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MANUAL HANDLING

Manual Handling

All Manual work involves lifting and handling to some extent. Although manual equipment such as sack barrows or skates should be used whenever practicable, much of the work we do will inevitably need to be done manually. The risk of injury can be greatly reduced by assessing the work to be done before starting and using knowledge / application of correct lifting and handling techniques.

Installations

Prior to any installation being routed customer are asked to complete an installation access form. This form will provide the installation service with information on where the customer would like the items, they have purchased installed, what the access route is like (i.e. steps and turns / narrow doors/ across a garden etc etc). The installation office team will go through these forms and if they have any doubts/concerns about an installation they will request further information in the form or pictures or a video. If upon receipt of this additional information the office team still have doubts or concerns the senior installer will be asked to review the available information.

If it is assessed that it is not possible to install a customer’s order in the location, they have requested this will be passed to a member of the sales team to contact the customer and discuss available options.

Once the installation service team have all the information they need, they will then allow sufficient time for safe manual handling procedures to be followed whilst on the job prior to the job being sent to the routing system. During this process the installation office team will also enter onto the delivery notes as much information as is available about the location the equipment is going into, the access route, the available parking, the flooring in the room and lighting etc.

When the team arrive on site prior to beginning the unloading they are to re-assess the access route and installation location, if the customer has not already moved any obstacles or breakable objects from the route the team is to request that the customer do so. If the route or installation location is not as described in the delivery notes the team are to contact the office team who will discuss with them the available options and if needs be contact the customer directly or the sales team.

At no point are the installation team to undertake manual handling tasks in conditions or settings that could put their own health and safety at risk.

Deliveries

Unless otherwise stated deliveries are to ground floor rooms of choice, any customer requiring a delivery of an item over 80kg to a location other than the ground floor location is to be requested to supply information regarding the route to the delivery room (Number of steps and turns, narrow doors or passages etc)

Safety wear

At all times when not in the cab of the van install staff are required to wear steel toe capped footwear and hi visibility vests

Common injuries

Strains and sprains to muscles and joints, torn ligaments and tendons, disc trouble and hernias. These are often caused by sudden and awkward movements, e.g., twisting or jerking while lifting or handling heavy loads: the are also by persons attempting to lift loads beyond their physical capabilities. The muscles of the abdominal wall are particularly vulnerable, and excessive strain may lead to ruptures.

Cust and abrasions from rough surfaces, sharp objects or jagged edges, splinters, projections etc, and protective hi grip gloves are available for use; however, it is understood that lifting heavy awkwardly shaped items is not always possible with these gloves, so they are not compulsory.

Back injuries are most frequently sustained while lifting and handling manually. They may be the cumulative effect of repeated minor injuries, or the result of an abrupt strain. Stoop lifting should be avoided: it greatly increases the chances of sustaining back injuries. Laboratory tests show that the stresses imposed on a rounded back during stoop lifting is six times that experienced if the trunk is kept erect while bending at the knees.

The risk of injury is reduced by knowledge of correct lifting techniques and not by attempting to lift excessively heavy loads without assistance.

Avoiding the crushing of limbs, etc. by falling loads or by fingers, hands or feet becoming trapped by loads is almost always possible by the correct positioning of hands and feet in relation to the movement of the load. Safety shoes with steel toe caps and secure grip on the soles must always be worn.

Lifting Capacities

The weight that can be lifted by any individual will vary according to personal physique, age, condition, and practice as well as techniques employed. The general rule is that the load should not be lifted if it causes a feeling of strain. Assistance should be available if required. An employee must not be required to lift loads beyond her/his capacity.

Youthful exuberance and bravado often tempt employees to attempt to lift loads that are too heavy for them. While they may succeed in the short-term, long-term damage may be done.

Lifting capacity declines with age and an older person may not be capable of lifting the same load as a younger person, although this can often be offset by employing a better lifting technique.

BEFORE LIFTING AND HANDLING ANY LOAD, THE FOLOWING POINTS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED:

What must be moved?
What does it weigh?
Can it be safely handled by one person?
Where is the loads center of gravity?
How far does it need to be moved (From where to where)?
Will additional assistance be needed?
Is the route of the lift clear of obstacles and obstructions?
Can the obstacles and obstructions be moved out of the way?
Is there sufficient lighting?
Where are the rest points if required?

