Page 84 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

SAFE SHIFTING AND HANDLING OF TOOLS AND MATERIALS
When shifting and handling tools, equipment or materials, you should try not to bend or
twist too much. This is the number 1 way to injure yourself and unfortunately is very
common. If you try to move something that is heavy, bulky or an awkward shape you
might lose your balance and fall.

When moving on a ladder, you should always avoid holding tools, materials or
equipment. In some cases, it is unavoidable, when this is the case, you must take great
care and make sure there is only 1 person on the ladder at a time. When moving on a
ladder always try to have at least 3 points of contact on a ladder at all times. This might
mean 2 hands and 1 foot, or 2 feet and 1 hand.

Rather than carrying equipment up a ladder, your best option is to use equipment such
as EWPs, cranes, hoists or conveyors to move tools or materials up to the work area.

When you are shifting and handling tools and equipment around your work area you
should:

 Keep tools and equipment secured to your tool belt.
 Hoist materials and equipment up.

 Make sure that catch platforms and safety nets are in place before moving

anything to the work area.

This helps to stop things from falling on people below you.

To protect workers, isolate the area below wherever there is any danger of people being
struck by falling material, debris or tools. Also, isolate areas under roof edges unless toe
boards are fixed to temporary guard railing to contain all material, debris, and loose tools.

Figure-Securing ladder

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