TLID207C - Shift a Load Using Manually Operated Equipment - Learner Guide

TLID207C Shift a

load using manually

operated equipment Learner Guide

Contents

What this Learner’s Guide is about ........................................ 1

Planning your learning ........................................................... 2

How you will be assessed ...................................................... 4

Section 1............................................................................................. 5

Assess risks arising from the relocation of a load .................. 5

Section 2........................................................................................... 25

How do you plan a load relocation and relocate loads?....... 25

Additional resources....................................................................... 39

Feedback on activities .................................................................... 41

TLID207C Shift a load using manually-operated equipment

© Australian National Training Authority 2003 Page 1 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L April 2009 ADELG1004

What this Learner’s Guide is about

This Learner’s Guide is about the skills and knowledge required to shift loads using manually-‐operated mechanical equipment, including assessing the risks associated with relocating the load, planning the relocation process and carrying out the relocation with the aid of the equipment in accordance with the plan.

Persons achieving competence in this unit will need to fulfil all of the relevant state/territory OHS regulatory requirements concerning the safe lifting and handling of a load using manually-‐operated load-‐shifting equipment. It should be noted that the use of the term 'SWL' (Safe Working Load) is under review by Standards Australia and may be replaced in the future by the term 'Rated Capacity'.

The Elements of Competency from the unit TLID207C Shift a load using manually-‐operated equipment covered in this Learner’s Guide are listed below.

Assess risks arising from the relocation of the load

Plan load relocation

Relocate load

This unit of competency is from the Transport and Logistics Training Package (TLI07).


Page 2 © Australian National Training Authority 2003 ADELG1004 Customised and Developed by Armstrong’s Driver Education P/L April 2009

Planning your learning

It is important to plan your learning before you start because you may already have some of the knowledge and skills that are covered in this Learner’s Guide. This might be because:

• you have been working in the industry for some time, and/or

• you have already completed training in this area.

Together with your supervisor or trainer use the checklists on the following pages to help you plan your study program. Your answers to the questions in the checklist will help you work out which sections of this Learner’s Guide you need to complete.

This Learner’s Guide is written with the idea that learning is made more relevant when you, the learner, are actually working in the industry. This means that you will have people within the enterprise who can show you things, discuss how things are done and answer any questions you have. Also you can practise what you learn and see how what you learn is applied in the enterprise.

If you are working through this Learner’s Guide and have not yet found a job in the industry, you will need to talk to your trainer about doing work experience or working and learning in some sort of simulated workplace.



Section 1: Assess risks arising from the relocation of a load

Are you able to: Yes No

1. define manual handling and explain its importance to the worker in a warehouse situation?

2. understand the importance of Regulations and Codes of Practice applicable to shifting materials safely?

3. assess risks arising from relocation of various loads (size up a load)?

4. demonstrate the six steps to manually shifting materials safely?

5. describe lifting equipment used in transport and distribution (warehousing) Industries?

Section 2: How do you plan a load relocation and relocate loads?

Are you able to: Yes No

1. calculate the safe working load of a sling?

2. plan a load relocation?

3. check your plan for compliance with workplace practices and procedures?

4. follow the relocation plan?

5. co-‐ordinate team lifting tasks?

6. set down and check load?



How you will be assessed

Assessment of this Unit of Competency will include observation of real or simulated work processes using workplace procedures and questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. It must be demonstrated in an actual or simulated work situation under supervision.

You will be required to:

• describe manual handling operations undertaken in the warehouse

• demonstrate correct techniques for shifting materials safely

• demonstrate planning load relocation and load relocation.



Section 1

Assess risks arising from the relocation of a load



Section outline

Areas covered in this section

The need to assess (judge) risks arising from shifting materials

Common materials shifting hazards and how to minimise them

Identifying and demonstrating the safe and correct methods for shifting materials safely

The importance of correct manual handling to the worker in the warehouse

Lifting equipment that can be used



How do you assess risks arising from relocation of a load?

What is manual materials handling?

Shifting materials safely may make up the majority of the work the storepeople do in a warehouse.

A large proportion of materials shifting may be done manually, depending on how your warehouse operates.

Manual material handling is defined as:

‘any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing’.

The main methods used are:

• pushing, such as pushing a drum

• carrying, such as carrying a carton of stock

• lifting, such as lifting a box up onto a shelf

• reaching or holding, such as placing or passing stock onto higher shelving

• small, frequent tasks (repetitious) such a keyboard entries or loading small stock items from a shelf onto a pallet from one position.



