Module 2 - Occupational Safety

(Housekeeping and Materials Handling and Storage)

Learning Content:
a. Housekeeping
• the value of practicing good housekeeping
• role of management, supervisor and employees in good housekeeping activities
• good housekeeping practices
b. Materials Handling and Storage
• methods of safe manual handling
• safe procedures in mechanical handling
• standard requirements on materials storage

Learning Outcomes:
• Define Occupational Safety
• explain the value of practicing good housekeeping
• Explain the role of management, supervisor and employees in good
housekeeping activities
• Identify and discuss good housekeeping practices
• Demonstrate methods of safe manual handling
• Discuss safe procedures in mechanical handling
• Enumerate standard requirements on materials storage

This module aims to introduce you to the importance of good housekeeping in

preventing most common accidents in the workplace.

What is Occupational Safety

• addresses potential safety hazards that can cause injury
• pertains more to the physical well-being of employees

A. Housekeeping
• means putting everything in its proper place. It is everybody’s business to observe it in
the workplace.
• doing basic cleaning tasks in a house, hotel or other locations,
or the department of employees who manage and perform cleaning tasks.
• an operational department in a hotel, which is responsible for cleanliness,
maintenance, aesthetic upkeep of rooms, public area, back area and surroundings.

Let us begin by showing you what housekeeping is not: It is shown when your
surroundings have:
• cluttered and poorly arranged areas
• untidy piling of materials
• improperly piled-on materials that results to damaging other materials
• items no longer needed
• blocked aisles and passageways
• materials stuffed in corners and out-of-the-way places
• materials getting rusty and dirty from non-use
• excessive quantities of items
• overcrowded storage areas and shelves
• overflowing bins and containers
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 • broken containers and damaged materials

Do you agree with this? Housekeeping is avoiding all of the above and many
more. Now instead of just being crabby and complaining about poor housekeeping,
why don’t we see how we can instill and implement good housekeeping in our workplace?
Look at the two pictures below. Do you know about with these seven wastes and how
we can eliminate them? You got it! Through good housekeeping!

SEVEN (7) WASTES

2. Scrap and Rework 1. Overproduction

3. Inventory
4. Non-effective work 5. Transportation

7. Non-effective 6. Waiting
motion
The 5S, a Japanese concept that aims to optimize time for production, is a very
practical, simple and proven approach to improving housekeeping in the workplace.
Housekeeping is important because it lessens accidents and related injuries and illnesses. It
therefore improves productivity and minimizes direct/indirect costs of accidents/illnesses.

What is 5S?

5S is a systematized approach to:

• organizing work areas
• keeping rules and standards
• maintaining discipline

5S utilizes:
• workplace organization
• work simplification techniques

5S practice…
• develops positive attitude among workers
• cultivates an environment of efficiency, effectiveness
and economy 5S Philosophy
• Productivity comes from the elimination of waste
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 • It is necessary to attack the root cause of a problem, not just symptoms
• Participation of everybody is required
• To acknowledge that the human being is not infallible

5S Terms:

1. Seiri/Sort/Suriin – is the first S which means sorting out unnecessary

items and discarding them.

• Make the work easy by eliminating obstacles

• Eliminate the need to take care of unnecessary items
• Provide no chance of being disturbed with unnecessary items
• Prevent faulty operation caused by unnecessary items.

2. Seiton/Systematize/ Sinupin – is the second S which means we need

to organize things

How to SEITON Your Workplace

Action

SEITON
Must be placed
Items frequently near the point
used
of use

Items sometimes Can be placed

Necessary used farther away

Items not Must be stored

separately with
SEIRI
used at all
must be kept clear
identification

7 Seiton Principles:
• Follow the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method for storing items
• Assign each item a dedicated location.
• All items and their locations should be indicated by a
systematic labeling
• Place items so that they are visible to minimize search time
• Place items so they can be reached or handled easily.
• Separate exclusive tools from common ones.
• Place frequently used tools near the user.

3. Seiso/Sweep/Simutin – is the third S which means we have to sanitize or clean our

workplace.

• Keep environmental condition as clean as the level necessary for the products
• Prevent deterioration of machinery and equipment and make checking of
abnormalities easy
• Keep workplace safe and work easy
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4. Seiketsu/Standardize/Siguruhin – is the fourth S which means we have to standardize
what we are doing.

5. Shitsuke/Self- Discipline/Sariling kusa – is the fifth and last S which means we have to do
this process without prodding.

Some Suggested Good Shitsuke

Practices
Contact people with a big smile. How to
Be a good listener.
Shitsuk
e
Be devoted and kaizen-oriented.
Demonstrate team spirit.
Conduct yourself as the member
of a reputable organization.
Be punctual.
Always keep your workplace clean and
tidy.
Observe safety rules strictly.

