AAC SAFE LIFTING PRACTICES

1.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to describe basic techniques
which should be
adopted to minimize risk of injury when lifting or moving heavy
objects by hand.

2.

SCOPE
This procedure applies to lifting and moving objects by hand
where the use of
Mechanical equipment is not practical.

3.

DEFINITION
None

4.

REQUIRMENT
4.1

MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING PRACTICES

An accident such as muscle strain, hernia, bruised fingers, etc.

can occur as a
result of using improper techniques when lifting and handling
material. Such
accident can be almost entirely eliminated by observance
of the correct
application of seven basic steps.
4.1.1 Keep your feet parted, one alongside the object, and
one behind
the object.
4.1.2 Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
4.1.3 Keep your back straight.
4.1.4 Tuck your chain in.
4.1.5 Keep your elbows close to the body.
4.1.6 Grip the object with the whole hand.

4.1.7 Test the stability of your set-up by lifting the load slightly
before full
Lifting force is applied.
Consider these simple basic procedure in more detail:
4.1.1

Feet

Feet should be parted, with one foot alongside the object

being lifted and one
behind. Feet should be comfortably spread to give greater
stability. The rear foot
Should be positioned for the upward thrust of the lift.
4.1.2

Knees

Bend your knees to allow the heavy and strong leg muscles to
do the lifting.
4.1.3

Back

Use the sit-down position and keep the back straight,

but remember that
straight does not mean vertical. A straight back
keeps the spine, back
muscles and organs of the body in correct alignment,
minimizing the
compression of the abdominal organs that can cause hernia.
4.1.4

Chin

Tuck in the chin so your neck and head continue the straight
back line and keep
your spine straight and firm.
4.1.5

Arms and Elbows

The load should be drawn close and the arms and elbows should
be tucked into the
side of the body. When the arms are held away from the body they
lose much of
their strength and power. Keeping the arms tucked in also helps
keep back weight
centered.
4.1.6

Grip

The fingers and the hand should be extended around the object
being lifted. Use
the full palms: fingers alone have very little power.
4.1.7

Test

Test the stability of your set-up by lifting the load slightly before
full lifting force is
Applied.
Position your body so that its weight is centered over the feet.
This provides a
more powerful line of thrust and ensures better balance. Start the
lift with a thrust
of the rear foot.
Lifting objects over 50 lb (23 kg ) single handed should be
avoided. Under most
Circumstances objects over 50 lbs should be handled by tow
or more people
Depending upon shape and total weight.
In addition consider the following general guidelines:

4.2

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS

Scratches, cuts and abrasions may be largely avoided if

employees check the object
To be handled so that the hands can be placed clear of sharp
edges and corners,
Silvers, protruding nails and similar hazards. Use protective
equipment.

4.3

GETTING HELP

If the load is too heavy or of such an awkward shape to make

lifting difficult, ask
Someone for help.
Lifting objects over 50 lbs (23 kg) single handed should be
avoided. Under most
Circumstance objects over 50 lbs should be handled by two
or more people

Depending upon shape and total weight.

Use a mechanical material handling device such as a hand
truck or fork lift
Whenever practicable. These should be operated only by
trained personnel.
When two or more persons carry a long object, carry from the
same side. The
person in the rear should give the signals for lifting, carrying or
lowering.

4.4

FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

Never carry an object that prevents you from seeing where you

are going.
Do not throw objects to another person.
Avoid throwing material from elevated positions. If it becomes
necessary to throw
Material, the area into which material must be thrown should be
roped off and/or
Guarded to keep persons out.
Keep your hands and fingers out of the ends of pipe or other
tubular materials.

When rolling a drum on its side, push with your hands against the
sides of the drum.
Never grasp the ends of the barrel or use your feet to push it.
Use a mechanical aid or get help when you need to upend a full
barrel.
Avoid lifting objects over your head or reaching out to place the
object on a shelf or
Platform.