Manual Handling Textiles

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AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND MANUFACTURING

MANUAL HANDLING SOLUTIONSIN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

October 2002



The Victorian textiles manufacturing industry covers many diverse and disparate industries, includingyarns and broadwoven fabrics, wool scouring and top making, textile finishing and household textiles.

The textiles industry is labour intensive and many workers suffer unnecessary injuries, such assprains and strains, associated with hazardous manual handling. These injuries increase the costssignificantly for employers, but the human costs – for injured workers, their families and othersinvolved – are far greater. The textiles industry accounts for 4% of remuneration but 5.3% of allclaims within the manufacturing industry in Victoria.

This publication details common manual handling tasks carried out within the industry andprovides practical solutions to enable workers to complete their tasks safely. I urge you toimplement the changes required within your workplace to ensure you eliminate or minimisethe risks and reduce injuries.

I commend the Textiles Industry OHS Working Party and the many other individuals who havecontributed to the development of this publication for their continual dedication to improvinghealth and safety in the textiles industry.

Bob Cameron MPMinister for WorkCover

MANUAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY 1

CORPORATE STATEMENT



1. INVOLVE EMPLOYEESInvolving employees is critical because theyunderstand the workplace and are exposedto the risks. Their knowledge and experiencewill assist in identifying problem areas andin providing practical solutions.

The best way to involve employees is by havingtrained health and safety representativesestablished in your workplace. Health andsafety representatives must be consultedwhen identifying hazards, and assessing andcontrolling risks.

2. IDENTIFYING THE HAZARDSThis is the first step in the process of managingoccupational health and safety risk within theworkplace. This publication outlines 19 commonhazardous manual handling tasks within thetextiles industry.

3. ASSESSING AND CONTROLLINGTHE RISKSThe management of occupational health andsafety risk is successful only if appropriate riskcontrol measures are implemented. The secondstep is to assess exactly which manual handling

risks require control.

This publication has industry examples whichdemonstrate how the risk factors have beenassessed and controlled in each task. It providesmultiple short and long term control options.

If the risks cannot be eliminated immediately,interim measures to reduce the risk of an injuryoccurring are recommended while determininghow and when long term controls will beimplemented. A combination of risk controlmeasures are often required to provide the bestsolutions. The risk controls should be reviewedafter a short period to assess their effectiveness

and whether any further changes orimprovements are required.

By using this guide to assist in the review of yourworkplace, you may also identify inefficienciesin your operations that can contribute to the riskof an injury. For example, unnecessary doublehandling is a common inefficient way of workingwhich can increase the risk of injury. By reducingthese risks, you may also reduce the impact ofspillage and product damage.

Other significant occupational health andsafety risks to consider in the textilesindustry include:

NOISE

Noise is a common hazard in the textilesindustry. Refer to the Occupational Healthand Safety (Noise) Regulations 1992 andthe associated Code of Practice.

PLANT HAZARDS

Hazards associated with plant may includeelectrical, cutting, slicing, entanglement

and crushing. For further information onrisks and controls, refer to the OccupationalHealth and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995,the associated Code of Practice and thePlant Hazard Checklist.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

Chemicals are widely used within thetextiles industry. Refer to the OccupationalHealth and Safety (Hazardous Substances)Regulations 1999, the associated Codeof Practice and ‘A step by step guide formanaging chemicals in the workplace’.

All Codes of Practice and the Plant Hazardchecklists can be obtained from a WorkSafe

Victoria office.

FURTHER RISKS TO CONSIDER

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO CONTROL THE NUMBER OF INJURIES ARISINGFROM MANUAL HANDLING IN YOUR WORKPLACE?

The preferred approach is to use the Code of Practice for Manual Handling2000 which provides practical strategies and detailed checklists to helpemployers meet their legal obligations under the Occupational Healthand Safety (Manual Handling) Regulations 1999.

This booklet has been prepared as a guide to making your workplace saferby eliminating or controlling some of the most common hazards in thetextiles industry.

ELIMINATING OR REDUCING THE RISK

MANUAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY2



TROLLEYS

If trolleys are overloaded, not maintained, orused for material and tasks for which they arenot designed, a risk of hazardous manualhandling exists.

