Pushing the issue
December 1st 2005 The Manual Handling Operations Regulations don't just apply to lifting, lowering and carrying, they also apply to pushing and pulling. H&SS covers some of the risks
With health and safety issues taking an ever more prominent position in the day-to-day operations of British industry, the risks associated with manual handling are well publicised. Most are aware of the dangers of manually lifting and carrying objects, and the resulting need to avoid such operations as far as possible.
One of the most straightforward ways to avoid manual lifting and carrying is to place the load on a wheeled object, for example a trolley, and then push or pull it. A simple solution, you might think. However, what many do not realise it that the Manual Handing Regulations do not only apply to the lifting, lowering and carrying of loads, they also apply to pushing and pulling. And when you hear that 11% of manual handling-related RIDDOR accidents investigated by the HSE involve pushing and pulling, you can see why this prominent risk area should not be overlooked.
As with all manual handling, operations involving pushing and pulling should be subject to a risk assessment as set out in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
When dealing with the risks associated with the pushing and pulling of loads, the HSE advises they be broken down into four different areas - task, individual, load and environment - and suggests using the acronym TILE to make these easy to remember.
When considering the task in hand, it is important to realise that slopes and rough surfaces can increase the amount of force required to push/pull a load. The risk of injury will increase when loads have to be moved over long distances and if the frequency of the pushing/pulling does not allow sufficient time for rest and recovery.
another consideration is the large amount of effort needed to start or stop the load moving, or even to keep it going once it has started moving.
The HSE guidelines for pushing and pulling are, for stopping or starting a load, 20kg for men and 15kg for women. For keeping a load in motion they are 10kg for men and 7kg for women. These figures assume that the distance covered is no more than 20m and that the force is applied with the hands positioned between knuckle and shoulder height. The amount of force needed to move a load over a flat level surface using a well maintained handling aid is at least 2% of the load weight.
Obviously, repetitive pushing/pulling presents a greater risk, but ergonomics will also play a part. Injury is less likely using well designed handling equipment, where the position of the hands is comfortable for the worker. The hands are best positioned between waist and shoulder height.
As well as looking at the handling task, it is sensible to consider the individual who will be carrying out this task. Workers may have different characteristics and capabilities, which could effect the way they push and pull loads. The HSE gives the example of a tall worker having to adopt an awkward posture to push a trolley with low handles, while a shorter worker might have difficulty seeing over the load. In fact, in some cases the task may require unusual capability and need thought as to who should carry it out and by what methods.
The weight of the load and the weight of the equipment being used by the operator is a prime consideration. It should be ensured that the load is not excessive and that it is sufficiently stable to negotiate any slopes, corners or rough surfaces that may be encountered. Check that the load and wheeled equipment is not too bulky for the route chosen, which should be carefully planned.
Environmental factors such as temperature, lighting and air currents can all increase the risks associated with pushing/pulling. Hot a humid environment can result in the early onset of fatigue, while it is possible that strong air movements could increase the force needed to move the loads, as well as reduce its stability.
To help make the pushing and pulling of loads safer and more efficient, there is a huge range of handling equipment available.
As with any other operation, it is important to ensure that the equipment provided is suited to the task and that it is fit for purpose. An adequate maintenance programme and fault reporting system should also be in place.
Engine trolleys get the push
Cummins Engine Company has recently taken delivery of a Nu- Star Super Pusher unit at its site in Daventry. The diesel engine manufacturer and designer uses the Super Pusher to move engine blocks during the build process.
Weighing from 7000kg to 12,000kg depending on the model and build stage, the engines are mounted on dedicated trolleys.
"A specific requirement within the manufacturing process necessitated the need for a new design engine trolley, and the current movers were not suitable for this new design," explains Eddie East, Kaizen improvement technician at the plant. "I had to source a new type of engine mover, and after intense investigation of the market, I came across the Nu-Star Super Pusher.
"After explaining our needs to Matt Smith, Nu-Star's MD, he visited our site and demonstrated the Super Pusher, which met to the full and even exceeded our requirements. After a week's exhaustive trial, Cummins made the decision to purchase the Super Pusher, which has been in constant use ever since." More articles from Nu-Star Material Handling Ltd: | 