Activity 1: Injuries arising from manual handling

What percentage of workplace injuries are caused by manual handling?

Place a tick in the space that you think is the correct answer to this question.

Percentage

5% ?

10% ?

20% ?

33% ?

50% ?

There is feedback on this activity at the back of this Learner’s Guide.



Using safe and correct methods to shift materials will:

• save time

• reduce or remove stresses and strains on your body

• prevent injury.

How do you identify the correct goods?

There are many small steps making up the process of risk assessment of a load relocation job.

Firstly, you need to make sure you have identified the correct goods or materials to be shifted. Always make sure you are looking at the right load. Check your product or stock numbers carefully.



Activity 2: Stock identification methods

What is the most common way of identifying stock items in your warehouse?

Please write or draw eight different stock identification codes/labels and describe the stock they refer to. Check your answers with your trainer.

Stock code or label

Description of stock item



What makes up load relocation risk assessment and why is it important?

What is a hazard?

A hazard is ‘a source of potential loss or danger’. In other words, it is an accident waiting to happen. It is up to everyone involved in the workplace to recognise hazards and fix them before the accident can happen. In particular, this is the employer’s responsibility. This rule is the basis of a safe and healthy workplace.

This is done is by following these steps:

• risk identification

• risk assessment

• risk control.

What is a risk?

A risk is ‘the possibility of suffering harm or loss’. This means doing something that is likely to cause some sort of damage or injury (harm or loss).

However, harm or loss might not happen at that particular time or the injury might not be immediately obvious. This is quite often the case, especially with back injuries, which tend to develop over time and with repetition of activity; for example, from frequent twisting and turning.



Activity 3: List common warehouse hazards

Can you think of some examples of manual handling hazards and risks in a warehouse? You should think about the many activities in a warehouse as well as the types of material (goods or stock) being handled.

List your ideas of hazards and risks:

Hazards Risks

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The hazards and risks you face will change from place to place. As you are moving around from section to section (or business to business), it is important to be constantly on the lookout for hazards.

If you are entering a new situation with products and/or equipment that are new to you, it is absolutely essential that you get training on these items.

The risk of injury can be reduced or removed by:

• doing tasks in new ways that remove the need for lifting and carrying

• ensuring that tasks beyond your ability are only attempted with help. Use teamwork and/or mechanical aids.

What safe methods can be used for manual materials handling?

The key to safe manual materials handling is in the way you carry out the tasks. Tasks can be made safer by:

• reducing lifting and lowering forces

• avoiding bending, twisting and reaching

• reducing pushing, pulling, carrying and holding.

Parts of these problems can be overcome by job redesign. This is largely a matter for management. You can help by suggesting ideas to your OHS Committee or supervisor. Job redesign can reduce the risk to you by: • modifying (changing) the object; for example, making

smaller packages • modifying the workplace layout (the area you actually

work in)



• rearranging materials flow; for example, reducing distances travelled

• performing different (and less risky) actions, movements and forces

• using mechanical assistance (this is covered in a later section)

• use of team lifting; for example, working together to share (and reduce) the burden.

Adjustable work heights. Store heavier and frequently A simple lever and wheels avoids

used items at waist level. stooping and reduces effort.



Activity 4: Improving manual handling

What do you think are some of the ways to improve your manual handling methods and reduce risks to yourself and others?

List your ideas here:

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Discuss your thoughts with your trainer or supervisor, in a group session if possible.




You must be able to accurately assess all the risks involved with a particular load relocation task. This includes risks to yourself, the load and any other materials on your relocation route. You will only become good at assessing risks with practice. If you are in any doubt, ask for help! Always adopt a careful attitude.

How do you size up the load?

Estimate the weight of the load before lifting by:

• asking your trainer

• checking for a weight tag

• pushing or lifting one corner of the load.

Always test the weight of the load before attempting to lift it. Many injuries are caused by trying to lift a load that is much heavier than expected.

When you know the weight you will also have a good idea of the centre of gravity.

If the load seems to heavy or difficult to balance, don’t lift it.

You also need to consider the effect that relocating part of the load will have on the original load base.

We have all seen a cartoon character remove a can from the bottom of a pyramid display in a grocery store. Sometimes the pile stays up, defying gravity, but more often the cans go everywhere. That is a very obvious example. You will deal with load relocations that are far more subtle.

You must also think about the contents of the load.

Different load contents have different behaviour and must be treated accordingly. For example, liquids behave very differently to solids when being moved.

