racks for 1000 lbs granite slabs

[omar12]

We have a need for an engineering solution to the problem of handling 1000 lbs granite slabs. Our operations requires the slabs to be kept in Work in Process in a rack in a slanted position. However, when we need to handle the slab, we require two employees to move the slab that is going to be picked up so that the forklift accessory can grab it. We recently had an accident in which the slab fell on top of a worker and broke his ankle. Looking for suggestions on how to keep the slabs from having to be handle manually and still able to pick them up with forklift attachment.

 

[Xpto1]

I have the same problem. 1 person on the forklift and 1 person on the ground guiding the slab. I will try having 2 ropes coming from the center of the fork (where the accessory is) coming down, one on each face of the slab. The person on the floor can use the 2 ropes to guide the slab (like riding a horse) from a safe distance. I will test this tomorrow and if you want I can let you know how did it go. This is just an idea that I just had. I'm right now searching the web for the same answer. Did you find any good ideas for this?

Eduardo

 

[nornrich]

A couple of questions. How high are the racks you are picking from? Do you need the forklift to pick the slab from the rack or can you use a manual handling aid? How many storage positions do you have in the system? Have you ever considered automated storage and retreival?

Rich.....

Richard Nornhold, PE
ampdesign@earthlink.net