Good housekeeping is needed for quality improvement. By this we lessen rejects/losses.

If the workplace is in order, it is easy to do the job. An easier job, having no defects,
continuous production and an orderly workplace is akin to work improvement.

Steps in implementing 5S
Step 1: Preparations
a. Understanding 5S concepts and benefits by the CEO
b. CEO’s visit to the 5S model companies
c. CEO’s commitment to 5S implementation
d. Organize 5S working Committee
e. 5S facilitators
f. Train facilitators and practitioners
Step 2: Management’s official announcement
a. CEO officially announces implementation of 5S program
b. CEO explains the objectives of 5S to all colleagues
c. Publicize 5S organizational chart and lay-out
d. Work out various promotional tools

5S CORE GROUP
ROLES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES 5S Auditor
Situation Appraisal 5S Audit
Setting Benchmarks Documentation
or Targets of Targets
Implementation Plan Review Targets 5S Working Comm.
5S Audit Comm.

Announcements
Corrective
Education
Measures
Akafuda
Revise Plans
Big Seiso
Difficulties 5S Trainer 5S Trainer 5S Trainer 5S Trainer
Seiso Inspection
Seiton Campaign
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 4
Special 5S Projects

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 5S IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION
5S ADVISORY COMMITTEE

5S STEERING COMMITTEE

5S FACILITATOR

DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2 DIVISION 3 DIVISION 4

MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER
SECTION B
SECTION A

SECTION H
SECTION G
SECTION D

SECTION I
SECTION F
SECTION E
SECTIONC
LEADER

LEADER

LEADER

LEADER

LEADER
LEADER

LEADER
LEADER

LEADER
ALL WORKERS – 5S ACTIVITIES

Management’s Role
• Providing adequate equipment
• Including housekeeping in the planning of all operations
• Including maintenance of good housekeeping as part
of individual’s job responsibility
• Providing clean-up schedule and personnel
• Maintaining executive supervisory and interest

Supervisor’s Role
• Maintaining constant check on housekeeping conditions
• Seeing that employees maintain good housekeeping
• Having unusual situations corrected or cleaned up immediately
• Planning for orderliness in all operations
• Issuing definite instructions to employees
• Insisting on clean-up after every job

Worker’s Role
• Follow housekeeping procedures
• Maintain an orderly workplace
• Report to supervisors any unsafe condition

Step 3: Big clean-up day

a. Organize a big clean-up day after 5S implementation announcement by CEO
b. Divide company premises into small areas and assign a small group of people
for each area
c. Provide enough cleaning tools and materials
d. This big cleaning must include public areas such as gardens, canteen and car
park
e. Everybody must participate in this big cleaning day

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Step 4: Initial seiri
a. Establish disposal standards for unnecessary items
b. Apply “Disposal Notices” to all questionable items
c. Carefully examine responses to disposal notices
d. Dispose unnecessary items according to disposal standards
e. A company-wide seiri should be planned and practiced annually

Daily Seiso and Seiton activities

a. Identify areas for improvement and work out a priority listing
by colleagues
b. Select untidy, inconvenient and unsafe areas
c. Set each activity for 3-6 months
d. Organize presentations by small groups
e. Standardize good 5S practices visibly
f. Motivate colleagues for creative improvements

Hard 5S – refers to all facets of the work environment

a. Furniture – tables, shelves, drawers
b. Equipment – computers, projector, fax, copier
c. Lay-out of desk and equipment

Soft 5S
a. Office policies and procedures
b. Dress code
c. Sharing of responsibilities, telephone etiquette

5S Office guidelines
Desks
• Do not place anything under your desk (Seiton)
• Dispose of unnecessary items in your drawers (Seiri)
• Arrange items in your desk drawers neatly for easy retrieval (Seiton)
• Do not pile up documents on your desk top (Seiton)
• Wipe your desktop every morning
• Do not leave unnecessary things on your desk top when you go home
(Seiton)

Office machines
• Clean office machines and equipment regularly (Seiso)
• Set electric cables neatly for safety and good appearance (Seiton)
• inspect machines regularly and take action for required
servicing (Shitsuke)

Toilets
• Flush after use (Seiketsu)
• Wash hands after using the toilet (Seiketsu)
• Clean up toilet and wash basin everyday (Seiso/Seiketsu)
• Replenish toilet paper, soaps and paper towels (Seiton/Seiketsu)
• All users should always try to keep toilets clean and tidy (Shitsuke)
• Check exhaust fans regularly for effective function (Seiso)