Solutions:• Large wheels or castors with low-friction

bearings reduce force• Check wheels and castors are regularly

cleaned and maintained to reduce forcesinvolved in trolley handling

• Add skirts to the base of trolleys to preventfibre entangling in wheels and castors

• Check that trolleys have suitable handle

height, width and placement to reducebent postures and force while pushingand manoeuvring

• Use vertical handles to cater for employeesof different height, reducing the forcerequired to move the trolley

Preventative maintenance of all equipment,including mechanical aids recommended inthis publication is essential to minimise risk.Implement an effective ‘tag out’ system toidentify, remove and repair damaged orfaulty equipment.

FLOOR SURFACES

Floor surfaces in the textile industry maybecome slippery as a result of lubricant spills,wool grease, dust, fibre or other substancessettling on surfaces. In addition, cracked anduneven floor surfaces may increase the forcewhen an employee is moving a trolley or tubs.

Solutions:• Control measures need to be put in place to

prevent, reduce and contain oil and lubricantspills and airborne dust or fibre

• Regular degreasing of floor surfaces exposedto spills

• Regular housekeeping ie: cleaning and

vacuum removal of dust and fibre• Regular repair and maintenance of floor

surfaces

COMMON MANUAL HANDING ISSUES





COMMON MANUAL HANDING ISSUES

HEAT

In some processes, raw materials (eg. nylon) areheated to produce a fibre. Manual handling tasksundertaken in a hot environment may exposeemployees to increased risk due to fatigue. Heatresistant gloves may reduce dexterity and resultin awkward hand, wrist and arm postures. Whenwearing gloves, higher forces may need to beapplied to ensure a firm grip.

Solutions:• Where practicable, a mechanical device

should be used to reduce the manualhandling risk associated with handlinghot objects

• Reduce direct contact with hot objects bywearing personal protective equipment (PPE)such as heat resistant gloves or gauntlets

• If gloves are required, consider reducingthe weights of objects handled

• Where practicable, exposure to hotenvironments should be reduced by regularbreaks in a cooler environment

• Cool fluids should be available at all timesin the work area

• When a process is delayed or stops for aperiod of time, where practicable, employeesshould move to a cooler environment, ratherthan remain inactive in the hot environment

• Where practicable, it is recommended thata working environment is maintained at atemperature suitable for employees toundertake manual handling tasks

JOB ROTATION

Job rotation doesn’t eliminate manual handlingrisk. It can reduce exposure time to risk but itdoesn’t address the source of the risk and it isoften used ineffectively. Ineffective job rotationmay increase worker exposure to manualhandling risk. This can happen when other jobsin the rotation have the same risk factors, forexample, if repetitive reaching above shoulderheight is an aspect of all the jobs in a rotation,then the worker is still exposed to the same riskfactor, despite ‘different jobs’ being undertakenin the rotation.

The Occupational Health and Safety (ManualHandling) Regulations 1999 only allows job

rotation to be used if you’ve implemented allother control measures required to eliminate orreduce the manual handling risk as far as is‘practicable’. Effective ways to eliminate orreduce the risk include altering your workplaceor environmental conditions, redesigning the

job, changing the objects used in the task andproviding mechanical aids.

An employer may not be meeting legalobligations if job rotation is used as the onlyrisk control measure for a task. If it is to beused to assist in reducing manual handling risk,it must be appropriately designed. Visit theWorkCover website at www.workcover.vic.gov.auto obtain a copy of ‘Job rotation does noteliminate manual handling risk’ which offersfurther guidance.



FACT SHEETSCOMMON MANUAL HANDLINGHAZARDS AND SOLUTIONSIN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY




UNLOADING FROM CONTAINERS

Deep sided stillages, trolleys or tubs are often used to move bobbins, tubes,cones or skeins.

