How to transport tiles safely?

In our article, discover how the transport and installation of tiles impacts the productivity of workers and what solutions Manut-LM offers to transport tiles safely.

Definition and importance of tiles

Tiles are used for both floor and wall coverings. It can extend over small and medium-sized areas, as opposed to paving that extends over very large areas.

There are various types of tiles:

• In granite;
• Sandstone;
• In marble;
• Etc.

The latter can perform tasks depending on the type of use that is made of it:

• Aesthetics (Spanish or Portuguese earthenware tiles);
• Or utilitarian (in kitchens or bathrooms).

It is important to know that, most of the time, tiles combine the two roles mentioned above.

What are the risks for the tiler?

Tiles are among the most popular coverings in metropolitan France and the job of tiler therefore requires special attention and concentration.

For the installation of tile flooring, tilers are thus very exposed to occupational risks and sometimes victims of serious accidents.

Risks related to the trade and handling

Disorders related to the trade and handling are numerous:

• Disorders caused by repetitive movements exerted by the upper limbs;
• Disorders due to inadequate and painful postures;
• Disorders related to carrying heavy loads.

These disorders depend on the working conditions and are mainly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can affect all parts of the body.

Risks related to the work environment and products

The risks related to the working environment and products are also numerous and their impact is not immediately felt.

These include:

• Dehydration;
• Prolonged exposure to cold or heat;
• Exposure to chemicals;
• Excessive sweating;
• Exposure to noises harmful to the human body;
• Etc.

The risks of accidents are permanent and can occur from all sides. Hygroma of the knee is the main MSD that affects tile professionals and can cause a temporary stop in the use of the lower limb.

How to transport tiles?

The action of carrying tiles is a very physically demanding activity because of the weight of its material. Tile handling requires paramount attention and meticulousness. Therefore, in order to improve the conditions of workers and to limit the occurrence of accidents at work and/or occupational diseases, it is strongly recommended that workers be assisted.

It is thus possible to maximize productivity by equipping operators with a suction cup manipulator to reduce the risks associated with poor gestures and postures when handling tile packages. The collaborative robot is thus positioned as the solution to the handling of heavy loads, lightens the work and supports the human workforce.

The handling equipment offered by Manut-LM ensures greater safety and reduces the risk taking of tilers. The MASTER Fast, a lifting tube manipulator, has been designed to meet the specific needs of tiles. It has a special pneumatic clamp that adapts to all types of tile formats and can lift up to 100 kilos of loads without any risk to the professional.

It is also a guarantee of safety for its operator and a source of considerable increase in productivity for the company.

Now you have all the necessary information for laying and transporting tiles.

For any concern related to manual handling and its solutions, do not hesitate, contact us!