Material handling and factors to consider

Material handling is the movement, lifting, transport, storage and protection of construction materials from the source or delivery point to the place of use, using suitable labour, methods and equipment, so that they arrive in the right quantity, at the right time and in good condition. It covers loading and unloading, transport on site, storage, issue and placing.

Objectives

• Reduce handling cost and the number of handlings.
• Avoid damage, loss and wastage.
• Supply materials on time to the work front.
• Provide safe working conditions.

Factors to consider in material handling

1. Nature of the material: weight, size, shape, fragility and hazard (e.g. cement bags, glass, steel, liquids).
2. Quantity and rate of use: high volumes need mechanical handling (concrete pump, conveyor); small quantities may be handled manually.
3. Distance and route: horizontal and vertical distance, slope and condition of the road.
4. Type of equipment available: cost, capacity, availability and operator skill.
5. Cost: compare equipment cost with labour cost; choose the lowest total cost.
6. Time and schedule: deliveries should match the construction programme.
7. Site layout: stores, yards and crane position near the work point to avoid double handling.
8. Storage requirements: protection from rain, sun and theft; stacking height; first-in, first-out.
9. Safety: safe lifting, slings, signals, trained operators and PPE.
10. Weather and ground conditions: rain, mud and wind that affect cranes.
11. Labour availability and skill, and local customs on carrying loads.
12. Wastage and quality: methods that reduce breakage, spillage and segregation.

Example: for high-rise concrete work, a ready-mix transit mixer plus a concrete pump moves concrete faster, more cheaply and with less waste than carrying it in buckets.