Handling and Securing Equipment and Materials

Handling and Securing Equipment and Materials

When you are moving or using materials and equipment always make sure you follow the requirements for manual handling to prevent injuries to yourself and others.

You should avoid excessive bending or twisting.

Attempting to move heavy or awkwardly shaped loads may lead to losing your balance, resulting in a fall.

Wherever possible use other means of moving tools and equipment up to and around the work area.

For example:
• Team lifts.
• Conveyors.
• Elevating work platforms.

Be particularly careful when carrying materials on ladders.

Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.

While on a ladder you should have three points of contact, i.e. two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands, on the ladder at all times.

Make sure when you are moving tools and equipment to or around your work area that potential hazards, such as dropping them over edges, are minimised.

This could be done by:

• Securing tools and equipment to a belt.
• Hoisting materials and equipment up separately.
• Making sure that catch platforms and safety nets are in place before moving tools, equipment, and materials to the work area.

Tools, equipment, and materials should be placed or installed in the work area in a way that will eliminate or minimise the risk of them being knocked down.

For example:

• Keep tools and materials away from unprotected edges.
• Make use of lanyards while using hand tools.
• Store unused tools and equipment in a toolbox or container.