HSE Standard Operating Procedure
HSE-308-WI Manual Lifting Safe Work Practices
1.0 General
(a) Before Performing a Lift
1. Check to see if mechanical aids such as hoists, lift trucks/dollies, or wheelbarrows are
available.
2. Do not lift if you are not sure that you can handle the load safely.
3. Confirm that, based on your own physical capabilities and medical limitations, you can lift the
load without overexertion. Get help with heavy or awkward loads.
4. Confirm that the load is “free” to move.
5. Check that the planned destination of the load is free of obstacles and debris.
6. Confirm that the path to the planned destination of the load is clear. Grease, oil, water, litter,
and debris can cause slips and falls.
7. Particular handling and lifting techniques are needed for different kinds of loads or materials
being handled (for example, compact loads, small bags, large sacks, drums, barrels, cylinders,
and sheet materials like metal or glass). See Section 2.0 for additional guidance.
(b) General Tips for Lifting.
1. Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles.
2. Make certain that your balance is good. Feet should be shoulder width apart, with one foot
beside and the other foot behind the object that is to be lifted.
3. Bend the knees; do not stoop. Keep the back straight, but not vertical. There is a difference.
Tucking in the chin straightens the back.
4. Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. The palm grip is much more
secure. Tuck in the chin again to make certain your back is straight before starting to lift.
5. Use your body weight to start the load moving, then lift by pushing up with the legs. This makes
full use of the strongest set of muscles.
6. Keep the arms and elbows close to the body while lifting.
7. Carry the load close to the body. Do not twist your body while carrying the load. To change
direction, shift your foot position and turn your whole body.
8. Watch where you are going!
9. To lower the object, bend the knees. Do not stoop. To deposit the load on a bench or shelf,
place it on the edge and push it into position. Confirm that your hands and feet are clear when
placing the load.
(c) Engineering Controls:
1. Material handling tasks should be designed to minimize the weight, range of motion, and
frequency of the activity.
2. Alter the task to eliminate the hazardous motion and/or change the position of the object in
relation to the employee's body—such as adjusting the height of a pallet or shelf.
3. Work methods and stations should be designed to minimize the distance between the person
and the object being handled.
4. High-strength push-pull requirements are undesirable, but pushing is better than pulling.
Material handling equipment should be easy to move, with handles that can be easily grasped
in an upright posture.
5. Workbench or workstation configurations can force people to bend over. Corrections should
emphasize adjustments necessary for the employee to remain in a relaxed upright stance or
HSE-203-WI PPE Selection 1305 Engineering and Construction Ltd.
HSE Standard Operating Procedure
fully supported seated posture. Bending the upper body and spine to reach into a bin or
container is highly undesirable. The bins should be elevated, tilted, or equipped with collapsible
sides to improve access.
6. Repetitive or sustained twisting, stretching, or leaning to one side are undesirable. Corrections
could include repositioning bins and moving employees closer to parts and conveyors.
7. Store heavy objects at waist level.
(d) Whenever possible, utilize hand holds or other lifting attachments on objects being handled:
1. Use the “hook grip” on loads with cut-out handholds.
2. Curl your fingers around the edge.
3. Do not hold the load with your fingertips.
4. Use containers with handles located more than halfway up the side of the container.
5. Use the “ledge grip” to handle regularly shaped objects without handles.
6. Use vacuum lifters to handle sheet materials or plates.
7. Hold the object with hands placed diagonally.
8. Wear gloves where practical.
HSE-203-WI PPE Selection 1305 Engineering and Construction Ltd.