RISK FACTORS RISK CONTROLS

Sustained or repetitive

• Bending the back forwards more than20 degrees

• Reaching forwards more than 30cm fromthe body

• Standing with most of the body’s weighton one leg

• Lifting or lowering

• Exerting force while in an awkward posture

• Twisting, turning and grabbing actions withthe fingers, hands or arms

Long duration

Alter the workplace

• Place the stillage on a stand to raise and tilt the load

Use mechanical aids

• Position a spring lift base in the stillage or tub to deliver thebobbins or tubes to the operator at a suitable working height

• Use a stillage tilter to bring items closer to the operatorand reduce forward bending, reaching and exertion of forcein an awkward posture

Alter systems of work

• Introduce appropriately designed job rotation in combinationwith other risk controls to reduce exposure to repetitivewrist and forearm postures

Forward bending and reaching into a stillage

A stand thatraises and tiltsthe load reducesthe need to bendand reach

The spring liftinsert (shownoutside thebin for clarity)raises thetubes up tothe operator.This reducesthe forwardbending,reaching andthe exertionof force in anawkward posture

This guide should be used in conjunction with the Occupational Health and Safety (Manual Handling) Regulations 1999 and the Manual Handling Code of Practice 2000



PACKING OBJECTS


Many workplaces pack bobbins, tubes, cones, cheeses or other objects into boxesor cartons on the floor.




• Reaching forwards or sideways more than30cm from the body

• Twisting, turning and grabbing actions withthe fingers, hands or arms

• Excessive bending of the wrist


• Gripping with the fingers held wide apart


• Standing with most of the body’s weighton one leg

Long duration

High force

• Using a pinch-grip or an open-handed gripto handle a heavy or large load

• Exerting high force while in anawkward posture

Alter the workplace

• Place the box or carton on a stand to raise the workingheight to between mid thigh and shoulder height and allowaccess to all sides of the box to reduce forward bendingand reaching

• Place the box on a table to reduce forward bending andreaching. A tilted work surface or table can reduceexcessive wrist bending

Use mechanical aids

• Use a raised fixed-height or height adjustable trolley.Consider using rollers on the trolley surface if the productis not on a pallet and needs to be moved again

• Use a turntable on a pallet lifter to bring itemscloser to the operator and reduce forward bending,reaching and exertion of force in an awkward posture


• Introduce appropriately designed job rotation in combinationwith other risk controls to reduce exposure to hazardousrepetitive wrist and forearm postures

Moving product into a carton pallet often requires bending,twisting and reaching

This fixed-heighttrolley keeps theload betweenmid thigh andshoulder heightand allowsaccess to threesides of the loadto reduce forwardbending andreaching

A turntableon a pallet lifter enables this pallet of sacksto be raisedand turned.This improves posture andreduces forces





LIFTING BUMPS OR BISCUITSFROM FLOOR LEVEL

Repetitive lifting of bumps or biscuits from the floor or bale bag to a containeror conveyor involves manual handling risk. This is sometimes performed in thedyehouse or whilst loading wool for blending or scouring.







Long duration

High force

• Applying sudden or unexpected forces


Alter the workplace

• Open the bale bag onto a table to reduce forward bendingof the back to pick up bumps or biscuits

Use mechanical aids

• Put the bale bag inside a caged trolley with a spring loadedsystem to keep the load at a constant height

• Have bumps delivered in feed cylinders with spring

loaded bases

Repetitive lifting of bumps from the floor in the dyehouse

The bumps are now delivered in feed cylinders with spring loaded bases.This reduces forward bending of the back, lifting and the exertion of force in awkward postures




LOADING BOXES ONTO A PALLET


Many workplaces hand stack boxes onto pallets on the floor. Sometimes the boxes arelarge, heavy and awkward in size.



• Bending the back forwards and twistingmore than 20 degrees




Long duration

High force

• Using a finger-grip or an open-handed gripto handle a heavy or large load

• Two or more people need to be assignedto handle a heavy or bulky load

• Stronger employees are assignedto do the task


Alter the workplace

• Extend a conveyor or use an extension roller surfaceto reduce carrying distances

• Place the pallet on a stand to raise the working height tobetween mid thigh and shoulder height and allow accessto all sides of the pallet to reduce forward reaching and

forward back bending

Use mechanical aids

• Use a rotating self height adjusting palletiser to reducethe need to bend and reach forward to position boxesor sacks on the pallet

Team handling of heavy boxes

This conveyor reduces carryingof heavy loads

A turntableon a pallet lifter enables this pallet of sacksto be raisedand turned.This improves postures andreduces forces





LOADING AND UNLOADING MACHINESABOVE SHOULDER HEIGHT


Creel machines usually have several long rows, some of which can be aboveshoulder height.


