18-07-2016, 03:41 PM
Safe Manual Material Handling
Many jobs require frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering and raising materials by hand. These job tasks are
often referred to as manual materials handling. Staff who lift or perform other materials handling tasks may be at risk for
back or other injuries. These injuries may be prevented by redesigning jobs and practicing safe handling techniques.
Layout of Work Area
The layout of work areas can be arranged to prevent awkward postures such as bending, twisting, and overreaching
Work surfaces should be at waist height, or height-adjustable, to prevent bending
There should be sufficient space to turn around and prevent twisting
Materials that will be manually lifted should not be stored directly on the floor
Frequently used and heavy items should be stored between knee and waist height
Elevated platforms or step stools should be provided to reach items above chest level
S.M.A.R.T. Lifting Technique
Size up the load
Assess the size, weight, and shape. Remove obstacles from the load (such as loose wrapping materials).
Assess whether the load actually needs to be moved
Where is the load going to be placed? Remove obstacles from your path.
Determine whether mechanical or assistance from a co-worker is required
Move the load as close to your body as possible
Stay close throughout the lift
The whole hand should be used to ensure a firm grip
Always bend your knees
Maintain balance
Keep feet apart and in a comfortable position
Minimize bending at the waist
Bend your knees to a semi squat
Raise the load with your legs
Lift smoothly, without jerking
Maintain the normal curve of your spine throughout the lift
Tighten the abdominal muscles and exhale while lifting
Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load
Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting, and reaching
Change direction by turning your feet and not your back
To set down a load, squat down and keep your head up. Let your legs do the work
Move Close Firm Grip Bend your
knees
Lift with
your legs
The Power Zone
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mid-thigh and mid-chest height. Comparable to the strike zone in
baseball, this zone is where arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort. (see picture)
Team Lifting
Team lifts are appropriate if:
o The load is too heavy for one person
o The load is large, bulky, or oddly-shaped
o You feel uncomfortable lifting the load by yourself (and do not have the proper equipment)
Whenever possible, team member should be of around the same height and build. If this is not possible, taller
members should be at the back.
Designate a lift leader, who:
o Plans and coordinates the lift
o Provides simple and clear instructions
o Ensures that you lift and lower the load together
Assess the weight of the load
Follow the S.M.A.R.T. lifting technique
The lift leader should ensure that all team members are comfortable once the load has been
lifted. If not, the load should be carefully lowered.
Overhead Loads
Always use a stool or ladder to lift loads above chest level
Test the weight of the load before removing it from the shelf
Slide the object toward you, to the edge of the shelf
Hold the load close to your body as you lower it
Awkward loads
Sometimes different lifting techniques need to be adopted to move awkward loads
Over-sized or Odd-shaped
In many cases, oversized loads may be light enough to carry, but block vision or may be difficult to hold. In
such cases, use mechanical assistance or seek help from a co-worker.
Long, light objects
Support the load on your shoulder
Keep the front end higher than the rear
Pushing and Pulling
Keep your back straight, avoiding excessive bending or twisting
Use your legs to push or pull
Keep the load as close to your body as possible
When using mechanical aids to push and pull, the handles should be positioned at a height between the shoulder
and waist
When pushing on a slope or ramp, ask for assistance whenever necessary. Keep in mind that the incline can
significantly increase the forces
Uneven loads also require increased push and pull forces; seek appropriate assistance when necessary
material handling safety
How the material or goods are unloaded or loaded is a key factor in reducing employee injuries. Persons involved in material handling should be able to lift and hold the weight of the material or goods used in their operations. They also must be properly trained in the correct way to lift and carry the items. The National Safety Council offers tips on the following:
Power Lifting
Protect Yourself
Use the correct hand protection; wear gloves to prevent cuts.
Wear safety shoes to prevent injury to your feet from a dropped item.
Size up the Load
Determine if you can carry a load comfortably; tip it on its side.
Get help if the load is too big or bulky for one person.
Check for nails, splinters, rough strapping, and rough edges.
Lift It Right
Make sure your footing is solid.
Keep your back straight, with no curving or slouching.
Center your body over your feet.
Get a good grasp on the object and pull it close to you.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
Move your feet to turn. Don't twist your back.
Tough Lifting Jobs
Oversized Loads
Don't try to carry a big load alone. Ask for help.
Work as a team. Lift, walk, and lower the load together.
Let one person give the directions and direct the lift.
High Loads
Use a step stool or a sturdy ladder to reach loads that are above your shoulders.
Get as close as you can to the load.
