It is important to prevent injuries and accidents in the workplace. Some of the safety tips for handling metal products are:
Use the proper equipment for lifting, moving, and storing metal products, such as cranes, hoists, forklifts*, trolleys, slings, clamps, hooks, magnets, and suction lifters.
Ensure the equipment suits the load's type, size, shape, and weight. Check the equipment regularly for any defects or damage.
Avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person. Use handling aids or ask for help if needed. Keep your back straight and bend your knees when lifting. Do not twist or jerk your body when carrying or placing the load.
*Balancing steel sections or plates on forklift forks is dangerous as loads are liable to slip; use stillages to cradle the load or jib attachments with grabs etc. to suspend the load safely.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling metal products, such as handle magnets, gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toe shoes, long-sleeve shirts, and full-length pants. PPE can protect you from cuts, burns, abrasions, and impacts from metal products. Do not use solvents to clean your skin. Wash your hands before and after handling metal products.
Clean up after handling metal products. Remove any metal debris, dust, or spills from the work area. Dispose of any waste materials properly. Store any unused metal products safely and securely. Keep the work area tidy and organised to prevent tripping hazards.
Stay alert and follow the safety rules when handling metal products. Do not rush or take shortcuts. Communicate and cooperate with other workers. Report any hazards or incidents to your supervisor. Seek medical attention if you are injured.
What equipment can I use to lift metal?
Different types of equipment can be used to lift metal products, depending on the load's shape, size, weight and orientation. Some of the common equipment are:
- Plate clamps: These devices grip the edge of a metal plate and allow it to be lifted vertically or horizontally. They have a locking mechanism that prevents the clamp from slipping off the plate. Plate clamps come in various designs and capacities to suit different applications.
Different types of grabs are available for lifting and handling steel profiles, such as I-beams, H-beams, T-beams, U-channels, angles, and rails. Some of the common types of grabs are:
- Beam grabs: These devices clamp onto a steel beam's flange or web, allowing it to be lifted vertically or horizontally. They have a locking mechanism that prevents the grab from slipping off the beam. Beam grabs come in various designs and capacities to suit different applications.
- Rail grabs: These devices grip a steel rail's head or foot and allow it to be lifted or pulled. They have a spring-loaded jaw that adjusts to the rail size and a safety latch that prevents the grab from opening accidentally. Rail grabs can be used for laying, repairing, or transporting rails.
- Profile grabs: These devices fit around the cross-section of a steel profile and allow it to be lifted or rotated. They have a scissor-like action that clamps the profile securely and a handle or eye for attaching to a lifting device. Profile grabs can be used for handling various shapes of steel profiles, such as angles, channels, tees, and zeds.
- Plate hooks: These are hooks that are attached to a lifting device and hook onto the holes or slots in a metal plate. They can be used to lift plates horizontally or at an angle. Plate hooks are usually used in pairs or multiples to balance the load.
- Magnets: These devices use magnetic force to attract and hold metal products. They can be either permanent or electrically operated. Magnets can lift flat or curved metal surfaces and irregular shapes.
- Suction lifters: These devices use vacuum suction to lift and move flat or curved surfaces, such as aluminium and stainless steel sheets. Suction lifters have one or more suction cups that attach to the load's surface and create a vacuum seal. They have handles or levers that allow the user to lift and release the load easily. Suction lifters can be used for horizontal or vertical lifting, as well as tilting or rotating the load.
- Slings: These are used to attach a load to a lifting device, such as a crane, hoist, or winch. They can be made of different materials, such as metal chains, metal wire, nylon, and polyester. Each material has its own properties, such as strength, flexibility, stretch, and resistance to chemicals1.
- Metal slings are suitable for lifting loads that are hot, abrasive, or tend to cut through softer synthetic slings. They can be made of metal chains or metal wire mesh. Metal chains are durable and versatile but can damage the load or lifting device if not used properly. Metal wire mesh slings are flexible and conform to the shape of the load, but they can wear out over time and need regular inspection.
- Synthetic slings are suitable for lifting loads that are delicate, fragile or have smooth surfaces. They can be made of nylon or polyester webbing or round slings. Nylon slings have more stretch than polyester slings, which can provide a cushion against sudden shock. Polyester slings have less stretch than nylon slings, which can provide more stability and control. Synthetic slings are lighter and easier to handle than metal slings, but heat, chemicals, or sharp edges can damage them.
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Metal Storage
Choosing a good quality steel storage product depends on several factors, such as your budget, space, purpose, and preference. Here are some tips to help you make a good decision:
- Consider the size and shape of the steel storage product. You want to make sure it fits your available space and can store all the items you need. You can find different dimensions and capacities of steel storage products online or in a stock list from your local supplier.
- Compare the different types of steel used for the storage product. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but it can also contain other elements that affect its properties. For example, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion and rust, but it is also more expensive and heavier than regular steel. Galvanised steel is coated with zinc to prevent rust, but it can also be scratched or damaged over time. You can check the specifications of the steel type on the product description or label.
- Look for the quality and durability of the steel storage product. You want to choose a product that is well-made, sturdy, and reliable.
- Storage of steel on mezzanines or high platforms – Ensure the loading edge is protected by a safety pallet gate. Extra wide gates are available for long loads, whether loaded by forklift or overhead hoist.
Guidelines
Lifting and handling in the metal industry is an important topic involving workers' and materials' safety and efficiency. Various regulations, guidelines, and best practices apply to different aspects of lifting and handling, such as the type of equipment, the load capacity, the risk assessment, and the training of operators.
- Ensure users can read manufacturers' safe use instructions for all lifting equipment before use.
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) - HSE: These regulations place duties on people and companies who own, operate, or control lifting equipment. They require that all lifting operations are properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely and that all lifting equipment is fit for purpose, appropriate for the task, suitably marked, and subject to periodic thorough examination.
- Safe use and maintenance instructions CLICK HERE.