Repetitive or sustained

• Backward bending of the back more than5 degrees

• Bending the head backwards more than5 degrees

• Working with one or both hands aboveshoulder height


• Gripping with the fingers pinched togetheror held wide apart


Long duration

High force

• Lifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads

• Pushing or pulling objects that are hard tomove or stop

• Using a finger-grip or an open-handed grip to

handle a heavy or large load


Alter the workplace

• Reduce the height of the machine or creels so that the taskdoesn’t need to be performed above shoulder height

Use mechanical aids

• Use a height adjustable scissor lift to enable all liftingat a better height

• Design a single or multi bobbin lifter

• Use fixed height platforms to allow better accessto the creel

Alter the systems of work

• Introduce appropriately designed job rotation in combinationwith other risk control measures to reduce exposure torepetitive wrist and hand postures

Lifting bobbins above shoulder height to place onto creels

Lowering the height of the top row of the creel

A purpose built scissor lift allowshigh placed objects to be reachedwith less risk

A height adjustable, moveablebobbin lifter

Fixed height,moveable platform



BENDING WHILST LOADINGAND UNLOADING MACHINES



Many workplaces require machines to be loaded or unloaded. Frequently this involvesbending to put on or take off bobbins, tubes, cones or other objects and awkwardwrist or hand postures.



• Bending the back forwards or sideways morethan 20 degrees


• Gripping with the fingers pinched together orheld wide apart


Long duration

High force


• Using a finger-grip or an open-handed grip tohandle a heavy or large load


Use mechanical aids

• Increase the height of the machine or use individualpneumatic lifters to increase heights while loadingor unloading

• Design a single or multi bobbin lifter


• Introduce appropriately designed job rotation in combinationwith other risk controls to reduce exposure to repetitivewrist and hand postures

Designs which place objects low down can result inhazardous manual handling

A pneumatic system raises the heightwhen loading the creel

A close up view of the pneumaticsystem

This mechanical lifter usesan overhead gantry system

An automated system to liftthe bobbins out from under the machine




THREADING ABOVESHOULDER HEIGHT

Threading machines often requires sustained work above shoulder height.



• Backward bending of the back by morethan 5 degrees

• Bending the head backwards by more than5 degrees





Long Duration

Alter the workplace

• Providing a work platform to raise the operator reduceswork with hands above shoulder height and reducessustained backward bending of the neck

Provide mechanical aids

• Provide an adjustable height platform to raise the operatorand reduce sustained backward bending of the neckand work with hands above shoulder height

• Provide a fixed height moveable platform with a brakingsystem and a handle that incorporates a handrail toprevent falls


• Introduce appropriately designed job rotation in combinationwith other risk controls

Above shoulder height threading involves awkward postures

A raised work platform raisesthe operator andreduces manualhandling risks




LIFTING PRODUCT ONAND OFF SCALES


Lifting product on and off scales involves repetitive lifting and often involvesunnecessary double handling.



• Bending the back forwards and twistingmore than 20 degrees





Long duration

High force



Alter the workplace

• Ensure that scales are at the same height as the pickup and delivery points. This may mean using self heightadjusting palletisers. This should enable employees tomove product without forward bending of the back

Use mechanical aids

• Incorporate a trolley and scales to eliminate doublehandling the product on and off the scales

• Use a pallet-jack or hand pallet truck with built-inweighing scales

• Incorporate a conveyor with a built-in weigh station

Lifting product from the floor to the weighing scalesinvolves unnecessary double handling

This large weighstation takes intoaccount theweight of thetrolley

A conveyor with abuilt-in weigh stationmeans the productdoesn’t have to belifted on and off.Double handling iseliminated





HANDLING LONG ROLLS OF FABRIC

Rolls of fabric or carpet are often awkward shapes to handle in the workplace.Frequently, handling involves team lifting.