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 Canteen
• Do not leave unnecessary things on the dining table (Seiton/Seiketsu)
• Tuck chairs properly after use (Seiton)
• Return chairs and tables to their original location when
used for meetings or functions (Seiton)
• Put away all cups and plates after each meal (Seiso/Seiketsu)
• Clean up tables immediately after each meal (Seiso/Seiketsu)

Hallways
• Do not smoke while walking in the hallways (Shitsuke)
• Do not place anything in the hallways without
permission (Seiri/Seiton/Shitsuke)
• Pick-up and dispose any waste in the hallway (Seiketsu/Shitsuke)
• Avoid talking loudly along hallways (Shitsuke)

Notice Boards
• Ensure that outdates notices are removed (Seiketsu)
• Ensure that all information are updated regularly (Seiri)
• Items should be neatly aligned and properly secured (Seiton)
• Pins must be readily available (Seiton)
• Check that the location of notice boards are appropriate (Seiton)

Visual Control - a technique that enables people to make the rules easy to follow,
differentiate normal and abnormal situations and act accordingly, with the use of
visual aids.

Pointers in making visual control

a. Should be easy to see from a distance
b. Should be properly and strategically located
c. Should be easy to follow
d. Should facilitate distinction of what is right and what is wrong

Step 5: Periodic 5S audits

a. Establish 5S evaluation and incentive plan
b. Conduct 5S evaluation and inspection regularly
c. Organize 5S inter-department competition
d. Periodically award groups and individuals
e. Organize study tours to other companies
f. Organize 5S inter-company competition
Purpose of 5S audit
a. Turn PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
b. Analyze the results of actual implementation in the workplace
c. Give support and guidance to the members of each unit
d. Dissemination of good practices
e. Regular audit sustains the program

Key points in the implementation of 5S

1. Start small, easy and proceed slowly but steadily
2. Start with the most suitable “S”
3. Only one or two “S” are enough for the initial practice
4. Set simple, easily achievable and step by step targets

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 5. Everyone’s participation is important
6. Management should take leadership of 5S movement
7. Record improvements for comparison
8. Devise schemes to stimulate awareness and stimulate enthusiasm

5S Evaluation procedure
1. Walking rally – by to and middle management
2. Fixed point photograph – visual comparison of “before” and “after”
3. Achieved level of evaluation – for predetermined targets which are upgraded step-
by-step after each evaluation
4. Competition – among departments /workplaces
5. Combination of the above

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 Factors leading to the success of 5S
a. Strong sponsorship and leadership of CEO
b. Active promoter/5S committee
c. Good launching activity
d. Regular audits
e. Good documentation
f. Visits by external consultants
g. Competition

Factors that hinder the success of 5S

a. Project sponsor is not the decision maker
b. Organizational policies
c. Lack of experience in undertaking cross-functional activities
d. Lack of top management support
e. Implementation carried out through orders from the management
f. Implementation done by task forces
g. 5S treated as a project
h. Emphasis on immediate results

Notes:
Here are additional notes on good housekeeping in the workplace as well as
inspection checklists from the Canadian Center of Occupational Health and
Safety (CCOHS)

Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work?

Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get
a job done safely and properly. Poor housekeeping can frequently contribute to
accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

What is the purpose of workplace housekeeping?
Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents, such as:
tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms
being hit by falling objects
slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces
striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material
cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of
the body on projecting nails, wire or steel strapping

What are some benefits of good housekeeping practices?

Effective housekeeping results in:
reduced handling to ease the flow of materials
fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas
decreased fire hazards
lower worker exposures to hazardous substances (e.g. dusts, vapours)
better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies
more efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance
better hygienic conditions leading to improved health
more effective use of space
reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance
less janitorial work
improved morale
improved productivity (tools and materials will be easy to find)

How do I plan a good housekeeping program?

A good housekeeping program plans and manages the orderly storage and
movement of materials from point of entry to exit. It includes a material flow plan to
ensure minimal handling. The plan also ensures that work areas are not used as
storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed.
Part of the plan could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal.

Housekeeping order is "maintained" not "achieved." Cleaning and

organization must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift. Integrating
housekeeping into jobs can help ensure this is done. A good housekeeping program
identifies and assigns responsibilities for the following:
clean up during the shift
day-to-day cleanup
waste disposal
removal of unused materials
inspection to ensure cleanup is complete

What are the elements of an effective housekeeping

program?

Dust and Dirt Removal

In some jobs, enclosures and exhaust ventilation systems may fail to collect
dust, dirt and chips adequately. Vacuum cleaners are suitable for removing light dust
and dirt. Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges,
machinery, and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate.

