward to achieve our common goal of injury reduction.” Copies of the DVD may be obtained from vicky.melbourne@radius-systems.co.uk

Radius Systems Limited – UK sales@radius-systems.co.uk • www.radius-systems.co.uk

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Tube Products International July 2009

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