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HAZARD MITIGATORS - LIFTING HEAVY LOADS <br /> Applies to Task: 1�1 cD 1�i O ❑ O ❑ ® ❑ O ❑ © ❑ O ❑ <br /> • Proper lifting techniques include: <br /> — Feet - Feet should be parted, with one foot alongside the object being lifted and one <br /> behind. Feet should be comfortably spread to give greater stability. The rear foot <br /> should be in position for the upward thrust of the lift. <br /> — Back - Use: the sit-down position and keep the back straight, but remember that <br /> "straight" does not mean "vertical'. A straight back keeps the spine, back muscles, <br /> and organs of the body in correct alignment. It minimizes the compression of the <br /> abdomen that can cause a hernia. <br /> — Arms and Elbows - The load should be drawn close to the body, and the arms and <br /> elbows should be tucked in. When the arms are held away from the body, they lose <br /> much of their strength and power. Keeping the arms tucked in also helps keep body <br /> weight centered. <br /> — Palm - The palm grip is one of the most important elements of lifting. The fingers <br /> and the hand are extended around the object to be lifted. Use the full palm; fingers <br /> alone have very little power. <br /> — Chin - Tuck in the chin so the neck and head continue the straight back line. Keep <br /> the spine straight and firm. <br /> Body Weight - Position the body so its weight is centered over the feet. This <br /> provides a more powerful line of thrust and assures better balance. Start the lift with <br /> a thrust of the rear foot. Shift hand positions so the object can be boosted after knees <br /> are bent. Straighten knees as object is lifted or shifted to the shoulders. To change <br /> direction., lift: the object to a carrying position, and turn the entire body, including the <br /> feet. Do not; twist your body. In repetitive work, both the person and the material <br /> should be positioned so that the worker will not have to twist his body when moving <br /> the material. If the object is too heavy to be handled by one person, get help. <br /> • Limit continuous lifting of weights to 50 pounds or the maximum allowed by the client <br /> whichever is less. Lifts of heavier weights are permitted on an interim basis. Help shall <br /> be obtained for lifting of loads greater than 50 pounds or the maximum allowed by the <br /> client whichever is less. Mechanical equipment should be used on heavy materials when <br /> possible. If mechanical assistance is not available, adequate manpower to maintain the <br /> 50-pound lirrdt per employee will be required. <br /> Lifting Heavy Loads—HazMit.doc Page 1 of 2 8/3/2007 <br />