Aviation Stores Lifting & Handling Best Practice

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers optimum techniques and practices for lifting & handling material within the Aviation Stores Facility

Lifting and Material Handling Principles & Practice

Introduction - Employees using smart lifting practices are far less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects.

Potential Injury Causes

Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace.

It is understood that over 30 % of injuries involving missed workdays were the result of shoulder and back injuries. Additional Factors and common hazards associated with manually moving materials include:

>> Overexertion and cumulative trauma.
>> Bending, followed by twisting and turning.
>> Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or
>> Carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy.

Using Smart Lifting Practices - Prep / Lift / Carry / Set it Down

Prep

>> How heavy/awkward is the load?
>> Are there adequate handholds on the load?
>> Is it possible to use a container?
>> Gloves or other PPE required (Personal Protection Equipment).
>> Should I use mechanical means (e.g. a hand truck)?
>> To ask another person for support.
>> How about breaking the load into smaller parts?
>> Where am I going with the load?
>> Is the path clear of obstructions?
>> Any doors to be opened?

Lifting

>> Get as close to the load as possible.
>> Keep elbows and arms close to your body.
>> Keep your back straight during the lift by tightening the stomach muscles.
>> Bending at the knees, keep the load close and centred in front of you.
>> Looking up and ahead.
>> Ensure a good handhold.
>> Do not twist or Jerk while lifting.
>> Use a smooth motion while lifting. (For heavy loads seek help)

Carrying

>> Ensure you do not twist or turn your body
>> Move your feet to turn. (Hips, shoulders, toes, and knees should stay facing the same direction)
>> Keep the load as close to your body as possible with your elbows close to your sides.

Note: If you feel fatigued always stop & rest

>> IMPORTANT - Avoid fatigued which prevents you from being able to set down and lift correctly

Setting Down

>> Set the load down in the same way you picked it up.
>> Bend at the knees, not the hips.
>> Keep your head up, and your stomach muscles tight, and do not twist your body.
>> Keep the load as close to the body as possible.
>> Wait until the load is secure to release your handhold.

General Considerations when Lifting and Moving Materials

>> If possible use mechanical means for heavy or awkward loads.
>> Keep loads as close to the body as possible and do not twist while lifting, carrying, or setting down a load.
>> Nose, shoulders, hips, and toes should all be facing the same direction.
>> Minimize reaching.
>> Always bend at the knees, not the hips.
>> Never lift or carry things you don’t feel comfortable with
>> Always plan ahead for all parts of the lift: lifting, carrying, and setting down.
>> Utilize proper handholds while lifting.

Note: If an item does not have a good handhold is there another solution?

>> Can you place the item in a container with good handholds?
>> Is there equipment or tooling available to enable a safe and proper handhold?
>> Use personal protective equipment where needed.

o PPE including gloves with good grip and steel-toed boots where appropriate.

Next Steps

Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com offers multiple courses to support the Stores and Material Inspection Process including the following Diploma containing 14 courses: EASA Stores Logistics & Inspection

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at team@sassofia.com