◊ Scope and importance of material handling

Materials handling is concerned with five elements:

movement→ time→ place→ quality→ space

Efficient material handling is movement in the most efficient manner at the right time, to and from the correct place in the required quantity with the maximum economy of space.

To ensure maximum handling efficiency during all the movements of materials:

• As a raw material from supply point to the store or process

• As a material in process between stages during processing

• As a finished product to packing, storage and despath

Good handling techniques confer advantaged such as:

• Reduced materials wastage

• Improved control and rotation of stock

• Improve working conditions and reduced operator fatigue

◊Categorization of material handling equipments

• Conveyors

• Elevators

• Cranes or hoists

• Trucks

• Pneumatic equipment