Material Handling Essay

iii. Principles of materials Handling
Some of the principles that play an important role in material handling function are as follows:
• All material handling activities should be planned
• There should be a systematic integration of all material handling activities.
• Effectively utilise the available cubic space.
• Gradually increase the quantity, size, and weight of the load to be handled.
• An operation sequence and equipment arrangement to be planned for optimal material flow.
• Eliminate unnecessary equipment as well as movement.
• Material handling equipment and methods should be safe
• Automated or mechanical material handling equipment should be used whenever and wherever necessary.
• Material handling equipment type, size and method

Therefore, they do not occupy the space continuously. They are vehicle powered by hand, electricity or propane. They are, therefore, most suitable for intermittent operations. Their greatest advantage lies in the wide range of attachments available which increase the trucks ability to handle various types and shapes of material. Major usage of industrial trucks is in distribution centres and in manufacturing.
Hand trucks are manually operated that carry small quantities of solid materials. In some versions of hand trucks, a small platform is fitted sometimes with a hydraulic unit that helps to lower or raise the platform by a few inches so as to facilitate the loading and unloading of the truck. In pallet truck, instead of a platform, a fork is fitted and used to handle pallets on which oil containers, small barrels, component parts and other items can be kept and transported.
• Cranes and hoists
Cranes and hoists can move items vertically or horizontally to any point within the area of operation. Generally they use the overhead space to move heavy materials. Though they can serve only a limited area, within their area of operation, they are very