Dangerous or hazardous materials require special handling that is the subject of regulations and workplace codes of practice.



Activity 5: Manual handling regulations and codes of practice

What regulations apply to the handling of dangerous or hazardous goods?

Please list them:

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Do you know where to locate copies of these regulations in your workplace?

Yes No

If not ask your trainer.



In most instances of safely shifting materials that you will undertake, you are the person who will make the assessment of the risks arising from relocating that load.

You are also the person most likely to suffer from a miscalculation.

The six steps in lifting materials safely are as follows.

1. Size up the load (described in detail above).

2. Position your feet by:

− making sure they are close to the load

− making sure your feet will not slip

− not lifting, if you feel unsteady.

3. Take a secure grip by:

− positioning hands diagonally

− using your whole hand

− keeping your arms bent.

4. Keep your back straight.

5. Position head and arms and:

− keep your head and chin tucked in

− keep the arms close to the body.

6. Use the muscles in your legs to lift, not the muscles in your back.

The correct method of lowering a load is very similar to the above rules for lifting, except done in reverse!



Activity 6: Use safe methods for shifting materials

This activity is divided into two parts. It is important that you work through these in order and review your progress on completion of each part. Refer to the feedback section at the end of this guide.

Part one

Go to a work area with your supervisor or trainer who will identify three loads that you will be required to shift safely in Part Two. Assess all the risks arising from lifting those three loads. Explain to your supervisor or trainer, in your own words, the thought processes that you are going through while you make your risk analysis.

Part two

Under supervision, apply manual handling techniques to the three situations described below which are to be set up by your trainer.

1. Lift a box not exceeding 60 cm on any side and weighing between 9 & 12 kg. The box is to be raised from floor level to bench height.

2. Move a 20 litre drum of liquid over a distance of 15 metres.

3. Remove a container (bag, box, bin or tin) of weight in the range of 4 to 6 kg. The container is to be removed from a shelf at about head height and moved to a nearby bench.




What manual handling aids and equipment are used in a warehousing organisation?

Manual handling aids are generally defined as small hand-‐operated devices which assist in the movement and relocation of loads.

They are designed to provide assistance to the user.

They help you to remove or reduce the stresses that your body suffers when carrying out manual handling tasks.

When planning or changing a warehousing operation, organisations should include manual handling needs in the design of the structure. That is, the way tasks are carried out should be studied to see if there is a better, safer way of doing them.

Aids and equipment to improve manual handling can be quite simple and include:

• safety stands

• adjustable bench heights

• ramps

• roller conveyors.

You should use an aid to avoid actions that are hazardous to you. Aids will remove or reduce the risk to you when carrying out tasks that involve bending, twisting and carrying.

The most common types of aids provide you with leverage. This increases the force that you can apply with a reduced amount of effort. Levers can come in many forms, as shown in the examples on the next page.





How do you use manual handling aids and equipment?

It is now time to observe and practice the correct use of manual handling aids and equipment in your workplace.

The rules that you need to apply when using these aids are:

• Understand the principle involved; e.g. leverage helps you to take full advantage of the equipment.

• Know how the item actually works.

• Use the right aid for the job at hand.

• Check that the aid is correctly maintained and in good repair.

• Carry out the task to the best of your ability.

• Remember that just because you have a mechanical advantage does not mean that you should over-‐exert yourself by trying to do more.

• Get help to move the load onto the device; e.g. when sliding a drum onto a trolley or lifting a heavy box down from a shelf to place it on a trolley jack.

• Position the device where it is easy to reach, especially if there are a number of items to be moved. Aim to avoid repetition, especially when the job involves twisting and bending movements.



Activity 7: Observe the use of manual handling aids

Tour your workplace with your trainer and look for the available equipment being used for manual materials handling.

Identify the correct use of handling aids and try to decide if the best measures are being used for the tasks that you see.

Jot down your comments below and discuss them with your trainer, preferably in a group discussion. Your comments should be based on what you have learnt from this Learner’s Guide up until now.




Activity 8: Using manual handling aids and equipment

Under supervision, safely and correctly use four manual handling aids and items of equipment commonly used in the workplace. The items to be used should be normally found in your workplace. They will be selected by your trainer.




Section 2

How do you plan a load relocation and relocate loads?



Section outline

Areas covered in this section

Planning a load relocation task

Carrying out the task and checking that the task has been completed to the relevant workplace standards



Planning a load relocation

You will need to plan the relocation of the stock to the correct site. Go to the new site and check exactly where and how the relocated load is to be placed. Check all documentation to ensure that you have correct stock and have the correct place for the new location.

