PECM Issue 55 2022 | Page 24

Eliminating Manual Handling & Reducing Risk with a Transfer Pump

EDITOR ’ S CHOICE REFINING PROCEDURES

NORTH RIDGE PUMPS
Eliminating Manual Handling & Reducing Risk with a Transfer Pump
Manual handling is often the first stage of trialling a new production process or method of production .
When a new process , technique , additive , or mixture is created , it is sometimes necessary for personnel to manually test a process , refining procedures until they work as desired .
But what if such a procedure creates an unforeseen problem or risk ?
CURRENT MANUAL HANDLING PROCESS
North Ridge pumps were contacted by a soap manufacturer who were manufacturing conditioners . They had recently installed a Wax Melt as part of a new process , with production split across 2 levels , with Wax melted and mixed at ground level , before being carried to a mixer on an upper gantry 4M away .
The Wax was being melted at 80 ° C and the current process involved decanting the hot liquid into buckets , with personnel then carrying the hot liquid up metal stairs using the containers several times a day .
Around 200kg was being moved each day by hand which was laborious , as well as having a risk for potential disaster , as not only was the liquid likely to burn , and carried above other operators , but when lifted across to the upper gantry , it sometimes
spilt creating a slippery coating on the stairs which had to be mechanically removed .
Manual Handling Guidelines & Duties Although the weight of the wax in each bucket was only 14kg , with each day of production needing over 15 buckets , there was the potential for improvement of the existing procedure .
The current guidelines for manual lifting have a limit of 16kg for Women and 25kg for men but this is reduced if items are held above head height , away from the body or held by an operator whilst sat down .
HSE encourages employers to avoid hazardous manual handling , by avoiding the operation as reasonably practicable through either redesigning the task , automating or mechanising a process .
The average fine by the HSE in 2021 for Health & Safety prosecutions was £ 145,000 per case , an increase of 35 % from the year before and the customer was keen to find a way of improving their existing system .
Avoiding Hazardous Manual Handling After discussing our customers existing process , we established they not only wanted to remove the manual handling aspect of this process , but wanted to automate transfer , eliminate risk of injury , and have personnel spend their time on more productive activities rather than be fatigued by mundane tasks .
Having had experience of eliminating manual handling and automating transfer in other projects we knew how to solve their issue . Automating fluid transfer not only provides improved output and productivity it reduces the likelihood of injury whilst also limiting or reducing any liability .
We specified , selected and supplied a progressing cavity pump of hygienic design , with Stainless Steel casing and internals with a chemically resistant stator to handle any Oils , Wax and Chemicals within the soap up to 100 ° C . Transferring at a rate of over 100L / min the unit vastly out performed the existing methods , as well as providing scope for future increases in production . After the solution was implemented , the cost benefit was described as a “ no brainer ” with the results experienced .
If you are looking to simplify a process , improve productivity , automate transfer , reduce risk , eliminate spillage , and waste , whilst also benefiting from the 2021 Budget super deduction , speak to us to see how we can help .
North Ridge Pumps North Ridge House , 3 Chrysalis Way , Eastwood , Nottingham , NG16 3RY , UK www . northridgepumps . com sales @ northridgepumps . com
For further information , please visit www . northridgepumps . com
24 PECM Issue 55