Lifting aids eliminate manual handling in a press shop

P & B Metal Components have to frequently change tools on their press shop. The weight of the tooling is 800 – 12000 kg. It would take six people half an hour to remove the tooling and a similar length of time to fit the new tooling. In addition, although there had been no accidents, it was a very risky operation which could result in severe injury, time off work and potentially costly damage to equipment.

Early in 2006 the company decided to invest in purpose built lifting and transportation equipment in an attempt to eliminate as much manual handling as possible. They purchased a specially adapted Electric Pedestrian Stacker from BT Fork Lift Trucks, photo left. The employees were involved in testing the equipment and BT Trucks provided training in its use.

The weight of the load is 1,000kg. The truck has on it a specially designed Eurodamp arm which pivots backwards and forwards. The load is attached with straps to the truck and guided to the machine that requires re-tooling.

Once at the machine the tooling can be pushed into place using the Eurodamp arm

The process is reversed to take the tool out.