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What types of protective clothing
should be worn?
DO WEAR
- lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing,
- safety boots with toe caps and slip-resistant soles, and
- protective gloves, appropriate for the materials being
handled.
DO NOT WEAR
- aprons, coats,
- clothing with exposed buttons, zippers or loose flaps, or
- heavy duty mitts.
What should you do
before lifting?
- Always check before lifting to see if mechanical aids such as
hoists, lift trucks dollies or wheelbarrows are available.
- Get help with heavy or awkward loads.
- Assess the weight of the load.
- Identify the weight of the load.
- Be sure that you can lift the load without over-exertion.
- Be sure that the load is "free" to move.
- Check that the planned location of the load is free of
obstacles and debris.
- Be sure that the path to the planned location of the load is
clear. Grease, oil, water, litter and debris can cause slips and
falls.
- Particular handling and lifting techniques are needed for
different kinds of loads or materials being handled (for example,
compact
loads, small
bags, large sacks, drums, barrels, cylinders, sheet materials
like metal or glass).
- Do not lift if you are not sure that you can handle the load
safely.
What are some
general tips for lifting?
- Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles.
- Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move.
- Use a wide stance to gain balance.
- Be sure you have a good grip on the load.
- Keep arms straight.
- Tighten abdominal muscles.
- Tuck chin into the chest.
- Initiate the lift with body weight.
- Lift the load as close to the body as possible.
- Lift smoothly without jerking.
- Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting.
Document last
updated on August 8, 2002
Copyright
©1997-2004 Canadian Centre for
Occupational Health & Safety
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