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What does s.m.a.r.t lifting stand forLifting and Material Handling - Environment, Health and Safety.
Remember me Log in. Lost your password? Do I have to lift this object? Can I move it in a safer way, for example getting someone to help me? Can I use a lifting aid, like a trolley?
Are there procedures to follow that can help me lift the object safely? Is there any PPE that can help me lift the object safely and efficiently, like gloves with extra grip? S Size up the load Assess the load size, shape and weight. If it is too heavy or big — do NOT lift it. Find another way to move the load. Determine the new location. Check there is a clear path to the new location. M Move the load close to your body It takes less effort to lift or carry something when it is close to the body.
Use the full length of your hands and fingers to support the load. Get a firm grip that can be held for the full distance of the carry. A Always bend your knees Position your feet as close as possible to the load, one foot slightly ahead of the other and feet slightly apart. Bend your knees at a wide angle and use a semi-squat.
R Raise the load using your legs Keep your arms close to your sides and slightly bent at the elbows. Raise your head with your chin just before lifting, and take a deep breath. Bend at the knees, not the hips. Keep your head up, your stomach muscles tight, and do not twist your body. Keep the load as close to the body as possible. Wait until the load is secure to release your handhold.
Where possible, use mechanical means such as forklifts or hand trucks to transport heavy items. Ramps can be helpful in moving heavy items from one level to another. Ensure that proper lifting principles see above are used. Is the container itself heavy? Perhaps a smaller or lighter container is available.
Limit weight you lift to no more than 50 pounds. When lifting loads heavier than 50 pounds, use two or more people to lift the load. Bending while lifting causes several problems for the back. It adds the weight of the upper body to the weight of the object being lifted. Carrying loads on one shoulder, under an arm, or in one hand creates uneven pressure on the spine. Move items close to the body and use the legs when lifting from a low location to minimize bending and reaching.
Ensure proper housekeeping is taking place so that you may get as close to your lifting load as possible. This can be accomplished by placing objects on shelves, tables, racks, or stacked pallets; or by using ladders or aerial lifts where necessary to elevate yourself and minimize overhead reaching.
Roll-out decks in truck beds can be utilized to bring materials closer to the employee and eliminate the need to crawl into the back of a truck. Ensure that proper lifting principles see above are used, including avoiding twisting and holding the load close to the body.
Holding items for long periods, even if loads are light, increases the risk of back and shoulder injury since muscles can be starved of nutrients and waste products can build up. Repeatedly exerting, such as when pulling wire, can fatigue muscles by limiting recuperation times.
Inadequate rest periods do not allow the body time to recover. Plan ahead when beginning work that will require high-frequency and long-duration lifting. This way, the work can be organized in such a way so as to minimize the time workers spend holding loads. Adequate rest breaks can be planned in, as well as job rotation between employees. This includes both rotating tasks employees trade off on differing tasks and team work two or more employees work together doing different parts of the same activity to reduce strain.
Planning can also include the pre-assembly of work items to minimize the time spent handling them during the actual work. Inadequate handholds, such as boxes without handles or oddly-shaped loads, make lifting more difficult, move the load away from the body, lower lift heights, and increase the risk of contact stress and of dropping the load. Where possible, utilize handholds such as handles, slots, or holes that provide enough room for gloved hands.
Try to use materials that are packaged with proper handholds your supplier may be able to provide different containers , or move materials into containers with good handholds.
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