Long duration

High force





Alter the workplace

• Ensure that workstations are at a suitable height so thatemployees do not have to bend to reach rolls

Use mechanical aids

• Use roller conveyors to connect workstations and moverolls on boards. This will eliminate the need to lift rollsand enable employees to push/pull them easilybetween workstations

• Use an overhead crane to eliminate lifting

• Install hydraulic lifting arms on machines to handle rolls

• Use a tilting roll trolley or a long handle lever trolley whichslides under a roll, to move rolls between workstations

• Use a forklift with drum grabber appropriate for the load

• Use a probe lifter to move the roll supporting it throughthe core. This reduces the application of force in anawkward posture and enables the task to be performedby one employee

Team lifting long rolls

An overheadcrane caneliminatemanual lifting


Hydraulic lifting arms can eliminatemanual lifting

A probe lifter attachment on a forkliftcan eliminate manual lifting



HANDLING HEAVY ROLLS OF FABRIC


Handling heavy rolls of fabric or carpet involves high force, often withawkward postures.


High force


• Two or more people need to be assignedto handle a heavy or large load


• Exerting high force while in an

awkward posture

Changing the objects used in the task

• Install a roll barrier onto a pallet to allow the forklift totransport rolls on the pallet

Use mechanical aids

• Use automated push off systems to move the rolls

• Use an overhead crane to move rolls

• Use a tilting roll trolley or a long handle lever trolley whichslides under a roll, to move rolls between workstations

• Use a forklift with drum grabber appropriate for the load

• Use a probe lifter to move the roll supporting it through

the core

Team pushing large, heavy rolls of fabric

This pallet has beenmodified with a roll barrier to prevent contact withgrease from the forkliftmast. Previously rolls werehandled manually to keepthem clean.


This automated push-off systemeliminates hazardous manual handling

Use a probe lifter attachment to move rolls.This reduces the applicationof force in an awkward posture and enables thetask to be performed by one employee




STORING ROLLS OF CLOTHAT LOWER LEVELS

Some storage racks require the operator to repeatedly obtain rolls of cloth fromeither floor level or above shoulder height.



• Bending the back more than 20 degrees


• Reaching forward or sideways more than30cm from the body


Long duration

High force


• Applying uneven, fast or jerky forces duringlifting, carrying, pushing or pulling

• Two or more people need to be assignedto handle a heavy or large load



Change the objects

• Reduce the forces required to store and retrieve the rollsby storing materials inside larger tubes

• Store rolls in containers that can be moved from underracking and lifted with mechanical aids to an appropriateheight for storing and retrieving

Change the systems of work

• Use a fixed height moveable platform with braking systemto allow better access to the rolls

Pulling rolls of cloth above shoulder height involves highforce while in an awkward posture


By storing rolls inside larger tubes, theforces required to store and retrievethe rolls is reduced as they are notstored directly on top of each other

Fixed heightmoveable platform



STORING ROLLS OF CLOTHAT HIGH LEVELS


High level storage racks require the operator to climb or descend a ladder while holdingonto a roll of cloth. This involves potential fall hazards and hazardous manual handling.



• Bending the back more than 20 degrees

• Reaching forward or sideways more than30cm from the body


• Working above shoulder height

Long duration

High force



• Two or more people need to be assigned tohandle a heavy or bulky load



Use mechanical aids

• Use a forklift to bring the stillage to ground level

• Use an elevated work platform to take the person to therolls of cloth

• Use a height adjustable platform with stillage area to takethe person to the rolls of cloth

This work practice is unsafe due to the risk of falling, aswell as involving hazardous manual handling


The elevatedwork platformenables theemployee toretrieve or storethe rolls from agood workingheight. For longrolls of cloth,appropriatestorage facilitieson the elevatingwork platformare highly recommended

This type of scissor liftcould be utilisedfor storingand retrievingrolls of cloth




HANDLING LARGE DRUMS

Manually rolling and tipping 200 litre drums still occurs in some workplaces.