You will need to consider all aspects of shifting materials safely, including planning the route for your relocation. You must also assess all the risks associated with the route you are planning to use. Wherever possible, use a mechanical aid.

Ask yourself these questions when you are planning to relocate a load:

• Where are you relocating the stock to?

• Which route is the quickest?

• Is this route the safest (taking account of protrusions, width, height, packages or pallets in aisles, fragile goods along the way)?

• How will you place the load in the new location?

• Are you adding the load to an existing load?

• How will the existing load be affected?

• Have you checked the points of balance and total resulting load weight?

• Can you do the job alone or do you need help?

• Which load shifting equipment will you use?

For each task you will need to make your assessment by close observation and identification of the stock or materials to be moved, the actual relocation site, the route to that site and the manual handling procedures most suitable to the task. When you have observed and considered all these elements you need to plan your relocation.



Lifting using ropes, slings and chains

Whenever you are using ropes slings or chains to lift a load you need to know the SAFE WORKING LOAD or SWL of each piece of equipment.

For a new piece of equipment, under normal conditions, the SWL will be the WORKING LOAD LIMIT or WLL, as specified by the manufacturer. The WLL should be displayed on any rope, sling or chain you are using for lifting.

It is your responsibility to check the SWL of your equipment which can vary from the WLL because of:

• wear

• damage

• knots that reduce the strength of a lifting rope by 50%

• angles it is illegal to sling a load with an angle over 120 degrees

• hitches that can reduce the lifting strength by 20 to 50%.

Equipment for lifting has a safety factor:

• Slings used to support people ..................................................... 10

• Fibre slings (webbing and round types) ...................................... 8

• Fibre rope slings............................................................................ 6

• Wire rope slings ............................................................................ 5

• Alloy chain slings........................................................................... 4

The working load limit is equal to the breaking load divided by the safety factor.



Activity 9: Safe working loads

Explain the following two terms in your own words:

Working load limit

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Safe working load

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Collect 3 slings from your workplace and fill in the table below:

Type of sling Safe working load




Types of sling

You need to choose the right type of sling for your load. Chain is very strong and durable but can damage a soft load; natural fibre rope slings fray easily and should not be used on loads with sharp edges.

These are the properties of various types of lifting sling:

• natural fibre rope slings

− easily damaged by cuts, chemicals, damp, heat and sunlight

− need packing to protect against sharp edges

− should be dried out naturally

• synthetic fibre rope slings

− can stretch 40% before breaking-‐the snap and recoil can cause serious injury.

− can be damaged by cuts, chemicals, heat and sunlight

• synthetic fibre webbing slings

− these include double eye slings, endless slings and slings fitted with metal end pieces

− the outer sleeve should be made of the same material as the inner fibre so that internal damage and wear is not obscured

− can be damaged by cuts, chemicals, heat and sunlight

• flexible steel wire rope slings

− are strong light and durable

− require the use of gloves

− can be damaged by stretch, water (rust), chemicals

− wire rope clips or bulldog clips must never be used to make lifting slings

• chain

− long lasting, not damaged by sharp corners, heat, water and most chemicals

− expensive and heavy; can mark loads – needs to used with padding

− if SWL is hard to see, you can calculate it using the formula: diameter x diameter x 10 = SWL in kilograms

− if you are sure that the chain is alloy chain grade T or 8, SWL in kilograms = diameter x diameter x 30

− you can shorten chain using a grab hook or a clutch hook.



Safety of slings

You are responsible for the equipment that you use, so when using any lifting equipment:

• check that the slings are marked with a readable WLL or SWL tag

• do not use hand spliced, untested slings

• do not use bulldog grips

• if you find that the sling has been damaged, remove it from the working area

− check with the manufacturer to see if it can be repaired

− if it cannot be used, cut it up and discard it

• inspect slings before every use

• keep a sling register and record:

− inspections (a thorough inspection should be done every 3 months with a check with a full safe working load)

− repairs

− other relevant information such as prolonged exposure to heat, dampness.



Activity 10: Sling safety register

Start your own sling safety register.

List 5 slings that you use in your workplace, their safe working load and any observations you make upon close inspection of the sling. An example has been provided to guide you.

No. Type of sling SWL* Observations

1 wire rope sling 0.57 length = 1.5 m no stretch

very slight rust

no broken wires or kinks



Lifting using specialised machinery

Other methods of lifting loads include:

• Forklift machinery

• cranes

• hydraulic tailgates

• conveyors.

