TPi July 2009

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Handl ingMater ials
52 Tube Products International July 2009
In addition, downtimes of production
machinery can be minimised, and safe
working practice within the customer’s
company can be considerably
improved. By using this system, the
company claims to avoid the usual
risks associated with the stacking and
storage of stock materials.
The number of arms, width clearance,
single or double construction can be
individually selected. The arms can be
removed easily and safely by hand.
The synchronised system developed
by Stierli Bieger AG guarantees parallel
running of the arms with a loading
capacity of up to 1,500kg/arm. The
arms are equipped with maintenance-
free grooved ball bearings. Additional
sheet metal channels or wood supports
can prevent damage.
Stierli Bieger is a manufacturer of roll-
out racks, devices for welding and
dressing, and horizontal bending
machines.
Stierli Bieger AG – Switzerland
Effective clamping
devices for
accurate fit-up
The Sumner® Ultra Clamp is a fast
and accurate fit-up clamp that can
be used for pipe-to-pipe, pipe-to-
fitting, and pipe-to-flange. Three model
sizes accommodate pipes from 1" to
12" in diameter. The clamps are very
lightweight and have a rugged and
durable frame, while stainless steel
alignment screws at all contact points
hold fittings in place and allow for
fine adjustment. Smooth roller clamping
action enables positive gripping and the
operating handle repositions for close
work. Fit-up settings can be maintained
for repeat fit-ups.
The company also supplies the Fold-A-
Jack, which is a handy folding jack for
professional welders and contractors.
The Fold-A-Jack has up to a 2,500lb
(900kg) capacity and features folding
legs made from 1" square tubing and
an adjustment screw made from heavy
Safe material handling in a confined area
Today’s market requires every company
to ensure that the in-plant material flow,
storekeeping and movement of goods
are organised economically. As many
companies continue to experience
considerable pressure on prices and
lead times, the ergonomic planning of
in-plant material flow can lead to an
immediate reduction in costs.
Stierli Bieger AG has developed a new
and unique roll-out material storage
system based on intensive on-site
research with a number of existing
customers. The main advantages of the
Stierli Bieger systemare the improvement
in utilisation of floor space, tidy and
compact storage within the factory, and
fast and safe material handling.
Best practice in handling plastic pipes
Radius Systems has helped the Plastic Pipes Industry Forum produce a DVD
outlining best practice in handling plastic pipes.
The 12-minute DVD, entitled ‘Putting Safe Practice to Work’, contains a
foreword by Carol Grainger, workplace transport programme manager at the
Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and is an example of many suppliers within the
chain collaborating to help to compile common guidelines for safe practice.
The DVD is intended to provide clear, easy-to-follow guidelines for those
working with plastic pipes and coils, including safe loading, transport, storage
and unloading procedures.
Gary Wain, transport and SUPER scheme manager at Radius Systems, said the
company was actively promoting safe procedures, and had already presented
at two sell-out events in conjunction with the HSE’s ‘Safety, Health Awareness
Days’ with audiences of 100 people at each. Mr Wain was also due to speak
about Radius Systems’ ‘best practice’ experience at the National Exhibition
Centre in May, on behalf of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
(RoSPA).
The safety DVD is available to anyone involved in the handling or transportation
of plastic pipes, or other industries wishing to use a collaborative approach to
safe operations. As Mr Wain concluded, “Being able to sit around a table with
our competitors, customers and hauliers openly discussing safety issues and
new ideas was a real breath of fresh air and has to be the way forward to achieve
our common goal of injury reduction.” Copies of the DVD may be obtained from
Radius Systems Limited – UK
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The ‘Putting Safe Practice to Work’ DVD provides guidelines on safe handling S S
procedures