High force



• Pushing or pulling objects that are hard tomove or to stop

• Using finger grip, pinch grip or open handed

grip to handle a heavy or large load

• Holding, supporting or restraining aheavy object




Change the objects used in the task

• Obtain liquid supplies in bulk containers. Supply can bepiped direct to the process or small quantities can bedecanted as needed. This eliminates the handling of drumsand reduces the force involved by handling the liquid insmaller containers

Use mechanical aids

• Provide drum handling equipment

Handling 200 litre drums involves hazardous manualhandling due to the postures adopted and the highforces required

Provide drumhandlingequipment toreduce theexertion of forcein awkward back,wrist or hand postures whenmoving drums




HANDLING LIQUID CONTAINERS


Lifting and handling 20 litre or other large containers may involve high forcerisk factors.


High force



• Using finger grip, pinch grip or open handedgrip to handle a heavy or large load

• Holding, supporting or restraining a

heavy object




• Reduce the size of the containers to reduce theforce required

Alter the workplace

• Install an automated dispensing system throughout

the plant

Use mechanical aids

• Place the container on a trolley that can be rolled intoposition or tilted to reduce bending and twisting and theapplication of high force in awkward postures

Lifting and pouring from 20 litre containers aboveshoulder height

Reducing thecontainer sizeand the weightinvolved reducesthe forcerequired

Installing anautomateddispensingsystemeliminatesthe needto manually pour liquid





REMOVING BALE BAGS

Using a bale attachment for inverting four bales at a time has reduced manualhandling risk, however, sometimes the bale bags can fall from the forklift attachmentand lifting and pulling is required to get the bale bag out.


High force


• Applying sudden or unexpected forces



• Use a hook attached to the forklift bale handler so thatthe forklift can be used to remove the bale bags.Refer to the manufacturer for guidance if alterationsto plant are to be made


• Ensure proper maintenance of the spikes on the insideof the forklift bale handler

Information, instruction and training

• Ensure all operators are trained in the set-up procedureto minimise the number of falling bale bags

Reaching in and retrieving dropped bale bags can involvehigh force. Ensure that the conveyor is effectively isolated

Using the correcthook and chainattachment, theforklift canretrieve balebags, eliminatingthis manualhandling task

Close up

of hookattachment




HANDLING FULL BEAMS


Handling full beams involves standing them on end and manually lifting them onto astandard pallet so they can be moved with a forklift or pallet jack.


High force


• Pushing or pulling objects that are hardto move or stop

• Using a finger-grip or an open-handedgrip to handle a heavy or large load

• Exerting high force while in an

awkward posture


Use mechanical aids

• Use a sling on a powered floor crane to remove the fullbeam from the machine. This will eliminate the high forcerequired and reduce the need for team handling

• Use a roll carrier on a forklift to eliminate the high forcerequired to team lift beams

• Use a ‘cradle’ pallet to transport the beams. Thiseliminates the need to turn the beams from horizontalto vertical orientation. It also enables the use of a slingand a crane or a forklift to lift and move the beams tothe cradle pallet. The exertion of high force in awkwardpostures while lifting, turning, pushing and pulling thebeams is eliminated

Re-orienting a heavy beam to place it on a pallet involveshigh force risk factors

The correct probeattachment

on a forklift willeliminate thehigh force riskassociated withhandling very heavy objects

Stackable palletsdesigned tohandle beams





HANDLING TROLLEYS

High force or sustained forces can be required to move trolleys, especially if regularmaintenance of wheels, castors and bearings is not undertaken. Poor handleorientation and design can contribute to hazardous manual handling.



