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Posted By AJM
Hi fellow safety Guru's, Just a short one I am currently in the process of doing Manual handling assessments. There is one small part of it I have not come across a great deal. For instance the ways and understanding of measurement in Newtons I think.
I require one of the Newton push and pull measurement devices. I have looked on Google and don't seem to be able to find any.
1. Can anyone point me in the direction or purchasing one of these or what i should expect to pay.
2. Has anyone had much experience in the use of these and can they give me any pointers, pitfalls or experience in the use of one.
Thanks in advance for any information given.
Alan
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Posted By Nigel Souster
AJM
I've never come across a device that measures in Newtons before, (not to say they don't exist)so I did all my manual handling calculations in kgs. Scales are generally easier to find and cheaper. I got mine from my local hardware supplies shop.
A force of 1 Newton is appprox. 0.1kg in mass. Therefore for your calculations, 1kg in weight is approx. 10 Newtons.
Here is an extract from the HSE Guidance (L23) on Manual
Handling:
"GUIDELINES FOR PUSHING AND PULLING
23 For pushing and pulling operations (whether the load is slid, rolled or supported on wheels) the guideline figures assume the force is applied with the hands, between knuckle and shoulder height. It is also assumed that the distance involved is no more than about 20 m. If these assumptions are not met, a more detailed risk assessment is required.
MEN WOMEN
Guideline figure for 20 kg 15 kg
stopping or starting a load
(ie about 200 Newtons) (ie about 150 Newtons)
Guideline figure for 10 kg 7 kg
keeping the load in motion
(ie about 100 Newtons) (ie about 70 Newtons)
24 As a rough guide the amount of force that needs to be applied to move a load over a flat, level surface using a well-maintained handling aid is at least 2% of the load weight. For example, if the load weight is 400 kg, then the force needed to move the load is 8 kg. The force needed will be larger, perhaps a lot larger, if conditions are not perfect (eg wheels not in the right position or a device that is poorly maintained). Moving an object over soft or uneven surfaces also requires higher forces. On an uneven surface, the force needed to start the load moving could increase to 10% of the load weight, although this might be offset to some extent by using larger wheels. Pushing and pulling forces will also be increased if workers have to negotiate a slope or ramp.
EVEN WHERE THE GUIDELINE FIGURES IN PARAGRAPH 23 ARE MET, A DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT WILL BE NECESSARY IF RISK FACTORS SUCH AS UNEVEN FLOORS, CONFINED SPACES, OR TRAPPING HAZARDS ARE PRESENT.
25 There is no specific limit to the distance over which the load is pushed or pulled as long as there are adequate opportunities for rest or recovery."
Hope this helps.
Nigel.
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Posted By David Whaley
AJM,
I purchased push/pull meter that measures in kg. It will measure dynamically or maximum, it was not cheap at approx £600. If you consult L23 the guidance is given in kg. If this is of any interest contact me direct.
David
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Posted By Bill Elliott Alan Get in touch with a company called Alana Ecology, they do a range of simple Spring balances that will measure in Newtons (up to 500N) or Kgs (up to 100kg). www.alanaecology.com
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Posted By Jane Blunt
Measuring a pull is relatively straightforward, since all you need is an ordinary spring balance of the kind that you hang loads from. It needs to have a hook of other attachment at each end so that it can be attached to the load and can be pulled by the person. You can get these calibrated either in Newtons or in kilograms in many ranges. Using google with the key words spring balance brought up a manufacturer of a suitable balance quite easily.
For measuring a push I have not been so lucky in locating the right keywords. The principle is simple - most people's bathroom scales work on the principle that you need - to compress a calibrated spring and measure the deflection.
Jane
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Posted By Jonathan Breeze
I'm glad you said that Bill and Jane.
I just bought a spring balance from the local hardware store for £5.99 with a view to measuring the forces applied to pull a trolley.
For a moment I thought I had missed the point.
(PS - 5pts for spotting the bad pun!)
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Posted By AJM
Thank you very much for the info so far, It has been a fantastic help.
Alan
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