Employee Facilities
Employee facilities need to be adequate, clean and well maintained. Lockers
are necessary for storing employees' personal belongings. Washroom facilities require
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cleaning once or more each shift. They also need to have a good supply of soap,
towels plus disinfectants, if needed.

Surfaces
Floors: Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of accidents so cleaning up spilled
oil and other liquids at once is important. Allowing chips, shavings and dust to
accumulate can also cause accidents.

Walls: Light-coloured walls reflect light while dirty or dark-coloured walls absorb light.
Contrasting colours warn of physical hazards and mark obstructions such as pillars.
Paint can highlight railings, guards and other safety equipment, but should never be
used as a substitute for guarding.

Maintain Light Fixtures

Dirty light fixtures reduce essential light levels. Clean light fixtures can improve
lighting efficiency significantly.

Aisles and Stairways

Aisles should be wide enough to accommodate people and vehicles
comfortably and safely. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products
and materials. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners.
Arranging aisles properly encourages people to use them so that they do not take
shortcuts through hazardous areas.

Keeping aisles and stairways clear is important. They should not be used for
temporary "overflow" or "bottleneck" storage. Stairways and aisles also require
adequate lighting.

Spill Control
The best way to control spills is to stop them before they happen. Regularly
cleaning and maintaining machines and equipment is one way. Another is to use
drip pans and guards where possible spills might occur. When spills do occur, it is
important to clean them up immediately. Absorbent materials are useful for wiping
up greasy, oily or other liquid spills. Used absorbents must be disposed of properly
and safely.

Tools and Equipment

Tool housekeeping is very important, whether in the tool room, on the rack, in
the yard, or on the bench. Tools require suitable fixtures with marked locations to
provide orderly arrangement, both in the tool room and near the work bench.
Returning them promptly after use reduces the chance of being misplaced or lost.
Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged
or worn tools out of service.

Maintenance
The maintenance of buildings and equipment may be the most important
element of good housekeeping. Maintenance involves keeping buildings,
equipment and machinery in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. This
includes maintaining sanitary facilities and regularly painting and cleaning walls.
Broken windows, damaged doors, defective plumbing and broken floor surfaces
can make a workplace look neglected; these conditions can cause accidents and
affect work practices.
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Waste Disposal
The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good
housekeeping practices. It also makes it possible to separate materials that can be
recycled from those going to waste disposal facilities.

Storage
Good organization of stored materials is essential for overcoming material
storage problems whether on a temporary or permanent basis. There will also be
fewer strain injuries if the amount of handling is reduced, especially if less manual
materials handling is required. The location of the stockpiles should not interfere with
work but they should still be readily available when required. Stored materials should
allow at least one meter (or about three feet) of clear space under sprinkler heads.

B. Materials handling and storage

• is a technique which includes the art of lifting, placing, storing or
movement of materials through the use of one’s physical strength or
appropriate handling equipment. Materials handling has two general
classifications: manual materials handling and mechanical materials
handling.

Two Classification of Materials handling

a. Manual Materials Handling
- means moving or handling things by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling,
carrying, holding, or restraining using one’s physical strength. MMH is also the
most common cause of occupational fatigue, low back pain and lower back
injuries. It is riskier than one might think as it could lead to strains, sprains,
wounds, fractures, and hernias.

Remember to stop and think before lifting any load and ask yourself whether there is
an even safer way to do the job.

What makes manual materials handling hazardous?

MMH is always hazardous but the level of hazard depends on what you are handling,
what the task is, and what the conditions are at the workplace or work site.
For example, the material or load that you are handling may be:
too heavy for the task that you are doing
located too high or low for a safe lift
too big or may have a shape that makes it hard to handle
wet, slippery, or have sharp edges that makes it hard to grasp
unstable or can shift its centre of gravity because the contents may
flow (e.g., a partially filled drum or concrete in a wheelbarrow)
too big to let you see where you are putting your feet
The task can make MMH hazardous if a worker:
uses poor lifting techniques (lifting too fast, too often, too
long, with back bent, while twisting or reaching too far, etc.)
has to move material over long distances
does not take appropriate rest breaks
has insufficient recovery time
has a combination of handling tasks (e.g. lifting, carrying and lowering).

