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Posted By martin gray1
Hi all
This may be a very basic formula to some of you, but could anybody help me with this in as basic terminology as possible please. I am looking for some form of scale to judge the average weight a normal individual can push comfortably.
I know the average individual is a broad term bearing in mind male, female, old and young. Therefore could we say a person in there 20-30 physically fit in a normal environment no excessive heat or cold floor not slippery and wearing good footwear.
The reason I am asking for advise is I have a trolley of material which I feel is not very awkward or heavy, but I have to some how justify how I have come to that decision.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
MG
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Posted By Karen Todd
It's not a question that's simply answered.
What I've found is that very much depends on the quality of the trolley and it's wheels. If you've got a decent trolley you can move things about that are 'heavy' with relative ease, but if you have a rubbish trolley with silly wheels then moving the same load can be very difficult.
HSE has a MAC tool thing, but it specifically excludes pushing & pulling.
KT
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Posted By Pete48
Martin, the simplest outline I know is contained in INDG143 (HSE website).
This tells us that a force equivalent to 2% of the load weight is required to move the load across even flat ground. Their guideline level for such tasks is injury is likely if the force required is above 20Kg for men and 10Kg for women.
Obviously this is very general and the force required can vary dependant on local factors such as trolley design, ground conditions, slopes etc.
I would check out the document to see if it gives you your answer.
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Posted By Adam Worth
Guide L23 - Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 has guidance on pushing and pulling
In brief
Where load is slid rolled or supported on wheels... assume force applied with hands, between knuckle and shoulder height for not more than 20m
Starting or stopping a load - Men 20kg (200newtons) Women 15kg (150 newtons)
Keeping load in motion 10kg (100newtons) 7kg (70newtons)
Appendix 4 gives more details
Check out the HSE pages on manual handling and use there MAC tool for initial assessment! It's what the inspectors use.
That's a very rushed reply but I hope it helps.
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Use a force gauge (a fishermans scale will do) to measure the force needed to move the trolley. Do a search for snook tables to give you the maximum load recommended.
Regards Adrian
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Posted By David Bannister
Hi Martin, there are several other variables to consider before reaching any conclusion on whether the manual handling task you describe is OK.
The trolley itself - handles, sharp edges, its wheels - condition, size, maneuverability and steerability, vision over or round load, braking mechanism
The load - stable or unstable
The route - flat or gradient, changes of direction, visibility, other dangers on the route.
etc, etc
The individual pushing the trolley may appear to be fit & well but could also have played a particularly vigorous leisure game the night before, rendering them less able to perform the task or with fewer repeats. A simple cold affects one's ability to work.
Certainly not the definitive answer you asked for but I guess my point is that there is not an easy way to decide if the risk of harm is sufficiently low, not only to the pusher but to other personnel in the vicinity.
The experience of those doing the task may be a good indicator and they will most certainly have an opinion. Consultation in manual handling assessments is crucial. What are the alternatives to this task?
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Posted By martin gray1
Thanks to everyone who has answered. I am sure I will get somewhere with the guidance that has been given.
This forum is a great source of knowledge, thanks to people like yourselves who take the time to share their knowledge.
Thanks again for all your replies.
MG
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