Manual Handling Guide
This guide will assist you in the specific manual handling task of putting a water bottle onto a water cooler. The lifting of a water bottle is simple and within the HSE guidance limits on manual handling.
The Health and Safety Executive guide states that it is recommended that the lifting is 25Kg (for men) and 16Kg (for women), but what you can actually lift is dependent on your own personal risk assessment, frequency and capability. Remember to assess each task before attempting it. With manual handling you should look at:
Task Individual Load Environment
Preparation
- Use your common sense to know if the lift is within your capability and can be done without undue effort and danger
- Check your clothing will not hamper you
- Clear the area of any obstructions and make sure the floor is clear. Ensure the floor is not slippery
- Assess the task before starting the lift and plan what you are going to do
- Remove the hygiene label from the bottle. If this isn't removed it can cause problems with the cooler
Instructions for lifting the bottle from the floor
Foot position
Adopt a position with the load between your feet. Place the lead foot beside the load pointing in the direction the load is to be moved. The rear foot is placed behind the load so that the body is well balanced over the load
Legs and Back
Keep the legs and back as straight as reasonably practical. But don't keep them rigid, you can do more damage that way, be fluid in your movement. You are going to lift with the strongest muscles in the body.
The Grip
With the elbows on the inside of the thighs, take hold of the bottle. Obviously, grip the handle with one hand and place the other hand on the opposite side of the bottle, under 'lip' from the neck. Don't drop the bottle on the floor with the neck down it, it will break and flood your floor!
Getting the Load Moving
Lean forward a little, keeping the rear arm straight 9this will tilt the bottle forward), and in one smooth co-ordinated movement stand up, bring the bottle firmly into contact with the body before moving towards the cooler. When turning, turn with your feet, so that you do not twist your body. As you stand with the bottle, alter your grip as you go in order to put it on the cooler
Using an Intermediate Platform
If you feel the need, use an intermediate platform, bench or rack. Remember to bring the load firmly into the body before moving off. Also, as you move the load, you may need to adjust your grip to take the bottle from the horizontal to the vertical ready to put on the cooler.
Putting the Bottle on the Cooler
When putting the bottle on the cooler, hold it close to the body and get as close to the cooler as possible. Then lower the bottle gently onto the cooler 'spike' until it connects with the lid. Remember, this is the zone where you can carry the most weight. Dropping the bottle onto the spike will damage the cooler.
Final Adjustments
Once it has gently seated, turn the bottle around so the label faces the front
