Safety Manual

Aisles and Passageways Where mechanical handling equipment is used, 10-foot safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways, and wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. Permanent aisles and passageways should be marked with yellow lines. Clearance signs and warning of clearance limits are posted throughout the facility where headroom is below 10 feet. All equipment is marked indicating the working load it will safely support. Do not overload any piece of equipment. Hazard Assessment A hazard assessment will be conducted to determine the job duties that require lifting or material handling. Employees will be identified and documented and then trained on proper lifting techniques and alternative handling equipment. Back Safety Techniques • Sizing the Load – Do Not Manually Lift Heavy Objects • Before even attempting to lift an object, it is important to size up the load. Determine ifthe load is light enough to lift. If the load is too heavy, try to do the following: a. Make objects smaller b. Use smaller containers c. Use lighter containers d. Lighten the loads in containers • If the size and weight of the load cannot be reduced, it must be determined if a team lift or lifting device is necessary. • Reaching – Try to Not Reach Above Shoulders • Reaching for objects, especially in high places, can strain the back. Some back-safety techniques to use are: a. Reach only as high as your shoulders b. Use an approved stool or stepladder if needing to get closer to the load • Test the weight of the load by pushing up on a corner before lifting. If it’s too heavy, get help. • Bending – Do Not Bend Over from the Waist • When bending down to reach or lift, move whole body to protect the back. Some back-safety techniques to use are:

a. Bend the knees and hips, not the back b. Kneel down on one knee, if necessary c. Get as close to the object as possible so you will not have to reach with your arms

• Lifting – Do Not Use Back to Bend

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