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 The conditions where you are working can also contribute to
hazards of MMH and result in injuries. Examples of these conditions
are:
surfaces that are uneven, sloping, wet, icy, slippery, unsteady, etc.
differences in floor levels or elevations
poor housekeeping
inadequate lighting
cold or very hot and humid working environment
windy conditions
fast pace of work
restricted movement because of clothing or lack of space
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/push1.html

Manual materials handling also involve pushing and pulling motions

at work. You use various pushing and pulling techniques in a wide
range of activities, such as:
using manual carts and trucks
sliding objects such as cartons on flat surfaces (tables, floors, etc.)
operating tools and controls
opening and closing doors
wrapping or enclosing objects in packaging materials

Many factors affect the amount of force that you exert in a horizontal
push and pull:
body weight and strength
height of force application
direction of force application
distance of force application from the body
posture (bending forward or leaning backward)
friction coefficient (amount of friction or grip between floors and shoes)
duration and distance of push or pull

What types of protective clothing should be worn?

DO WEAR
• lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing,
• safety boots with toe caps and slip-resistant soles, and
• protective gloves, appropriate for the materials being handled.

DO NOT WEAR
• aprons, coats,
• clothing with exposed buttons, zippers or loose flaps, or
• heavy duty mitts.

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Manual handling guides
1. Shoveling guidelines

Put weight on front foot. Use leg to push shovel. Keep feet wide apart.
Place front foot close to shovel.

Shift weight to rear foot. Keep load close to body. Turn feet in
direction of throw

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/shovel.html#_1_1

2. Digging guidelines

Push spade down using leg muscle.

Slide load close to body. Ensure load

is loose from ground before lifting.
Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/generalpractice.html?print#_1_1

3. Lifting guidelines
Before lifting…
• Always check to see if mechanical aids such as hoists, lift
trucks, dollies, or wheelbarrows are available.
• Get help with heavy or awkward loads.
• Assess and identify the weight of the load.
• Be sure that you can lift the load without over-exertion.
• Be sure that the load is "free" to move.
• Check if the planned location of the load is free of obstacles and debris.
• Be sure that the path to the planned location of the load is
clear. Grease, oil, water, litter and debris can cause slips and
falls.
• Particular handling and lifting techniques are needed for

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 different kinds of loads or materials being handled (for
example, compact loads, small bags, large sacks, drums,
barrels, cylinders, sheet materials like metal or glass).
• Do not lift if you are not sure that you can handle the load safely.

General tips for lifting

• Examine the load and the surrounding area prior to lifting.
• Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles.
• Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move.
• Use a wide stance to gain balance.
• Be sure you have a good grip on the load.
• Look forward to keep back straight
• Keep arms straight.
• Tighten abdominal muscles.
• Tuck chin into the chest.
• Initiate the lift with body weight.
• Use muscle power of the legs in lifting
• Lift the load as close to the body as possible.
• Lift smoothly without jerking.
• Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting.

Wrong
Way Right
Way

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Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/compactloads.html?print#_1_2

A. Lifting a compact load

A compact load can be lifted between the knees.

Remember to:
• Stand close behind the load.
• Straddle the load:
o Place the leading foot flat
beside the load in the
direction of travel.
o Place the rear in the
direction of travel.
• Bend the hips and knees.
• Keep your back straight.

When lifting…
• Grasp the load with elbows inside the thighs:
o Use a power grasp for loads
with handles.
o Use slings or hooks to
improve grasp when loads

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 do not have handles.
o Use blocks under loads
without handles to make
lifting them up easier and
safer.
o Use a ledge grasp for loads
without handles.
• Grasp with one hand at the outer,
upper corner, over the leading
foot and the other hand on the
lower, opposite corner.
• Lean forward with the rear arm
straight. This position gets the load
moving.
• Stand up by thrusting off with the
back leg and continuing in an
upward and forward
direction.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Keep the rear arm straight.
• Move off without twisting the body.

When putting a load down…

• Take a wide stance with one foot
in front of the other.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Keep the back straight.
• Bend the hips and knees.
• Set the load down onto the ground.
• Keep the load tilted to avoid bruising fingers.
• Remove fingers from under the load.
• Stand up smoothly, easing muscles.
• Avoid jerky releases.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/compactbags.html

B. Lifting compact bags

The best way to handle a bag depends on its size, weight and
how far it is to be carried.

When lifting, remember to:

• Straddle the end of the bag.
• Bend the hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Grasp the bag with both hands under the closer end.
Keep elbows inside the thighs.
• Lean forward, straightening the knees to set the bag upright.
• Readjust the straddle position moving feet closer to the bag.
• Readjust the grasp, with one hand clasping the bag
against the body and the other under it.
• Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and
continuing in an upward and forward direction.
• Thrust the bag up with the knee while straightening the body.
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 • Put the bag on the shoulder opposite the knee used to
thrust the bag up.
• Stabilize the bag on the shoulder.
• Move off without bending sideways.

