MANUAL HANDLING

No. Document : SOP-023

This document is property of PT. PAGEO UTAMA

Prepared by: Approved by:

Sobri Syawie
Management Representative Managing Director
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R EVISION HISTORY

Change of Document :

Rev. Date of Rev Pageof Rev. Changing

0 1 February 2011 0 New
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1. P URPOSE
1.1 To ensure the safe handling of any article by Pageo personnel.

2. S COPE
2.1. This work instruction guidelines, method and process for safe manual handling
operations, which covers any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or
bodily force.

3. R EFFERENCE
3.1. -

4. D EFINITION
4.1 Manual Handling
Includes both transporting a load and supporting a load in a static posture. The
load may moved or supported by the hands or any other part of the body, for
example the shoulder. Manual handling also includes the intentional dropping of
a load and the throwing of a load.

4.2 Load
A discrete moveable object.

5. P ROCEDURE
In seeking to avoid manual handling the first question to ask is whether movement of
the loads can be eliminated altogether, are the handling operation unnecessary, or could
the result be achieved in some entirely different way? However having assessed the
operation and manual handling is the only solution then the following should be adhered
to help prevent taking any risks.
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5.1 General
Common causes back pain:
- Poor sitting or standing posture (in the home, car or at work)
- Sudden strain on generally unused muscles
- Sudden twisting of the back
- Being overweight
- Incorrect lifting
- Improper workplace design or use of tools and equipment
- Poor physical condition
- Over stressing the muscles by lifting excessive weights

Prevention is the best cure of back pain. Your back plays leading role in almost
every move you make, so if you want to prevent back pain, you must pay
attention to your back in the way you sit, stand, drive, sleep, exercise, etc.

Diet and exercise habits affect your back. Being overweight and lack of exercise
cause your muscles to loose their strength and flexibility so when you go to use
them, you increase the risks of possible strain.

5.2 Five Steps to Manual handling

Whenever lifting or handling any objects, the factors to be assessed are:
1. The task
2. The load
3. The working environment
4. Individual capability
5. Assistance with heavy objects

5.3 Lifting Techniques

Having assessed the 5 steps of manual handling, the following lifting process will
further assist you;

Stop and Think

Plan the lift. Where is the load to be placed? Use appropriate

handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the load?
Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials.
Poor a long lift, such as floor to shoulder height, consider
resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip.
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Position the Feet

Feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting

(tight skirts and unsuitable footwear make this
difficult). Leading leg as far forward as in comfortable
and if possible, pointing in the direction you intend to
go.

Adopt a Good Posture

When lifting from a low level, bend the knees. But do not kneel
or overflex the knees. Keep the back strISOSht, maintaining its
natural curve (tucking in the chin helps). Lean forward a little
over the load if necessary to get a good grip. Keep the
shoulders level and facing in the same direction as the hips.

Get a Firm Grip

Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs.
The best position and type of grip depends on the
circumstances and individual preference; but must be secure. A
hook grip is less tiring than keeping the fingers strISOSht. If
you need to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do it as smoothly
as possible.

Keep Close to the Load

Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible. Keep
heaviest side of the load next to the trunk. If a close approach
to the load is not possible, slide it towards you before trying to
lift.

Don't Jerk
Lift smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins, keeping control
of the load.
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Move the Feet

Don't twist the trunk when turning to the side

Put Down, then Adjust

If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down
first, then slide it into the desired position.

Lifting the wrong way is a major cause of back injury. Safe and efficient lifting
relies not on a brute force but on the application of the correct technique.

Simplified, we can say that the weight of the upper body plus the weight of the
load (in Kgs) multiplied by 6 (without including accelerative force) will give an
indication of the force acting on the lower back when lifting incorrectly e.g. 40
Kgs+50 Kgs * 6 = 540 Kgs, that is more than half a tone of force being applied
to part of the back. When you bend over a heavy load and lift, your back has to
support you and what you are carrying. So when you lift, keep your back straight
and let your knees do the work.

5.4 Planning and assessment

It is important to plan and assess your lift before you start
- Manual Handling Assessment are to be conducted or referred to where
applicable
- Where you’ll grip it, where its going, the path you’ll follow and how you’ll
put it down.
- Lift an edge of the object to get an idea of its weight. If it’s to heavy, get
help or use mechanical assistance.
- Stand close to the load feet firmly on the floor.
- Squant down-back straight, knees bent, stomach muscles tight.
- Hold the object close to your body with elbows also close to the body.
- Do not twits your body while carrying a heavy load move with your feet.
- Put the load down smoothly and slowly again letting your legs do most of
the work.
- If any doubt about lifting an object ask for assistance from your Supervisor
at all times.
- Do not bend over and lift any object with outstretched arms as the fulcrum
effect on your lower back can cause severe injury.
- The risk of injury may also be reduced if lifting can be replaced by
controlled pushing.
- The use of back harness support can be used when conducting lifting
activities.
- Remember all these guidelines are applicable to manual handling anywhere
you work.
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6 A TTACHMENT
6.1 Manual Handling Assessment

7 R ELATED DOCUMENT
7.1 HSE Personal Handbook