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OSH Answers Lists |
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Manual Materials Handling (MMH) |
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How should heavy large sacks be lifted?
How should bulky sacks be lifted?
How should a "two-person lift and stack" be done?
How should heavy large sacks be lifted?Lift heavy and large sacks in two stages using an intermediate platform. When lifting, remember to: - Straddle the end of the sack.
- Bend the hips and knees.
- Keep the back straight.
- Grasp the bag with both hands under the end closest to you. Keep elbows inside the thighs.
- Lean forward and straighten the knees to set the bag upright.
- Move your feet closer to the sack.
- Squat with the sack between the thighs with one foot flat on the floor in front of the other.
- Grasp with elbow inside the thighs. With one hand clasp the sack against the body and the other hand is holding the bottom of the sack.
- Stand up in one smooth motion.
- Place the sack upright on the platform.
- Place one foot in front of the other with the front foot along side of the platform.
- Bend the hips and knees and keep the back straight.
- Put one shoulder against the sack.
- Readjust your grasp.
- Lean the sack on the shoulder.
- Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.

How should bulky sacks be lifted?Bulkier sacks are easier to carry on your back. Lift onto your back from a platform as described above. - Move the sack to the edge of the platform.
- Put your back against the sack.
- Grasp with both hands on the upper corners of the sack.
- Ease the sack onto the back, bending hips and knees before taking the weight.
- Keep the back straight.
- Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
- Stabilize the sack.
- Move away without bending sideways.
How should a "two-person lift and stack" be done? - Position one person on either side of the sack.
- Squat with one foot balancing behind the sack.
- Keep back straight.
- Grasp with the outer and on the upper corner, the other holding the bottom of the sack.
- On one person's command:
- Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
- Move towards the stack
- Put the sack on the stack
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Document last updated on August 27, 2002
Copyright ©1997-2008 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
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