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Friday, August 10, 2007

Safety Tips : Lifting Heavy Objects

How to Lift a Heavy Object Safely
Sooner or later some object at home or at work will need to be moved and carried somewhere else. If the object is too big, you will probably need to ask for help or use a machine to lift it (cart, dolly, jack, pulley, lever, etc.) But what if you think you can lift it yourself? Done correctly, you can reduce the danger of injuries to your back.
1.Take your time to examine the object that you will move.
>Does it have handles or grips?
>Is it on the floor or someplace elevated?
>Is it solid?
>Is it liquid?
2.Carefully lift up on one edge of the object to get an idea of how heavy it is. You need not lift the item off the ground. If the object is too heavy or too bulky, get help or use mechanical assistance, or both.
3.Arrange the object so that it will not slip, move, or change its balance when you lift it.
4.Place your feet close to the object, the closer the better.
5.Keep your back vertical and straight and extend your hands toward the grips you will use to lift the object.
6.Begin applying force with your legs and arms. Do this slowly. If you give a sudden, hard pull or jerk you could injure your back.
7.Stand up, if the object was on the floor. Keep the object as close to your body as possible.

TIPS
1.If the object contains liquid, try to keep from jiggling it too much. The motion of the liquid can create force that apparently exceeds the weight, causing you to spill it.
2.Use sturdy shoes with a good tread. All the weight will be on your legs, which are strong muscles, and by extension on your feet. Good shoes will help to prevent accidents.
3.If the object you wish to lift does not have a good place to grasp it, construct one for it. It is better to take some time now making a handle for the object than to take more time later trying to relieve an injured back

WARNINGS
1.If for any reason you cannot lift the object using these techniques, you should get help, either from another person or from a mechanical lifting device.
2.Proceed slowly. Of course by making a great effort you can lift heavier objects, but it is also certain that this extra force can cause serious damage to your back.
Source: Wikihow.com