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Kelly44336  
#1 Posted : 19 August 2010 13:19:53(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Kelly44336

Hi I am having touble finding a manual handling soultion for lift kitchen worktops. These are very heavy and may have to be transported up flat staircases? Any ideas?
Juan Carlos Arias  
#2 Posted : 19 August 2010 13:55:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Juan Carlos Arias

a trolley?
Safety Smurf  
#3 Posted : 19 August 2010 13:58:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Safety Smurf

Cut to size or rough cut first before carrying up stairs? It won't get rid of the hazard but it will reduce it!
frankc  
#4 Posted : 19 August 2010 15:19:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
frankc

Have you considered reducing the thickness (ergo the weight) of the worktop?
MaxPayne  
#5 Posted : 19 August 2010 15:24:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MaxPayne

Kelly44336 wrote:
Hi I am having touble finding a manual handling soultion for lift kitchen worktops. These are very heavy and may have to be transported up flat staircases? Any ideas?
Sometimes there just isn't a mechanical solution available. All you need to do is what's reasonably practicable, so I'd start with establishing weights and dimensions and carry out an assessment based on TILE (task, individual, load and environment). You should be able to use a trolly of some description for part of the process I'd suggest, but when it comes to stairs you're stumped as you can't breakdown the worktop into more manageable pieces. Train the staff do what you reasonably can to reduce the physical lifting, that's probably all you can do.
teh_boy  
#6 Posted : 19 August 2010 15:41:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
teh_boy

Didn't someone once mention handle things for lifting glass or similar on these forums? Maybe there is some kind of handle that can give better grip on the load and hence allow better posture? Sorry I can't recall any more details than that...
Chris61  
#7 Posted : 19 August 2010 15:57:31(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Chris61

As has been observed, a suitably sized trolley will permit delivery to the foot of the stairs. As a worktop is, hopefully flat, would it not be possible to manoeuvre it against the angle of the stairs and gently slide it up from below? This way, you are sliding not lifting. Clearly, there needs to be somebody to receive the w/top when you reach the top. I've used this method a few times with quite heavy items which nonetheless have at least one flat side. I don't say this method is without risk but it should avoid THAT double - handed situation where the the person at the bottom has a substantial amount of the weight (although they are at least able to have the load close to the body and the thigh muscles doing most of the work), while the person at the other end is walking backwards, bent double, with precious little to get a grip on.
freelance safety  
#8 Posted : 19 August 2010 16:00:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
freelance safety

You can get mechanically operated stair walkers to assist, but what about using a lift (if available)?
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