Slide the load toward you.
Do all the work with your arms and legs, not your back.
Low Loads
Loads that are under racks and cabinets need extra care.
Pull the load toward you, and then try to support it on your knee before you lift.
Use your legs to power the lift.
Power Carrying Tips
Your Checklist
Make sure your footing is firm.
Ensure enough clearance at doorways to keep your hands and fingers safe.
Check your route for hazards.
Take extra care at platforms, loading docks, ramps, and stairs.
Carry long loads on your shoulders, with front end high.
Make sure the next person has a firm grip before you hand off the load.
When you carry with others, everyone should carry the load on the same shoulder, walk in step, and put the load down as a team.
Back Safety Tips
Wear the right personal protective equipment for lifting and carrying.
Lift with your legs, not your back; pivot, don't twist.
Get help with tough lifting jobs.
Spend a few minutes each day before work on power warm-ups.
Exercise regularly to keep your back strong and healthy.
Eat right, stay slender, and cut down on stress to avoid back injuries.
Education Is Key
It is important to educate the personnel involved in material handling. They must understand that it is not smart or a good practice to show offtheir muscles by lifting and carrying very heavy material. Doing so is a common cause of back injuries, and back injuries can remain with someone for the rest of his or her life.
Management must designate and train specific individuals to unload and load material. Management also must make sure that the correct procedures are followed. Employees should be aware that regardless of how small or lightweight an item is, only a designated, trained individual should move it.
Many times it is not necessary for an individual to lift and carry material manually. Various types of equipment—dolly, cart, lift truck, hoist, and crane—are available to move material safely. Depending on the type of operation, using a dolly and cart to move material can result in minimal disruption of work flow.
Lift trucks can be used to carry heavier loads from one area to another. It is imperative that materials are placed on the lift truck in a safe and secure manner to avoid having the load shift, fall off, roll over, or impair the driver's vision.
Hoists and cranes should be used to lift extremely heavy loads. When using this type of equipment, personnel must enforce proper safety measures to prevent serious injuries. Only experienced persons should operate hoists and cranes.The machinery must be kept in good working condition, properly maintained, and tested on a regular basis. Loads should not exceed the machine's load limit.
These are only a few ideas to consider when addressing the issue of material handling safety. Common sense is the most practical tool to use.
Many jobs require frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering and raising materials by hand. These job tasks are
often referred to as manual materials handling. Staff who lift or perform other materials handling tasks may be at risk for
back or other injuries. These injuries may be prevented by redesigning jobs and practicing safe handling techniques.
Layout of Work Area
The layout of work areas can be arranged to prevent awkward postures such as bending, twisting, and overreaching
Work surfaces should be at waist height, or height-adjustable, to prevent bending
There should be sufficient space to turn around and prevent twisting
Materials that will be manually lifted should not be stored directly on the floor
Frequently used and heavy items should be stored between knee and waist height
Elevated platforms or step stools should be provided to reach items above chest level
S.M.A.R.T. Lifting Technique
Size up the load
Assess the size, weight, and shape. Remove obstacles from the load (such as loose wrapping materials).
Assess whether the load actually needs to be moved
Where is the load going to be placed? Remove obstacles from your path.
Determine whether mechanical or assistance from a co-worker is required
Move the load as close to your body as possible
Stay close throughout the lift
The whole hand should be used to ensure a firm grip
Always bend your knees
Maintain balance
Keep feet apart and in a comfortable position
Minimize bending at the waist
Bend your knees to a semi squat
Raise the load with your legs
Lift smoothly, without jerking
Maintain the normal curve of your spine throughout the lift
Tighten the abdominal muscles and exhale while lifting
Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load
Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting, and reaching
Change direction by turning your feet and not your back
To set down a load, squat down and keep your head up. Let your legs do the work
Move Close Firm Grip Bend your
knees
Lift with
your legs
The Power Zone
The power zone for lifting is close to the body, between mid-thigh and mid-chest height. Comparable to the strike zone in
baseball, this zone is where arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort. (see picture)
Team Lifting
Team lifts are appropriate if:
o The load is too heavy for one person
o The load is large, bulky, or oddly-shaped
o You feel uncomfortable lifting the load by yourself (and do not have the proper equipment)
Whenever possible, team member should be of around the same height and build. If this is not possible, taller
members should be at the back.
Designate a lift leader, who:
o Plans and coordinates the lift
o Provides simple and clear instructions
o Ensures that you lift and lower the load together
Assess the weight of the load
Follow the S.M.A.R.T. lifting technique
The lift leader should ensure that all team members are comfortable once the load has been
lifted. If not, the load should be carefully lowered.