• Bending the back forwards or sidewaysmore than 20 degrees


• Twisting and turning actions with thehands or arms

• Excessive bending of the wrist

• Exerting force with one hand or one sideof the body


Long duration

High force

• Applying uneven, fast or jerky forces duringpushing or pulling

• Pushing or pulling objects that are hardto move or to stop

• Using a finger-grip or an open-handed

grip to handle a heavy or large load


Change the objects

• Ensure trolleys are designed with suitable handle designand position, including height, width, diameter andconfiguration to allow for a more neutral wrist and forearmposture and to reduce awkward back postures. Verticalhandles can cater for employees of different height

• Ensure trolleys have suitable wheels for the terrain andthat they are regularly cleaned and maintained. Largewheels or castors with low-friction bearings are usedto reduce force. The configuration of the wheels and theplacement of fixed versus swivel wheels on the trolleycan also help to reduce force

• Ensure trolleys are equipped with suitable hand brakeswhere ramps are used

Alter the environmental conditions

• Ensure floor surfaces are even and free of obstaclesto reduce the incidence of uneven, fast or jerky forcesduring pushing and pulling

Pushing trolleys can result in manual handling risk if thereis poor handle placement, an inadequate maintenanceregime or poor floor surfaces

Better handle design fits a wider range of users




MOVING HEAVY TROLLEYS


High forces are required when trolleys are fully loaded. The further the trolley needsto be moved the longer the high forces are sustained.


High force

• Applying uneven, fast or jerky forces duringpushing or pulling

• Pushing or pulling objects that are hard tomove or to stop

• Using a finger-grip or an open-handedgrip to handle a heavy or large load

• Holding, supporting or restraining a heavyobject



Use mechanical aids

• Use a tug to mechanically power the attached trolley

• Use a forklift or powered pallet truck to move the load

The use of high force to push a heavy trolley can behazardous

Eliminating the high force in this manual handling task

Some loads canonly be moved by forklifts





INSPECTING

Inspection tasks involve long periods of time looking down at fabric and sometimesinvolve throwing pieces of material onto a table.



• Bending the back forwards or sidewaysmore than 20 degrees

• Bending the neck forwards more than20 degrees

• Reaching forwards or sideways morethan 30cm from the body


Long duration

High force

• Applying fast or jerky forces during lifting

• Throwing or catching

Alter the workplace

• Provide options for sitting or standing or adjustablesit/stand seating to reduce forward reaching andforward bending of the neck and back. Anti-fatiguematting or foot rests for prolonged standing work canimprove working postures

Provide mechanical aids

• Provide an adjustable angle table like a drafting board,to support items being inspected to reduce bending ofthe back and neck and reduce work at or above shoulderheight. Providing a clamp so that the item remains stablewhen the table is tilted will also reduce the need forthrowing the item on the table and the application of fastor jerky forces

Alter the environmental conditions

• Provide an alternative lighting colour or lamp design tohighlight faults in the thread or material and to reduceglare from the light source, or investigate whether lightingfrom underneath would make fault detection easier. Thiswill assist in reducing sustained forward neck bending


• Introduce job rotation in combination with other riskcontrols to provide postural variety and reduce exposureto sustained postures, especially forward bending of theneck and back

Sustained forward bending and reaching is a manualhandling risk

An angled work surfacereduces forward bendingof the back and neck

A seat provides options for both sitting and standing




ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

MANUAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Textiles Industry Stakeholder ForumAustralian Industry Group

Victorian Employers Chamberof Commerce and Industry

Textiles, Clothing & Footwear Unionof Australia

Council of Textile and FashionIndustries of Australia Ltd

Victorian Trades Hall Council

OrganisationsBradmill undare Group

Caprice Australia Pty Ltd

Australian Country Spinners Pty Ltd

Electronik Fabric Makers

Feltex Australia Pty Ltd

Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd

Geelong Wool Combing Ltd

Melbourne Scouring CompanyRiverside Textiles Pty Ltd

Techni-Fleece Industries

Visypak Industrial Textiles

WorkSafe Victoria would like to acknowledge the following contributorsto this publication:

Special thanks to all who participated in the publication development workshops.

WorkSafe Victoria also acknowledges Materials Handling Pty Ltd, Workplace Safety Services andInstant Access for permission to use their images in this guide.



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VICTORIAN WORKCOVER ADVISORY SERVICE24th Floor222 Exhibition StreetMelbourne Victoria 3000Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9641 1444Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9641 1353Toll-free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 136 089

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WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.

VWA 543/02/10.02

Manual Handling Textiles

Documents

Transcript of Manual Handling Textiles