7/24/2019 TBT- Manaul Lifting
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TOOL-BOX TALK
MANUAL LIFTING
There are many areas of construction work where mechanization
cannot take the placeof sheer muscle, and it is in such areas that
the majority of injuries occur.
The inevitable results of lifting incorrectly are strained
backs, slipped discs, sprains andstrains, and a complexity of
internal injuries.
It is therefore important that correct methods of manual lifting
are followed. Safe liftingcan only be carried out by the proper use
of the right muscles. ack and abdominalmuscles are weak, the leg
and thigh muscles are strong. The spine has a natural
andcomfortable shape when a man is standing upright! however, if he
bends, the spine isarched and it becomes weaker. If the spine can
be kept in a straight position whenlifting, the strain of the lift
goes to the strong muscles of the leg and thigh and loads can
be lifted with much less physical effort and much more safely.
This is the basic principleof manual handling.
There are four (4) significant oints to !e o!ser"e# for a roer
Manua$ Lift %
". G&I' # good grip makes maximum use of the palm of the
hand, the ball of thethumb, and the base of the fingers.
$. BAK The back must be kept straight to maintain its most
natural andstrongest position. This means that the knees and ankles
must be bentand the chin kept well into the chest and the body
positioned as close tothe load as possible so as to act as a
counterweight.
%. FT The feet should be apart the width of the hips with one
foot slightly infront of the other so that a natural lead off is
obtained.
&. A&M* The arms must be kept as close as possible to
the body.
The important factor in manual handling is that a man should
know his capabilities andask for assistance with loads beyond his
capabilities. In dual lifting, partners shouldideally be of
approximately the same height and weight so that the load does
notbecome unevenly distributed.
'oads, even when properly lifted, can slip and the man lifting
must be prepared for such
an eventuality and wear the proper protective e(uipment, safety
footwear is a must toprotect the feet. )loves should be worn to
protect the hands from lacerations andsplinters and to give some
protection if the fingers are trapped between the load andother
surfaces.
S)*+- Safety ept.
+age " of $
