Safety Precautions
2-2 Sixth Edition 95741
Note: Important things to investigate and to be aware of include the use of
Halon® gas, under-the-floor smoke detectors, and cables to other
equipment nearby.

Lifting Techniques

Lifting, regardless of how much or how little, can create serious back stress. If
you follow these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of back injury:
•Do not twist your body to pick something up or put it down. Twisting
puts extreme pressure on your back, especially when you lift or carry
objects. Instead of twisting, make the task two separate moves; first, lift,
and then use your feet to turn your body.
•Plan the lift: first examine the object and then determine how it will be
lifted and where it will be placed.
•Choose the appropriate lifting technique. Examine the weight, size,
location, frequency, and direction of the lift. Plan to avoid awkward
postures, and determine if material-handling aids are needed.
•Place your feet shoulder-width apart, and place one foot a little behind
the other. Keep your back straight because even light loads can
significantly increase pressure on the spine when you lean forward.
•Whenever you can, grip the load with your whole hand, and use two
hands.
•Carry objects at elbow height and close to your body. The farther away
you hold an object, the more force it puts on your lower back.
•Lift with your legs instead of your back. Leg muscles are some of the
strongest in your body. When you squat and lift with your legs, you can
lift more weight safely.
•Alternate lifting tasks with tasks that are less stressful to the same
muscles. This technique ensures that your muscles have some recovery
time.

Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Safety

Follow these guidelines to minimize the possibility of injury to your shoulders,
elbows, wrists, and hands.
•Work within your safety zone–the area between shoulder level and
knuckle level of your lowered hands. You face less chance of injury
when you work or lift in this area.
•Keep your elbows bent to keep loads close to your body and to
decrease the amount of force necessary to do the job. If you use this
posture, you will put less weight and pressure on your shoulder.