What type of materials does material handling refer to?

Material handling encompasses the movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal stages. This includes a wide variety of materials, such as hazardous materials, bulk materials, consumable goods, and more. The comprehensive nature of material handling ensures that every type of material is addressed, which is crucial in logistics and supply chain management.

By recognizing that material handling refers to all types of materials, logistics specialists can effectively implement strategies that ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. This holistic view allows for optimal storage solutions, equipment usage, and labor management while preventing damage and ensuring the safety of personnel involved in the handling of these materials. Therefore, the selected answer correctly reflects the broad scope of what is encompassed in material handling practices.