If lifting in a team, ensure:

All parties can hear and understand one another?
Plan he lift and talk through the process?
Ensure you are lifting to a mutually acceptable height and position?
Ensure that you are clear about the instructions to be used if either party needs to rest or stop the lift/moving process.

Not all loads need to be carried, in addition to the use of sack barrows and skates it may be easier to roll, slew or push items, however assistance my still be required to avoid the risk of injury.

Kinetic method of lifting

Some lifting and handling techniques employing the kinetic method are described below:

Bend the Knees: The weight to be lifted must be within the lifting capacity of the individual worker and the load should be approached squarely, facing the intended direction of travel. The feet are positioned about a hip’s width apart, one foot slightly in front of the body. The knees are bent, and the body lowered as close to the load as possible while remaining relaxed and balanced. The back should be kept straight from the hips to shoulders, but not necessarily vertical.

Grasp the load: The load is tilted with one hand (if necessary) so that the other hand can obtain a secure grip at the corner nearest to the body. The free hand is then transferred to the furthest corner of the load and drawn as close to the trunk as possible. Arms should be well tucked in to provide maximum support to the load.

Lift, using the legs: The load can be lifted by straightening the legs so that the body and load move upwards in unison. All movements should be smooth and natural. Jerking, twisting and straining movements should be avoided. Lifting should be comfortable. Lifting movements will remain smooth and natural providing the back and head are kept naturally erect. This is achieved by looking straight ahead when straightening the legs, instead of looking down at the load.

Carrying the load: The load should be held firmly into the body and carried to where it is to be deposited. The closer the centre of gravity of the load can be kept to that of the body, the easier and more natural the lift. It is important to be able to see over or around the load to avoid tripping hazards.

When the weight is approaching the maximum lifting capacity of the individual, it will be necessary to lean back on the hips with the load to bring the trunk to the erect position before straightening the legs to lift the load. In this instance the body is being used simply as a counterbalance to keep muscular effort down to a minimum.

Changing grip: Grips should not be changed while carrying the load. Firstly, rest the load on a ledge or other firm support, then change your grip.

Team Lifting: When large or awkward weights are involved, assistance should be sought. The assistance should be of a similar height and build, so that the raised load does not become unbalanced or unevenly distributed. Coordinating team activity is important in team lifting. One person should give directions during liftin, carrying and lowering. Properly designed lifting aids will enable some tasks to be performed more quickly and easily whilst eliminating some of the risks of injury or damage.

Manual Handling – Job Specifics

Manual Handling – Training and retraining: if at ANY time you feel you would benefit from training regarding the lifting of products, please do not hesitate to seek assistance from your line manager.

Your line manager will from time to time monitor either physically or via CCTV the techniques used when lifting to determine if further training is required.

Certain types of accidents and injuries at work or time off sick due to a lifting related injury may require mandatory re-training of the individual/s involved.

Assessment: Before undertaking a manual handling activity assess the load, the environment and the route you will be taking. Ensure there is appropriate lighting throughout, that there are no trip hazards or pinch points. Address/remove/ resolve any difficulties discovered, if unable to do so contact your line manager.

Planning: Before starting the task plan out each stage of the process, if lifting with a colleague discuss the operation and agree on the plan, ensuring that you know which of you are directing the operation and on the communications that you will use.

Strapping: Do not pull or lift cartons by the strapping – The strapping used to package the cartons is designed to contain the carton and keep the contents secure.

The strapping is not designed for use as a lifting aid, Having the strap break when being used as lifting or carrying aid, can and will lead to injury.

Cast Product Crates: Cast iron and steel products are heavy. Lifting these products incorrectly can and will lead to injury. If lifting cast product, avoid stooping, Remove the front of the crate, move the product horizontally, towards your centre of gravity, then lift the product using the methods described above. Ensure you are carrying the product by the shortest distance possible.

Use of Pallets: The use of pallets provides protection from water or liquid spillage, allows for the use of lifting aids such as pallet and forklift trucks plus will minimize the lifting required.

You must use secure undamaged appropriately sized pallets. Ensure the load is stable on the pallet (For some built items this will mean securing the item with strapping to the pallet).

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October 18, 2024 1:41 pm BST

MANUAL HANDLING Uploaded by Dom Panek - dom.panek@onedp.co.uk IP 212.132.163.121