Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) welcomed a new innovative technology to its arsenal with the Makinex Hand Truck, a powered hand truck purchased by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 04X.

NAVSEA 04X Tactical Implementation Manager Suzie Simms began research in 2017 for technology that could enable safer lifting practices across the four public shipyards.

"At the NAVSEA 04X3 Tactical Innovation Implementation Lab (TIIL), we are always looking for ways to share innovations and ensure our workforce is being safe and efficient," said Simms. "Looking for new technologies to help with employee safety and ergonomics, we discovered the Makinex Powered Hand Truck, a device where a single user could safely lift less than 300 pounds to a height of five-feet, four-inches. We purchased one for each public shipyard to test out with their workforce and try the simple and easy-to-use features in the hopes that it will address that need."

The Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) took ownership of NNSY's hand truck, receiving it in June 2018.

"The hand truck comes standard with a hook attachment and lifting straps," said RPC Woodcrafter Alim Jordan. "The device itself is easy to operate, with the user working behind the load by placing hands upon the handlebars. There is a power switch to run the device and a hand break which would be squeezed to engage or disengage. Using safe lifting practices, which includes ensuring the path is free of obstructions, the user would then be able to usher the load to the needed area and stabilize the load as needed."

The Navy Crane Center has inspected the item and deemed at this time there is no additional training required to use the device as delivered. Jordan is the lead in demonstrating the uses of the hand truck for NNSY, providing a hands-on approach to the workforce on how it could work for their shop or code.

"We're putting together various demonstrations with the workforce and so far the reception has been huge," said Jordan. "So far we have showcased it to the Electrical/Electronics Group (Code 950), Piping Group (Code 960), Mechanical Group (Code 930), and Temporary Services Group (Code 990). We're setting up future demonstrations for whomever else would like to test it out and see first-hand what it can do."

For the TIIL and RPC, safety is key for innovations like the Makinex Hand Truck.

"We are always looking for ways to ensure the workers at the shipyard are able to do their job safely and return home the same way they came to work," said Jordan. "With this hand truck, we can have it as an alternative for using a forklift for jobs weighing under 300 pounds. In addition, the material moving can be performed by one person safely. If we can continue to help our workforce find safer and more efficient ways to get the job done, that's a huge win for us at America's Shipyard and the U.S. Navy."

If you have an idea that might improve your job or you would like to schedule a demonstration for your shop or code, contact the RPC at 396-4950/4956/4758 or 778-4181.

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For more news from Norfolk Naval Shipyard, visit www.navy.mil/.