SCM’s Best Practices for Safe Material Handling Equipment Operation

In the industrial world, handling heavy materials efficiently while prioritising safety is critical. SCM Handling Ltd, a leader in automated and robotic material handling solutions, places safety at the heart of its operations. 

With over two decades of experience, the company offers a wealth of best practices for safely operating material handling equipment. Here’s a look at SCM Handling’s key principles for ensuring a secure and efficient working environment.

1. Operator Training and Competence

One of the most vital elements of safe equipment operation is ensuring operators are well-trained. Even with the most advanced automated systems, human interaction is often required, and this is where training plays a pivotal role. Operators should not only be familiar with the equipment but should also understand potential hazards associated with their tasks.

Key aspects of SCM Handling’s training approach include:

  • Safe Start and Shutdown Procedures: Proper protocols for starting and shutting down machinery ensure safety features are operational and the equipment is secure before and after use.
  • Load Capacity Awareness: Operators need to understand load limits to prevent overloading, which can cause equipment failure or injury.

Although SCM Handling’s automated systems are user-friendly, thorough training ensures that workers are prepared to manage risks and troubleshoot issues as they arise​.

2. Routine Maintenance & Inspections

SCM Handling stresses the importance of regular equipment maintenance. Routine inspections help ensure machinery is in good working condition, preventing both operational downtime and accidents.

SCM Handling recommends:

  • Scheduled Inspections: Daily or weekly inspections, depending on usage levels, can detect wear and tear early. This is particularly important for conveyor systems, robotic palletisers, and roll handling equipment.
  • Immediate Repairs: Addressing malfunctions or signs of wear promptly reduces the risk of accidents.

Preventive maintenance not only boosts safety but also prolongs the lifespan of the equipment​.

3. Safety Guards and Barriers

Protecting workers from moving parts of machinery is essential, and SCM Handling integrates physical safety measures into their systems. For instance, their robotic palletisers and conveyor systems are fitted with emergency stop buttons, light curtains, and safety cages to ensure workers stay out of harm’s way.

Key safety measures include:

  • Safety Guards: Equipment that involves heavy lifting or fast-moving parts is enclosed in barriers that prevent accidental contact with operators.
  • Automated Stop Systems: SCM Handling systems are designed to stop automatically if an unauthorised person or object enters a safety zone​.

4. Ergonomics and Worker Well-Being

Manual material handling often involves heavy lifting, which can lead to physical strain and injury. SCM Handling incorporates ergonomic principles in its system designs to minimise worker strain.

Their robotic systems, including those used for barrel and roll handling, are engineered to take on heavy lifting tasks. Meanwhile, conveyor systems are positioned at optimal heights to prevent workers from bending or reaching unnecessarily, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

  • Ergonomic Controls: Operator controls are designed for ease of use, helping to reduce fatigue during long shifts.
  • Reduced Manual Lifting: Automated systems handle most of the heavy work, relieving workers from the physical strain of lifting, moving, and stacking materials.

5. Compliance with Industry Safety Standards

SCM Handling is committed to ensuring that all its equipment complies with strict safety standards, both in the UK and globally. This includes CE marking, which indicates that the equipment meets European health, safety, and environmental protection regulations.

Their equipment is designed to meet:

  • CE and ISO Standards: SCM Handling’s systems adhere to the highest safety standards, ensuring not only equipment safety but also the well-being of workers operating the machinery.
  • Innovative Design: The company continuously seeks to improve its equipment, integrating new safety features and staying abreast of industry developments.

6. Integrated Automated Safety Systems

SCM Handling’s automated material handling systems come with built-in safety mechanisms. Robotic palletisers, conveyor systems, and de-palletisers are designed with precision to limit human exposure to hazardous environments.

  • Emergency Stops and Monitoring: These features allow operators to halt machinery instantly in case of emergency. Automated alarms and monitoring tools also alert workers to potential issues before they escalate into serious hazards​.

By leveraging automation, SCM Handling reduces the need for human interaction in dangerous environments, such as sub-zero storage facilities, where robots are well-suited to handle the tasks.

7. Effective Communication and Hazard Awareness

Clear communication is fundamental to workplace safety. SCM Handling promotes the use of signage and communication tools to ensure that workers are aware of potential hazards and operational boundaries.

  • Signage: All zones where machinery operates should be clearly marked with warning signs. This includes load limits and “no-go” areas to keep workers informed and safe.
  • Collaborative Robots (Cobots): SCM Handling also deploys cobots, designed to work safely alongside humans, with built-in safety features like force-sensing technology, which allows them to stop or slow down when human contact is detected​.

Ensuring Efficiency, Protecting Lives: The SCM Safety Commitment

Safety is not just about following protocols—it’s a culture that permeates every aspect of operations at SCM Handling Ltd. From robust operator training to the integration of the latest safety technologies, SCM Handling’s best practices for material handling equipment ensure that businesses can operate efficiently without compromising the safety of their workers.

By combining automation, preventive maintenance, and ergonomic design, SCM Handling demonstrates that a commitment to safety can coexist with enhanced productivity. Whether it’s reducing manual handling, ensuring compliance with safety standards, or implementing automated systems with built-in safety features, SCM Handling’s approach to material handling equipment keeps safety at the forefront​.