Ensuring Operator Safety: Key Features of Order Picker Platforms
Guest blog from MHI Member Company New Age Industrial
Order Picker Platforms play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity in warehouses, facilitating operators in their task of picking and organizing products. However, with the integration of these platforms, it becomes paramount to prioritize safety features to protect operators from potential hazards. This article explores the various safety features incorporated into Order Picker Platforms, ensuring a secure working environment for operators.
The Deck
One fundamental safety feature of Order Picker Platforms is a carefully designed deck that aligns seamlessly with the order picker machine’s deck height. This synchronization ensures a smooth and level transition for operators moving between the platform and the machine, reducing the risk of trips, slips, or missteps. The addition of grip tape on the deck enhances the operators footing preventing slip and falls.
The Gripper Block
Another critical safety element of Order Picker Platforms is the presence of a replaceable solid oak block, providing a secure locking mechanism for the order picker machine. This block serves as a stable connection point, preventing any unexpected disengagement during operation. The use of solid oak ensures durability and reliability, minimizing the likelihood of equipment failure.
Product Containment
To prevent products from falling and posing a hazard to operators, Order Picker Platforms are equipped with shelves strategically designed to pitch towards the back. Additionally, lips on these shelves act as an additional barrier, effectively containing products and reducing the risk of items accidentally falling onto the operator below.
The Cage
One of the most crucial safety features is the incorporation of a cage made of mesh or straps around three sides of the Order Picker Platform. This cage acts as a protective barrier, preventing packages from falling out and potentially causing injuries. The use of mesh or straps ensures visibility and ventilation while maintaining a high level of safety.
Other Safety Features
In addition to the core safety features, Order Picker Platforms can incorporate optional enhancements to further ensure the safety of operators. These enhancements include latches for optional doors, providing an additional layer of security by keeping doors closed during operation to prevent accidental openings and potential hazards. Extended railings, whether made of mesh or strap materials, that reach all the way to the machine’s deck enhance overall protection, minimizing the risk of the operator falling from the platform. Furthermore, order picker platforms may feature mounting points on either side of the operator for safety equipment such as chains or nylon straps, allowing operators to secure themselves and add an extra layer of protection during their tasks.
Conclusion
Manufacturers like New Age Industrial incorporate these safety features into Order Picker Platforms to help create a secure work environment. By prioritizing matching deck heights, solid locking mechanisms, product containment features, and protective cages, warehouse operators can confidently utilize Order Picker Platforms, knowing that their safety is at the forefront of design considerations. Optional enhancements further contribute to a comprehensive safety approach, ensuring that operators can perform their duties efficiently and securely.
New Age Industrial is a leading aluminum extruder and fabricator of storage and transportation equipment in the United States. Learn more at our MHI microsite.