Operation of this type of equipment may require a separate license or certificate of competency.

How do you load unusual cargo?

This section gives some general points on loading unusual cargo.

The Load Restraint Guide will give detailed regulations about each type of cargo.

If you are moving unusual cargo you need to study the regulations and follow the guidelines exactly.

You need to take care in preparing goods to be placed on the vehicle. Wherever possible goods should be packed into cases or on pallets or in secure bundles. This makes loading and securing on the vehicle easier and safer.

Most of the types of cargo dealt with here will also need to be secured, protected or restrained in some way.

Containers

When placing a load in a container the general rules apply:

• Heavy goods should be spread evenly over the floor area.

• Light goods should be placed on top of heavy goods.

• If the container is not full, the load must be secured within the container to prevent any movement during transportation.

Most containers are built to ISO standards and have corner castings for lifting and for attaching to twist-‐locks on specialised container carriers.

Remember that an empty container rides higher than a full one.



Activity 11: Planning load relocation

Use this planning checklist to make sure that you have all the information you need and have considered all risks associated with shifting materials and relocating loads. You may like to photocopy these sheets and use them for several load relocation tasks. If you are shifting materials with a team, you can complete the checklist together.

Load relocation checklist Answer

How will you identify the stock you are relocating?

What quantities are you relocating?

Are there any hazards and safety regulations covering the handling of this stock?

Where are you taking the load?

Have you observed the exact location?

Which route is the quickest?

Are there any safety hazards along the way?

How will you avoid or minimise hazards?

Does the load fit along the route?

How will you lift the load?



Load relocation checklist Answer

Do you need any equipment?

How will you carry the load?

How will you place the load in the new location?

Are you using a sling?

What is the SWL?

Is your equipment in good working order?

Can you do the job alone or do you need help?

Who will help you?

Are you adding the load to an existing load?

How will the existing load be affected?

How will you minimise the effect of relocation on the exiting load and ensure the safety of the combined load?

Does this plan comply with workplace practices and procedures?



Ask your trainer to check the plan and give you feedback and suggestions before you perform the task.

Write your trainer’s suggestions here:

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Incorporate your trainer’s suggestions into the relocation plan.



Relocating the load

Put your plan into action and follow the steps you have outlined. You should not need to make any adjustments to your relocation plan if you have considered everything carefully beforehand.

Since you are taking responsibility for the task, you should make sure that all activities are performed with due care whether you are working alone or with a team. In particular, make sure that your manual handling techniques are followed correctly.

If you are working with a team, make sure that each team member understands the plan and the correct procedures for lifting, carrying pulling, pushing and setting down. Make sure you have a set of agreed instructions for each of the movements you are making. Talk the team through the plan and the instructions you will be calling to them.

Follow the exact route that you have selected. Make sure you have clearance beforehand, especially if other people are performing similar tasks in the same area.

When you have set the goods down in their new location, check the stability from all angles and consider pressures or incidents that may affect the stability of the load. Check that the relocated goods comply with workplace regulations.

Make sure that you report any changes to the plan or to the condition of the goods.



Activity 12: Performance checklist for load relocation

When you have shifted the load and set it down, check through the following items:

Did you:

• use the correct lifting, lowering, carrying, pulling or pushing techniques?

• select appropriate load shifting equipment?

• check equipment for safety, good condition?

• report damaged equipment?

• apply and co-ordinate team lifting tasks if appropriate?

• follow the planned route?

• set down the goods without damage to goods, personnel or equipment?

• check the stability of the relocated goods?

• check the relocated goods for compliance with workplace procedures?

• report any damage to goods or variance from expected outcome?

• return equipment to correct storage area?



Additional resources



Publications:

• Ackerman K.B. Practical Handbook of Warehousing, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York

• Lindkvist R.G.T Handbook of Materials Handling, Ellis Horwood Ltd, Chichester, UK 1985

• Tomkins & Smith The Warehouse Management Handbook, Megraw Hill Book Company, USA

• Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations, 1995

• Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 1986. Regulations and Approved Code of Practice. Manual Handling No2 1990

• Workplace Health & Safety Handbook, Occupational Health & Safety Commission, 1992

• Understanding Manual Handling, Occupational Health & Safety Commission

• Young Workers and Manual Handling -‐ Issues for Employers, Occupational Health & Safety Commission

• Manual Handling -‐ Health and Safety Issues for Women Workers, Occupational Health and Safety Commission

Videos:

• Manual Handling -‐ Safetycare Series

• Recognition, Evaluation & Control of Hazards -‐ Safetycare Series

• Slips, Trips and Falls -‐ Safetycare Series

• An easy guide to manual handling -‐ Avoiding back strains & pains -‐ Workplace Video Productions



Feedback on activities

The responses provided in this section are suggested responses. Because every workplace is different, your responses may vary according to your specific workplace procedures, the equipment available and the nature of the business.



