Material Handling & Lifting

Overview

Lifting and moving loads in warehouses and on sites is one of the biggest sources of musculoskeletal injuries in industry. The products in this category shift the load from the worker to safe, reliable mechanical equipment.

Product Types

The category covers Manual Pallet Trucks at various capacities (2, 2.5, 3 tonnes), Electric Pallet Trucks for larger warehouses, access platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts approved to raise people and their tools (material lifts and lift tables excluded), electric, manual, and pneumatic Overhead Hoists, manual Chain Hoists, Lever Hoists, hand trucks of all types, Lifting Slings in polyester and nylon, steel lifting chains, lifting hardware (shackles, hooks), and rigging and tie-down systems.

Selection Factors

Lifting equipment is selected by Safe Working Load (SWL) with a safety margin, load type (standard pallet, crate, drum), required lift height, floor conditions (level, sloped, wet), and frequency of use. Scheduled thorough examinations per applicable regulations (e.g. at intervals not exceeding 12 months for lifting equipment and 6 months for lifting accessories and people-lifting equipment under LOLER) and valid inspection certificates are a baseline requirement.

Difference from Hand & Power Tools

Material Handling & Lifting moves and lifts loads; Hand & Power Tools shape and fasten materials and components.

Standards Note

Lifting equipment follows EN 1757 for pallet trucks, ISO 6780 for pallets, and LOLER (UK) or ASME B30 (US) regimes for inspection and maintenance. Specifications vary by model.