When lowering the bag…

• Avoid unloading a bag from the shoulder directly to floor
level. Use an intermediate platform or get help from your
coworker.
• Stand close to the platform.
• Place one foot in front of the platform.
• Bend hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Ease the bag off the shoulder and put it upright on the platform.
• Pull the bag slightly over the edge of the platform.
• Stand close to the platform with the bag touching the chest.
• Clasp the bag against the body with one hand, the other
hand holding bottom of the bag.
• Step back.
• Bend hips and knees, keeping back straight.
• Ease the bag on the floor.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/sacks.html

C. Lifting sacks
C.1. Heavy/large sacks - 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.
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 • Put one shoulder against the sack.
• Readjust your grasp.
• Lean the sack on the shoulder.
• Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.

C.2. Bulky sacks - 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.

C.3. "Two-person lift and stack"

• 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

Source:http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/drums.htm
l?print

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

Lifting drums and barrels

Handling drums and barrels can be dangerous. Do not

handle drums and barrels without training.

Raising drums from the ground

• Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Do not attempt
to raise a full drum alone.
• Make sure that the drum is empty before raising it.
• Stand at the end of the drum.
• Place one foot forward at the side of the drum, the other behind.
• Bend your hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Grasp the rim about 15 cm from the ground with the
elbows inside thighs.
• Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and continuing
in an upward and forward direction.
• Bring the back leg forward as if you are walking. Keep
close to the drum.
• Stop at the balance point to change hand grip.
• Set the drum on its base by moving back leg forward. Use
the body weight as a counter balance.

Two-person lift
• Use two people to lift a full drum.
• Use the same technique as with
one person, but have two people
squatting at either side of the drum.

Moving a standing drum

• Stand close to the drum with feet apart. One foot
at the front and the other behind.
• Keep knees slightly flexed.
• Put your hands firmly against upper rim of the
drum.
• Keep arms straight with the elbows "locked".

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 • Rock the drum gently to get the feel of its contents
before you move it.
• Push the top of the drum away by extending the
back leg and shifting your body weight onto your
front leg.
• Stop tilting the drum at the balance point. Use back
leg as a counter balance.

Should drums be lifted manually when they are

stacked?

No. Always use cranes or lift trucks to stack drums.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/sheetmaterials.html

D. Lifting sheet materials

Handling sheet material single-handed is always difficult and hazardous.
A. Store the sheet materials at a convenient height above ground.
B. Do not lift and carry sheets without training.

What should be done when lifting sheet material?

• Stand close to the pile of sheets in a walking stance.
• Grasp sheet firmly at the mid-point of its long side with the closer hand.
• Pull sheet up and toward the body.
• Change grip using your other hand and put your fingers
on top of the sheet.
• Pull sheet up to the vertical position and to the side until
one half is off the pile.
• Grasp the lower edge of the sheet with the free hand and
support the hand by placing it on your knee.
• Stand up without bending and twisting body.

What should be done when carrying the load?

• Use drywall carts to carry sheet materials.
• Get help from another person where carts are not available.
• Apply carrying handles for manual carrying.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 • Always use gloves and carrying handle for glass and other
materials with sharp edges.

II. Mechanical materials handling

As the name suggests, this pertains to use of rigid, manually or mechanically-
powered equipment mainly for handling bulky and heavy items.
Source:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/mechanicalaids_transport1.html?print

A. Manually powered materials handling equipment

− the process of routinely moving and handling objects by carrying,
holding, lifting, pulling, pushing, and stooping.
− reduce physical effort, making materials handling easier and safer.
Here are some tips when using mechanical aids:
• Check for the availability of mechanical aids before lifting or moving
loads.
• Do not operate any equipment if you are not trained to use it.
• Keep the equipment in good operating condition. It saves effort while
transporting loads.
• Select the right equipment to complete the task.
• Specific tasks or objects require specialized equipment.
• Do not operate any equipment if you are not trained to use that
equipment.
• Keep the equipment in good operating condition. It saves effort while
transporting loads.

Here are some manually powered materials handling equipment:

• Use rolling platforms to assist in carrying and handling heavy objects
where limited space does not allow for comfortable body position.

• Use a hand truck to move bulky objects.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

• Use a shelf truck to move a variety of objects.

• Use a platform truck to move heavy, irregularly shaped objects.

• Use a semi-live skid for temporary storage.

• Select the rack or bin that suits the task and mount on semi-live skid or
platform truck.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/mechanicalaids_transport2.html

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 • Select a stair climbing truck when moving load on stairs.

• Choose a sturdy frame hand truck with larger wheels to move materials
in rough terrain. Additional set of handles allows for assistance.

• Use a pump truck to move materials stored on pallets.

• Move and dump waste materials with dump trucks. Move and empty
drums with tilting drum cradles and drum dollies.

• Handle sheet materials with an "A" frame hand truck or dolly.