Activity 1: Injuries arising from manual handling

What percentage of workplace injuries does manual handling cause?

Percentage

5% ?

10% ?

20% ?

33% ?

50% ?

The actual statistic is one in every three, or 33%.

This is a significant amount when you think of it in relation to the large number of manufacturing jobs where workers are constantly involved with machinery. The main objective is to get you to think more about that statistic of one out of every three workplace injuries being caused by manual handling.



Activity 3: List common warehouse hazards

Some of the hazards and risks that you might have thought of are:

Hazard Risk

Heavy objects Muscular sprains and strains

Items with sharp or rough edges

Cuts, abrasions and punctures.

Hazardous substances like acid, alkaline, radioactive material

Burns, poisoning, cancer.

Animals Kicks, bites, scratches.

Small, frequent movements Swelling of ligaments or joints.

Unnatural movement, such as bending reaching, twisting

Fatigue, aches & pains, sprains & strains

Awkward posture with little or no freedom

Sprains, strains, fatigue, increased blood pressure

Vibration Feeling loss, reduced blood flow

Static loading and physical exertion

Fatigue, aches & pains, increased blood pressure

Activity 4: Improving manual handling

Many ideas to improve manual materials handling are presented in the Manual Handling Approved Code of Practice. You can review these when you read this reference.

Some of the ideas that you might have considered to improve your manual handling methods are: • plan the movement before you lift, carry, hold, push, etc. • stand close to the load • bend your legs, not your back - keep your back straight • apply a firm grip, keep the load close to your body • don’t jerk the load; move or lift it smoothly • use your feet to turn, don’t twist your body



• avoid pulling a load - pushing allows you to apply your body force

• arrange your workstation to ensure that frequently used items are in easy reach

• avoid reaching down and behind if at all possible • use any available support • vary tasks to rest specific muscles • use mechanical aids or get assistance (team lifting) • prepare areas for receipt of goods beforehand.

Activity 6: Use manual materials handling techniques

Part one

As you consider all the risks associated with each of the three loads you will find that a checklist would be very useful.

Create a checklist and discuss it with your trainer; ask for suggestions.

Incorporate these suggestions in your final checklist.

Part two

Check list for carrying out manual handling tasks:

Did you: Yes No

1. Plan each task?

2. Check weights and size to assess if the object was within your abilities?

3. Obtain personal assistance if beyond your abilities?

4. Use mechanical assistance - trolley, cart, steps (for high level object)?

5. When lifting, place your feet close to the object, bend at the knees, (not your back) and get a firm grip on the item?

6. Use appropriate protective equipment; i.e. gloves?

7. Ensure that the distance to move the object



was not excessive if you decided to carry the object?

8. Prepare the space to receive the object prior to moving it?

Activity 7: Observe the use of manual handling aids

During your tour of the workplace the things that you should be looking for include:

• Are the tasks being carried out in a safe manner; are the rules previously covered in this Learner’s Guide being applied?

• Are suitable protective devices being used as necessary, e.g. gloves, breathing filters, helmets, safety boots, etc?

• Are manual handling aids being used? If not, could an aid provide the worker with mechanical advantage? If aids are being used, are they right for the job, serviceable and used correctly?



Activity 8: Using manual handling aids and equipment

This Learner’s Guide cannot be specific about the type of manual handling aids that you use in your workplace. However, the general things that you should be thinking about and doing when using these aids are:

• choosing the right aid for the task at hand • make sure that the aid is serviceable • knowing how to use the aid correctly • using the aid to gain maximum advantage, e.g., placing it as

close as possible to the load • using any necessary additional items to assist you, e.g., using a

rope and pulley to lift a heavy item onto a trolley, or using protective equipment.

Activity 9: Safe working loads

The working load limit is the manufacturer’s recommended limit for that sling when in good condition and used properly.

The Safe Working Load is the load limit for that sling taking into account: • wear and tear • knots • hitches • angles.

Documents

TLID207C - Shift a Load Using Manually Operated Equipment - Learner Guide