Page 91 - RIIWHS204E Learner Guide

RIIWHS204E-Work safely at heights

UNDERTAKE MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS AND
EQUIPMENT

Correct manual handling is very important in your industry. There are many heavy or
awkward pieces of equipment that you will come across and handling them incorrectly
could cause injury or in severe cases, death. When you are moving or u sing materials and
equipment, always use safe manual handling techniques.

When moving 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. The user is responsible for locating materials and equipment and
ensuring that they are safely secured when you are performing manual handling
activity

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.

There are some of the hazards associated with manual task such as-

 Repetitive or sustained force

 High or sudden force
 Repetitive movement

 Sustained or awkward posture

 Exposure to vibration.

Rather than carrying equipment up a ladder, a better idea is to use equipment such as
EWPs, cranes, hoists or conveyors to move tools or materials up to the work area. When
you are moving tools and equipment around your work area you should:

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

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

anything to the work area

This may prevent things from falling on people below you.

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