B. Mechanically-powered materials handling equipment

− the movement of materials, articles or things by such means as lift trucks,
conveyors, or cranes and hoists.

Two Classification of Mechanically-powered materials handling equipment

1. Lifting equipment
− includes a variety of items for lifting heavy and bulky items with minimal
human intervention such as hoists and cranes.

2. transport equipment
− consists of forklifts, dump trucks, trailers and conveyors among others.

To ensure safe operation of mechanically-powered handling equipment, the

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety
 following precautions must be observed:
• A worker must not operate an equipment if he is not trained to use it;
• Operators must be certified and authorized;
• Operators must be trained in safety and health involving handling equipment
operation; and,
• Equipment must be properly maintained and regularly inspected.

In both manually-powered and mechanically-powered materials handling

equipment, you can use accessories such as ropes, chains or steel/plastic straps
to secure loads and prevent them from sliding or falling from the equipment.

Ropes
− a length of strong cord made by twisting together strands of natural fibers such
as hemp or artificial fibers such as polypropylene .
• You should know what particular rope can handle particular
tasks/loads.
• Keep rope in good condition all the time.

Chains
− a connected flexible series of metal links used for fastening or securing objects
and pulling or supporting loads.
• Do not let chains get kinked, knotted or twisted.

Steel and plastic straps

• Make sure straps are not too loose or tight.
• Do not lift by the strap unless the same is designed for that purpose.

III. Workspace lay-out

Workspace
− is the area within which you perform the tasks that add up to your job.

The physical design of a workspace includes setting the amount of

space needed and the positioning of furniture, tools, equipment and
any other items necessary to perform the tasks, in respect to proper
posture, access, clearance, reach and vision of the user.

Poor design of the workspace or bad arrangement of furniture or

equipment, may result in injuries and strains due to adoption of
uncomfortable working postures, less 'spare' capacity to deal with
unexpected events or emergencies, increased possibility of errors or
accidents, and inefficiency.

How do you optimize your workspace for maximum protection and productivity?

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/workspacelayout.html?print

The layout or organization of the work area must allow materials to be handled without
excessive bending, twisting and stretching reduces injuries.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

Have all materials at work level.
Use adjustable elements at the workplace.

Workbench with adjustable height and tilt improves working position.

Self-adjusting platform automatically matches worker's height.

Ensure that there is enough room to turn around to prevent twisting. Use adjustable
supports or suspenders to operate heavy tools.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 Tool suspender reduces muscular effort and compression on the back.

Tool support eliminates over-stretching and overreaching.

Lift-and-tilt device and side opening on bin reduces bending.
Use bins that allow easy access.

IV. Materials Storage

Materials storage
− an uncovered area where bulk materials (liquid, solid, granular, etc.) are
stored in piles, barrels, tanks, bins, crates, or other means.

Materials storage could easily be neglected at times in an actual work setting.

When neglected, it leads to cluttering, piling of one material over another and
obstruction of passageways. Understanding some general requirements on
proper and safe materials storage would be useful.

Materials should be stored neatly and orderly. A variety of ways and means
could easily be adopted and maintained.

Firstly, materials should be housed in a storage room with the following features:
at least two exits
properly illuminated
properly ventilated
restricted access

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/layoutstoring.html?print

What should be remembered when setting up a storage area?

Store materials at a convenient height.
Leave the lowest shelf unused if necessary.
Use vertically mobile shelves to avoid bending and overhead reaching.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

Use bin racks for storing small items.

Store heavy and frequently used materials at waist height.

Do not store materials at floor level.

Use hand trucks with elevating devices in storage and loading areas.

Winch-operated

Coil handling

Position work

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 Use trucks with a tilting device to avoid bending.

Box tilter

Use elevating platforms to avoid overhead reaching.

Source: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh/materials_flow.html

What can be done to reduce the amount of times material is moved or handled?
Use rollers to eliminate manual lifting and carrying.
Use floor rollers while loading or unloading trucks to reduce lifting.

Use a sliding bed while loading and unloading small trucks to avoid
overreaching and carrying in an awkward position.

Eliminate extra loading or unloading steps where possible.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 Unload as close as possible to the place where material will be needed.

Use ramps to avoid lifting and dragging over edges.

Use containers that allow fluids to pour or empty without lifting the container.

Solving materials handling problems

While quick and easy mobilization and storage of materials is a necessity

in the workplace, the tendency to deviate from a safe way of doing it
happens, unmindful of the adverse consequences to both the person
and the material.

These are simple things to consider in solving materials handling problems:

What will be moved? Determine the item/s you wish to move and then adopt
the applicable method that will provide safety for you and protection for the
material.

