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haulfryn  
#1 Posted : 31 January 2022 12:33:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
haulfryn

I am currently working for a company that manufactures windows and doors.  The manufacturing process requires the lifting of window and door frames manually.  I am looking for information specifically relating to window and door frames on manual handling techniques.  I can find loads of info relating to lifting boxes of various sizes but nothing on window and door frames.

Can anyone help.

Thank you in advance.

Steve

peter gotch  
#2 Posted : 31 January 2022 13:08:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Steve 

Possibly the Glass and Glazing Federation or the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) might have something?

DHF has codes of practice for some things.

P

CptBeaky  
#3 Posted : 01 February 2022 15:22:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
CptBeaky

General manual handling techniques work well. i.e. keep the load as close to you body as possible, keep shoulders and feet pointing the same direction (don't carry the frame to one side with both hands as it causes you to twist).

Team lifting is relatively easy with frames, one at each end, which is our usual method.

If you have the option of moving them unglazed, then do. We tend to send the glass separately on most work, and have the glass units clearly labelled with their weight. The glass tends to be the heaviest element, unless you are using some serious reinforcing in the frames.

Send the anxilleries (handles etc.) separate too if possible, to further reduce weight.

Ensure all fabrication tables are at a sensible height, adjustable tables are great, but expensive. We find it easier to just keep workers to their own stations, set up with them in mind.

If possible with larger frames it is better to just push them along the floor (assuming you have a decent floor that won't damage the profiles), rather than lifting them.

Use stillages on wheels to move large quantities of windows around, preferably with a means to secure the windows to ensure they won't topple.

If you do need to glaze a window with a heavy glass unit it is a lot easier to do it upright (read as with a slight lean), as it keeps the glass unit close to the body better than a horizontal glaze.

Glazing robots are available, although bloody expensive, if you routinely move very large glass units. These can easily lift unit from vetical to horizontal of 250kg plus.

I, personally, normally try to carry them with one hand to the side of my body (normally with another in the other hand to balance me up). I find the centre of gravity and lift using the usual methods. If placing one on a bench I usually ask for help and lift one person at each end, unless it it is a small frame.

Feel free to pm me if you need some more of the controls we have, alternatively feel free to pm me with your own tips, since it was a problem I too faced when I started, and had to muddle through the best I could.

thanks 2 users thanked CptBeaky for this useful post.
peter gotch on 02/02/2022(UTC), AVELICAN on 13/10/2022(UTC)
haulfryn  
#4 Posted : 07 February 2022 16:52:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
haulfryn

Hi Cpt Beaky

Thank you for the response, all good info.  We currently do everything you have mentioned.  I was just wondering if there was any specific training info for the window industry.  I've had a look on the Glass and Glazing Federations website and they don't have any specific info relating to manual handling either.

Will speak to the guys on the shop floor and come up with our own.

Thanks for all the replies

Steve

gad  
#5 Posted : 05 October 2022 12:48:34(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
gad

Hi, I am looking for a manual handling training package to purchase as a one off that I could train out to the workforce, any recommendations?

JohnW  
#6 Posted : 10 October 2022 11:35:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

Haulfryn, a good MH trainer will come to your site and assess the lifting jobs specific to your work; the training will include carrying a window from A to B, lifting and turning a frame etc. John
SammyK  
#7 Posted : 10 October 2022 18:44:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
SammyK

Hello, I've just left a window and door frame company and sure I have a toolbox talk I can dig out for you on this? hope it's not the company I've just left haha 

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