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1. Selecting the right material handling
    equipment

About Ergonomic Handling System 

Better Ergonomic Workstation Cranes

Ergonomic handling system has grown significantly for the past few years. It has effectively improved productivity, increase quality and enhance safety. In order to create a workplace where virtually any worker can comfortably and safely perform their duty, selection of proper ergonomic handling system is very important.

Rotomatik workstation crane which uses enclosed-rail to achieve effortless movement of loads throughout the horizontal axis. There are several factors to consider when selecting a workstation.

1. Type of Workstation Cranes

Workstation bridge cranes provides X-Y movement. It covers a rectangular areas, and provide effortless movement of loads anywhere in the work cell. Load position in the cell has no real impact on ease of movement when using bridge cranes.

Workstation jib cranes provide circular coverage over the work area. It moves easily near to the end of the boom, but becomes more difficult toward the pivot point. Therefore, we recommend user to arrange their frequent activities beyond 1/3 of the boom from the pivot point to achieve best ergonomic.

2. "Just Enough" Capacity

Workstation bridge cranes are available in capacities of up to 2 metric ton and workstation jib cranes up to 1 metric ton.  The general rule when specifying capacities for manually operated workstation cranes is "less is easier". If the maximum weight handled is 250 kg, then the crane should be specify for 250 kg and not more.

LESS IS EASIER

the lighter the equipment, the easier the movement and load positioning.

3. "Shorter" Bridge Width / Boom Length

It is important to keep bridge width and boom lengths to a minimum.  Short bridge/boom lengths are preferred for higher-cycle production areas. Longer bridges/booms are acceptable for lower-production cycle applications.

SHORT IS LIGHTER

The lesser dead weight of bridge/boom, the easier the movement and load positioning.

4. "Shorter" Workstation Crane Height

Bridge heights and boom heights should be kept as low as possible. Generally, a load trolley (end truck) height of less than 4 metre is prefer because it is easier to control and position the load.

SHORT IS BETTER

The shorter in height of the equipment, the easier to move and position loads.

5. Type of Mounting

Workstation bridge cranes

Workstation bridge cranes can be free standing (floor mounted) or ceiling mounted. 

Freestanding (floor mounted) are usually easier to install and relocate if the equipment needs to be moved to another location. It is better choice where an overhead building structure doesn't exist or the support is inadequate to withstand the forces applied by the workstation crane. Freestanding workstation crane systems require a reinforced concrete floor at least 152 mm (6 inch) thick.

Ceiling-suspended systems need a building with an adequate overhead structure from which to suspend the crane. It has advantage of ˇ°nothing attached on the floorˇ± that would obstruct workflow.

Workstation jib cranes

Workstation jib cranes can be pillar mounted (floor mounted), wall mounted, ceiling mounted or palette mounted (movable).

Pillar mounted (floor mounted) jibs are used for applications where there is no adequate column or structure to support the jib. Some of these jibs require foundation, if the existing floor is unable to withhold the loading.

Wall mounted jibs require a building column or building wall that can withhold the loading applied from the jib. It is much economical compared to the pillar mounted jib and doesn't obstruct movements on the work floor.

Ceiling suspended jibs require a building ceiling or overhead support that can withstand the loading applied by the jib. It is similar to pillar mounted jib except that it is suspended from the overhead support. It also has advantage of not obstructing movements on the work floor.

Palette mounted (Movable) jibs allows the jib to move from one location to another location easily. It normally has a heavy base that act as a counterweight to withhold the forces applied from the load. It is more expensive compared to other types of mountings with similar specification. 

6. Manual or Motorised Operation

The decision of manual or motor operation depends on the weight, size and movement of the load to be handled.

Manually operated equipment is preferred if the equipment is light because it allows them to work at their own pace and provides more precise positioning of loads. However, motorized operated should be provided if the load has to operate over an obstruction, pit or other inaccessible area.

Generally, manual workstation can be safely maneuvered with loads of up to 2 metric ton. Motorized operation is preferred with loads of more than 2 metric ton, because it is usually too difficult to maneuver manually.

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