Safer and more environmentally-friendly material handling solutions using vacuum

In the process of lifting we challenge gravity, making it a potentially dangerous activity since the consequence of failure is that the item being lifted could drop in an uncontrolled way and cause injury or other damage. There is also a risk associated with traditional handling methods that require people to climb on top of stacked items to connect a lifting device to the load.

Common sense dictates that choosing the right tools and equipment for a job makes any project easier and faster. For example, we use excavators for digging, hydraulic hammers for demolition and crushers for the refining of hard soils and materials. These devices make construction projects more efficient and help save time and money. So the question becomes, what are the right tools to use when handling pipe and how can they improve safety and efficiency on job sites around the world?

Conventional pipe handling methods usually involve hooks, chains, slings or straps. These rigging systems expose workers to many safety risks by requiring them to be in the loading area, climb onto trailers or stacks of pipe, or be in the trench in order to release the pipe. In addition, traditional lifting methods may pose a safety hazard due to the pipe not being secure, unsafe rigging or environmental conditions that can affect the load.

The most effective way to create a safer working environment is to keep people away from places where they should not be. One of the advantages of vacuum lifting is that it allows you to do exactly that—keep people out of harm’s way while still maintaining full control over the lifting operation.

By utilising vacuum lifting technology, you can not only increase safety on the job site by keeping people out of places where they should not be, you can also increase efficiency and improve the bottom line results. This is largely achieved by increasing productivity—with cycle times up to 10 times faster than conventional methods—while reducing the number of people required to do the job.

About the speaker

Steve Smith – Director of International Sales

Steve Smith has more than 20 years of international sales experience. He is focused on expanding the presence of Vacuworx around the world through direct sales, dealer development, and other strategic partnerships. His primary territories include Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Middle East. Smith, who earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Oral Roberts University, joined Vacuworx in 2011. Previously he was Director of International Sales for The Crosby Group.