One of the first workstations in a manufacturing industry is usually the material processing workstation. This is where the incoming material is handled to be cut and shaped. It is a dirty and rough workplace where heavy, awkward lifting and high noise levels are part of everyday life.
In the Materials Processing Product Guide, we highlight common problems in this workplace and guide you to product solutions to help you overcome them. What can we help you with?
It is a dirty and rough workplace where there are a lot of splashes and chips from the machining process. Heavy, awkward lifting is part of everyday life and very high noise levels come from the machines as the material passes through them. So there are many critical elements, but by optimizing the workplace you can achieve everything from increased safety and profitability to reduced sick leave and fewer errors.
1. LIGHTING
Problem: Staff complain about poor lighting.
Solution: If the work is done at a lathe, for example, extra lighting is often needed, preferably LED lighting with a 50' beam angle. At a work table , a rich and dimmable Workplace lighting is the best solution.
2. AMOUNT OF LIGHT
Problem: There is no spot lighting.
Solution: Install a LED spotlight with metal hose and you can easily adjust the lighting complete according to the task and needs.
3. HEAVY LIFTING
Problem: Inadequate lifting equipment.
Solution: Place a Pillar jib crane with electric hoist near the material to be lifted. If steel plates or similar are to be lifted, supplement with a screw clamp.
4. ERGONOMICS
Problem: Standing for long periods on hard floors causes foot pain.
Solution: With an ergonomic workplace mat, you can stand all day. Choose an oil and chemical resistant mat, preferably open with holes that catch any lathe chips. Also available with an anti-slip surface. Avoid tripping hazards and supplement the mat with edging, preferably yellow, which is easy to see.
5. BULLER
Problem: There is a high noise level.
Solution: If the workplace is along a regular wall, noise reducing Wall panels are best. Between the work tables and the machines, partition walls are best placed. In addition to the walls, a noise reducing curtain can also be used, which is easily pulled or pushed aside.
6. LOADING AND UNLOADING
Problem: The material to be handled is heavy and unwieldy.
Solution: An adjustable pallet trolley facilitates loading and unloading and can handle up to 800 kg. Equip the roller conveyor with extra leg supports to handle heavier loads.
7. CLEANING
Problem: The workplace gets dirty quickly.
Solution: Fixed or mobile shielding reduces the spread of dirt and dust. The mobile screen can also be used at the welding site.
8. STRUCTURE
Problem: The workplace is perceived as untidy.
Solution: Use tools to sort and label materials and tools. Hang the most frequent tools on a tool panel supplemented with silhouettes. Place pipes and rods on cantilever rack with material stops.
9. HALF-RISK
Problem: Cutting fluids at the machines make the workplace dirty and increase the risk of slipping.
Solution: Lay a tufftex mat on the floor where there is a risk of spillage. The mat is oil resistant and minimizes the risk of slipping, it can also withstand hot chips from metalworking. Absorbents are placed near machines to quickly absorb oil. The absorbents are available both in sheets and on rolls.
Read more under Typical workplace Material processing - a purchasable complete solution for those who want a workplace suitable for today's modern industries.