Where to move these items? A simple mapping of the movement direction

could save time and effort.

How often will these be moved? There are certain materials that are moved
every now and then depending on the need. Provisions for easy movement

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

 should be made in these cases.

How many will be moved? Always have special handling equipment that could
do the job especially if there is a large number of a material to be moved.

How far will the materials be moved? In order to minimize time and effort, the
distance to be moved must be considered. It is suggested that only in rare
instances should an item or material be moved to a far location, particularly if
this would involve manual handling. Observe the location of the storage with
respect to its movement: the closer it is, the less movement is needed.

How will the materials be moved? Manual or mechanical handling may be

used, depending on the circumstances and characteristics of the materials.

With these guidelines, possible injury to you or your co-workers can be eliminated
and total protection for materials when handling and storing them can be ensured.

In summary, it is you who can prevent materials handling accidents and injuries. You
can achieve this by remembering the following:
• Be alert for hazards.
• Follow company safety regulations.
• Take your time and don't take chances.
• Use proper lifting techniques; use legs not the back.
• Get help or mechanical assistance if in doubt.
• Wear protective gear.
• Keep an eye on what others are doing.
• Let other workers know what you're doing.

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/house.html

What is an example of a workplace housekeeping checklist for construction sites?

DO:
• Gather up and remove debris to keep the work site orderly.
• Plan for the adequate disposal of scrap, waste and surplus materials.
• Keep the work area and all equipment tidy. Designate areas for waste
materials and provide containers.
• Keep stairways, passageways, ladders, scaffold and gangways free of
material, supplies and obstructions.
• Secure loose or light material that is stored on roofs or on open floors.
• Keep materials at least 2m (5 ft.) from openings, roof edges, excavations
or trenches.
• Remove or bend over nails protruding from lumber.
• Keep hoses, power cords, welding leads, etc. from lying in heavily
travelled walkways or areas.
• Ensure structural openings are covered/protected adequately (e.g.
sumps, shafts, floor openings, etc.)
DO NOT:
o Do not permit rubbish to fall freely from any level of the project.
Use chutes or other approved devices to materials.
o Do not throw tools or other materials.
o Do not raise or lower any tool or equipment by its own cable or supply hose.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

Flammable/Explosive Materials
• Store flammable or explosive materials such as gasoline, oil and cleaning
agents apart from other materials.
• Keep flammable and explosive materials in proper containers with contents
clearly marked.
• Dispose of greasy, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved
containers.
• Store full barrels in an upright position.
• Keep gasoline and oil barrels on a barrel rack.
• Store empty barrels separately.
• Post signs prohibiting smoking, open flames and other ignition sources in
areas where flammable and explosive materials are stored or used.
• Store and chain all compressed gas cylinders in an upright position.
• Mark empty cylinders with the letters "mt," and store them separately from full
or partially full cylinders.
• Ventilate all storage areas properly.
• Ensure that all electric fixtures and switches are explosion-proof where
flammable materials are stored.
• Use grounding straps equipped with clamps on containers to prevent static
electricity buildup.
• Provide the appropriate fire extinguishers for the materials found on-site.
Keep fire extinguisher stations clear and accessible.

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/cklstcon.html

Reinforcing steel
• Use wooden spacers to separate piles of reinforcing steel.
• Unload reinforcing steel by mechanical means whenever possible.
• Check all bundles for broken or weak tie wires before attempting to unload.

Pipe
• Stack pipe on solid, level sills only. Block pipes to prevent them from rolling.
• Place lagging between layers to reduce the pressure and prevent the
pile from spreading.
• Remove pipe from ends of the pile.
• Do not stack pipe higher than 1.5 meters (5 ft.).

Structural steel
• Pile structural steel to prevent tipping and slipping.
• Give special attention when loading structural steel from trucks.
• Place slings on steel before releasing binder chains.
Bagged and stacked material
• Maintain stability.
• Do not allow piles to exceed ten bags in height unless the face of the
piles are supported by the walls of a storage bin or enclosure.
• Cross-pile bagged materials on skids and pile only to a convenient
height. The height depends on the nature and ability of the
mechanical aids used and the weight of the bagged materials.
Bricks, Blocks, Tiles
• Pile bricks, blocks or tiles on a solid, level surface only.
• Use extreme caution when removing metal bands.
• Do not stockpile material on a scaffold beyond the safe loading capacity.
Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety
 Conclusion

As an individual, you can make your work area more pleasant and conducive to
working, thus creating and improving work efficiency, safety and quality of work and
products. As a company, 5S is an integrated approach for production, quality, lower
costs, on time delivery, safety, and morale.

Module in Basic Occupational Health and Safety

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