Overhead Loads
Always use a stool or ladder to lift loads above chest level
Test the weight of the load before removing it from the shelf
Slide the object toward you, to the edge of the shelf
Hold the load close to your body as you lower it
Awkward loads
Sometimes different lifting techniques need to be adopted to move awkward loads
Over-sized or Odd-shaped
In many cases, oversized loads may be light enough to carry, but block vision or may be difficult to hold. In
such cases, use mechanical assistance or seek help from a co-worker.
Long, light objects
Support the load on your shoulder
Keep the front end higher than the rear
Pushing and Pulling
Keep your back straight, avoiding excessive bending or twisting
Use your legs to push or pull
Keep the load as close to your body as possible
When using mechanical aids to push and pull, the handles should be positioned at a height between the shoulder
and waist
When pushing on a slope or ramp, ask for assistance whenever necessary. Keep in mind that the incline can
significantly increase the forces
Uneven loads also require increased push and pull forces; seek appropriate assistance when necessary
material handling safety
How the material or goods are unloaded or loaded is a key factor in reducing employee injuries. Persons involved in material handling should be able to lift and hold the weight of the material or goods used in their operations. They also must be properly trained in the correct way to lift and carry the items. The National Safety Council offers tips on the following:
Power Lifting
Protect Yourself
Use the correct hand protection; wear gloves to prevent cuts.
Wear safety shoes to prevent injury to your feet from a dropped item.
Size up the Load
Determine if you can carry a load comfortably; tip it on its side.
Get help if the load is too big or bulky for one person.
Check for nails, splinters, rough strapping, and rough edges.
Lift It Right
Make sure your footing is solid.
Keep your back straight, with no curving or slouching.
Center your body over your feet.
Get a good grasp on the object and pull it close to you.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
Move your feet to turn. Don't twist your back.
Tough Lifting Jobs
Oversized Loads
Don't try to carry a big load alone. Ask for help.
Work as a team. Lift, walk, and lower the load together.
Let one person give the directions and direct the lift.
High Loads
Use a step stool or a sturdy ladder to reach loads that are above your shoulders.
Get as close as you can to the load.
Slide the load toward you.
Do all the work with your arms and legs, not your back.
Low Loads
Loads that are under racks and cabinets need extra care.
Pull the load toward you, and then try to support it on your knee before you lift.
Use your legs to power the lift.
Power Carrying Tips
Your Checklist
Make sure your footing is firm.
Ensure enough clearance at doorways to keep your hands and fingers safe.
Check your route for hazards.
Take extra care at platforms, loading docks, ramps, and stairs.
Carry long loads on your shoulders, with front end high.
Make sure the next person has a firm grip before you hand off the load.
When you carry with others, everyone should carry the load on the same shoulder, walk in step, and put the load down as a team.
Back Safety Tips
Wear the right personal protective equipment for lifting and carrying.
Lift with your legs, not your back; pivot, don't twist.
Get help with tough lifting jobs.
Spend a few minutes each day before work on power warm-ups.
Exercise regularly to keep your back strong and healthy.
Eat right, stay slender, and cut down on stress to avoid back injuries.
Education Is Key
It is important to educate the personnel involved in material handling. They must understand that it is not smart or a good practice to show offtheir muscles by lifting and carrying very heavy material. Doing so is a common cause of back injuries, and back injuries can remain with someone for the rest of his or her life.
Management must designate and train specific individuals to unload and load material. Management also must make sure that the correct procedures are followed. Employees should be aware that regardless of how small or lightweight an item is, only a designated, trained individual should move it.
Many times it is not necessary for an individual to lift and carry material manually. Various types of equipment—dolly, cart, lift truck, hoist, and crane—are available to move material safely. Depending on the type of operation, using a dolly and cart to move material can result in minimal disruption of work flow.
Lift trucks can be used to carry heavier loads from one area to another. It is imperative that materials are placed on the lift truck in a safe and secure manner to avoid having the load shift, fall off, roll over, or impair the driver's vision.
Hoists and cranes should be used to lift extremely heavy loads. When using this type of equipment, personnel must enforce proper safety measures to prevent serious injuries. Only experienced persons should operate hoists and cranes.The machinery must be kept in good working condition, properly maintained, and tested on a regular basis. Loads should not exceed the machine's load limit.
These are only a few ideas to consider when addressing the issue of material handling safety. Common sense is the most practical tool to use.