SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

08PR058C MANUAL HANDLING

Brierty Ltd ABN 65 095 459 448

72 Melville Parade South Perth WA 6151
Locked Bag 2001 South Perth WA 6951
Telephone (08) 9267 8000
Facsimile 1300 735 152
info@brierty.com.au
MANUAL HANDLING
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROCEDURE

CONTENTS
1 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
2 References ................................................................................................................................................. 3
3 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 3
4 Procedure Details ....................................................................................................................................... 3
4.1 General Manual Handling Information ............................................................................................... 3
4.2 basic principles of lifting ..................................................................................................................... 3
4.3 Risk Control Measures ...................................................................................................................... 4
4.3.1 Reduce bending movements by: ................................................................................................... 4
4.3.2 Reduce twisting movements by: .................................................................................................... 4
4.3.3 Reduce reaching motions by: ........................................................................................................ 4
4.3.4 Reduce lifting and lowering forces by: ........................................................................................... 4
4.3.5 Reduce pushing and pulling forces by: .......................................................................................... 5
4.3.6 Reduce carrying forces by: ............................................................................................................ 5

DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document ID Document Name Comment
08PR058C Manual Handling

Date Version Description Originator Reviewer Approver

22/09/10 1 Safe Work Procedure T Thompson S Hart S Hart
21/01/10 2 Safe Work Procedure Upgrade T Thompson E Kelman S Hart
20/07/10 3 New Document Control Guidelines K Berridge S Hart S Hart
10/08/13 4 Included information on the need to stretch B Bryan T Thompson B Bryan
before a manual task is completed

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1 PURPOSE
To provide a standard work practice for the identification of risks associated with manual handling tasks and
the implementation of safe work methods to manage these risks, as required by legislation.

2 REFERENCES
 Worksafe WA Code of Practice for Manual Handling

 [NOHSC 1016:2005] National Standard for Construction Work

 08PR001C_Guideline in conducting a JHA_V8_190710 – Job Hazard Analysis

3 DEFINITIONS
Shall and should The word “shall” is to be understood as mandatory. The word “should” as
recommended.

Manual Handling Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull,
carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object.

Hazard Anything that has the potential to result in harm to a person

JHA Job Hazard Analysis

4 PROCEDURE DETAILS
4.1 GENERAL MANUAL HANDLING INFORMATION
Manual handling of materials is the largest single cause of industrial injuries. Where ever practicable a lifting
aid shall be used to eliminate the need for manual handling.

All personnel move or lift things at times, either at work or at home, sometimes without much thought of the
way they set about it.

But like all other tasks there is a safe and unsafe way. Before lifting any load, the job should be sized up – a
little thought can save a lot of effort.

Because of the way the human body is constructed, most of the joints are at a severe mechanical
disadvantage during lifting, especially the spine. If this is subjected to excessive strain over a period of time,
it can lead to serious back problems.

Always stretch before completing a manual task.

4.2 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LIFTING

There are six basic principles to follow:

1. Position of Feet

Position the feet apart, about as wide as the hips, with one foot forward. This ensures balance.

2. Keep Your Back in a ‘S’ Curve

Lift with the leg muscles, these are stronger and better suited for the job.

3. Correct Grip

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Use the base of the fingers and palms of the hand. This reduces stress in the arms.

4. Tuck Chin In

Always look straight ahead, avoid turning the head to the side. This helps to lock the spine and reduces
stress in the shoulder and back muscles.

5. Elbows In

Reduces stress on the shoulders.

6. Use Body Weight

To supplement or take the place of muscular effort.

4.3 RISK CONTROL MEASURES

Should manual handling be required a JHA must be completed prior to commencing the task.

The following criteria shall be used to reduce risk and improve Manual Handling techniques.

4.3.1 Reduce bending movements by:

 using lift tables, work dispensers and similar mechanical aids
 raising the work level
 providing all material at work level
 keeping materials at work level (e.g. don’t lower that which must later be lifted)

4.3.2 Reduce twisting movements by:

 providing all tools and materials in front of the person lifting
 providing adjustable swivel chairs
 providing sufficient work-space for the person’s whole body to turn
 improving layout of the work area

4.3.3 Reduce reaching motions by:

 providing tools and machine controls close to the person
 placing materials, work pieces and other heavy objects as near to the person as possible
 enabling the object handled to be kept close
 reducing load or container size
 enabling the person to walk around the load or to rotate it
 where practicable, limiting stacking to shoulder height

4.3.4 Reduce lifting and lowering forces by:

Eliminating the need to do this manually by:

 using lift tables, forklifts, cranes, hoists, balancers, drum and barrel dumpers, work dispensers,
elevating conveyors and similar aids
 raising the work level

Reducing object weight by:

 reducing load size (specify to suppliers)

 reducing the capacity and weight of the container
 reducing the number of objects lifted or lowered at one time
 using two or more persons

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Increasing object weight so that it must be handled mechanically by:

 using a unit or bulk load concept

 using palletised loads

Reducing holding position away from the body by:

 changing object shape

 providing suitable grips or handles
 providing greater access to the load
 improving work place layout

4.3.5 Reduce pushing and pulling forces by:

Eliminating the need to push or pull

 using powered conveyors

 using powered trucks or movers
 using slides, rollers or chutes

Reducing required forces by:

 reducing load weight

 using non-powered conveyors, air bearings, ball castor tables and similar aids
 using four-wheel hand trucks and trolleys with large diameter wheels
 providing good maintenance of equipment and floor surfaces
 using mechanical pushers or pullers
 change from pulling to pushing

Reducing the distance of push or pull by:

 improving work area layout

 relocating production or storage area, or similar system change

4.3.6 Reduce carrying forces by:

Converting to pushing or pulling by:

 using conveyors, air bearing, ball castor tables, slides, chutes and similar aids
 using forklifts, two or four-wheel hand trucks, trolleys or similar aids

Reducing carry or transport distance by:

 improving work area layout

 relocating storage or production area, or similar charge system

Reduce holding forces by:

 reducing object weight (as previously described)

 reducing object size
 reducing holding time
 eliminating the use of jigs and fixtures etc.
 using mechanical loading and unloading

When moving or lifting loads; as many of these principles should be used as practicable.

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Manual tasks may need to be reviewed to devise an alternative way, which requires less effort. This can be
achieved by the use of a JHA.

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