MANUAL HANDLING

As we mentioned earlier, a great deal of material handling is done manually. It is important that you understand how to lift correctly because many times personnel in working parties and other material handlers do not think about how they lift or handle materials. The results of improper handling of materials may be a painful hernia, a strained or pulled muscle, or a disk lesion. The correct method of lifting objects is shown in figure 4-9. You should observe the following rules and precautions for lifting:

1. Do NOT lift an object if it is too heavy or too bulky for good balance. Get help or use mechanical aids such as a dolly or hand truck.

2. Keep the load close to the center of your body. The farther the load is from the small of your back, the greater the strain. That is the reason a heavy compact load is easier to lift than a bulky lighter load-you just cannot get the

Figure ^{4-8 .} -Stores strike-down chute.

7. Always allow enough room for the load to prevent injury to your toes and fingers.

8. When you are placing a load on a table or bench, set it down on the edge and push it forward with your arms and body. If the load is too heavy or too awkward for you to move alone-GET HELP! Remember, LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS, NOT WITH YOUR BACK!

SAFETY

Safety is discussed throughout this manual and cannot be overemphasized in any phase of the ship's store operation. The safety precautions for the handling of materials are contained in the

Navy Safety Precautions For Forces Afloat,

OPNAVINST 5100.19, chapter 2, section 2.

Material handling involves dangerous operations that require implementing safe work practices. The supervisor of the materialshandling operations is responsible for making sure all personnel under his or her control are instructed in and carry out all safety precautions. The personnel actually involved in the operations are also responsible for the safety of other personnel and equipment and should remain alert at all times to guard against possible injury to themselves or others, or damage to equipment.

ACCIDENT COST

Accidents involving personnel can have an adverse effect on productive man-hours and planned production schedules. Personnel are not always easily replaced aboard ship and your division may go short for months before a replacement is obtained and then the replacement may not be as skillful as the person lost.

When material is damaged or destroyed by accidents, time and money is spent to accomplish necessary repairs or replacement of equipment. Other consequences include delays in getting work done, longer working hours, and possible shortage of critical material.

CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS

Primarily accidents are caused by people. Equipment is usually involved, but people handle the equipment. Most accidents are the result of carelessness, inexperience, and attitude.

Figure 4-9.-Manual lifting.

bulky object close to you. The best way to handle a compact load is to squat down close to the load with one foot alongside it and the other foot behind it. With the feet comfortably spread, you will have better stability with the rear foot in the position for the upward thrust of the lift.

3. Pull the load toward you, then lift it gradually. Avoid quick and jerky motions. Push upon your legs while keeping your back straight. A straight back keeps the spine, back muscles, and other organs of the body in the correct alignment. Tucking in your chin helps to align the spine. No matter what size the load, get as close to it as you can; then get a good grip by using the full palm and extending your fingers and hands around the object. Remember that your fingers have very little power and need the strength of the entire hand. Keep your arms and elbows tucked into the side of your body to help keep the body weight centered. Avoid twisting your body during the lift or while moving the load; change directions by moving your feet. Twisting your body during a lift is one of the most common causes of back injury.

4. Be sure you have a clear vision over the load you are carrying.

5. Do NOT change your grip while carrying the load.

6. Face the spot on which you intend to set the object down; bend your knees keeping your back as straight as possible and the weight of the object close to your body.

Carelessness

Some locations are potential danger spots, and lack of alertness may cause accidents resulting in injury or death. People working on piers, weather decks, and in the ship's hold must be constantly on the alert for moving or falling objects. As people become familiar with a job, they may try to take shortcuts that place themselves and others in danger, Fatigue is another cause of carelessness. As a person tires, the person is less alert and more liable to cause an accident.

Inexperience

Unless people are indoctrinated and experienced in handling a particular piece of equipment, they should not be allowed to use it except under close supervision. People who operate cranes, capstans, winches, windlasses, and other deck equipment must first get authority from the first lieutenant. A person may know how to drive a forklift, but may not be fully aware of the safety precautions that should be taken while operating it. Operating materials-handling equipment is not the only way that inexperienced personnel may cause accidents. People working as material handlers for the first time may not be aware of the dangers involved and such a minor mistake as an improperly loaded cargo net may result in an injury-to themselves or someone else.

Attitude

Some personnel when working around dangerous objects or in dangerous work areas may become overfamiliar with their job. When this happens, there is a tendency to slack off in the practice of safety. When personnel develop a poor attitude toward their work, a change must be made; either in their attitude or in their work assignment. If previous experience indicates that a person has a tendency toward unreliability, the person should not be permitted to operate materials-handling equipment or work in a position where his or her unreliability could result in injury to themselves or others.

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