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ES&H Safety Tip: Group Lifting
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William
Hansen (right) and colleagues with a section of his first linear
electron accelerator, which operated at Stanford University in
1947.
(Photo courtesy of Stanford University) |
What is team lifting? It is two or more people
moving a load together. When do you use it? When a
load is too heavy, too bulky or too long to be moved by one person.
How do you do it? 1. One person
gives orders to lift, turn and set down. Everyone must lift and move
together. Each worker should understand what he/she is to do before you
begin. 2. Lift and lower in the same manner: Squat
down close to the load, get a firm grip, keep back straight and lift
slowly with leg power. For setting down, reverse the procedure. Take
care to keep fingers and hands from being caught underneath.
3. Carry the load without sudden starts or stops. Move slowly and watch
where you step. 4. Avoid stairs whenever possible.
Use an elevator or hoist to move loads to different floor levels.
5. Keep the load level and the weight evenly distributed. Be especially
careful when you are going up and down inclines. 6.
Long loads should be carried on the same shoulder of each team member.
If the object is rigid, all should walk in step—but walking out of step
will keep flexible objects from bouncing. 7. Avoid
walking backwards. If necessary, be sure the path is clear, and have
someone guide you.
Do not:
• Twist your body when lifting or carrying.
• Lift from one knee.
• Change your grip while holding a load.
• Step over objects when you are moving. There may
be only a few occasions when team lifting is necessary. But when
teamwork is used, you will find the lifting and moving much easier—and
safer. For more information on environment, safety
and health at SLAC, see: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/
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