# Presentation: 540181

## PACKING & MOVING

## What we will cover

- PACKING SAFETY
- LIFTING SAFETY
- CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

## Before your packing begins

- Inventory existing office
- Estimate and schedule time
- Estimate 15 minutes per shelf/drawer
- Estimate 1 hour per workstation
- Typical office will take all day!
- Go through items as you go (or before)
- Throw out unnecessary items
- Archive old files (records management)
- Reduce clutter before hand
- Let people know that you will be packing

## Plan your packing strategy

- Identify those items needed on daily basis
- i.e., for use in temporary space or for use during packing/unpacking
- Put these items in separate box
- Have boxes, tape, identity tags, scissors, marker, dumpsters, step stools available
- Arrange for computer and telephone disconnection

## Packing Day

- Wear comfortable clothing
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit reaching/stretching
- Listen to your body – New task!
- Take breaks
- Be careful of sharp objects
- Keep track of number of boxes and what is in each

## Packing

- Select appropriate box for objects
- 		- Heavier items - smaller box
- 		- Sturdy container; good condition
- Secure bottom of box
- Label box per moving instructions
- Don’t overpack boxes
- 		- Don’t make box too heavy
- 		- Don’t stuff contents so box bulges
- Wrap fragile items
- Balance load

## Make it easy on yourself

- Be comfortable
- Schedule plenty of time
- Haste makes waste
- Haste makes accidents
- Get rid of unnecessary items
- Reduce clutter
- Put box on stable surface closer to waist
- Pack heavier stuff earlier in the day – less tired

## Use Common Sense

- Be careful of sharp objects
- Don’t make things too heavy
- Listen to your body
- Ask for help, if needed

## Loading/UnloadingFile Cabinets/Book Shelves

- Unload from top
- Load from bottom
- Use a stepstool or ladder to reach high objects
- DO NOT climb on bookshelves/file cabinets
- DO NOT use rolling chair

## Lifting Technique

- Stretch first – especially after long period of inactivity (e.g., sitting)
- Place feet approximately shoulder-width apart
- Squat w/chest and buttocks sticking out
- Firmly grasp box
- Keep load close to body
- Lift with legs (not arms or back)
- Stand straight up (no twisting)
- Keep weight evenly distributed (both arms carrying)
- Turn by pivoting (Not twisting)

## Stacking

- Maximum height – 5 boxes high
- Use pallets whenever possible
- Interlock stacking

## When in new space

- Unpack boxes
- Use file cabinets
- Remove empty boxes
- Contact Facilities for pick-up of empty, flattened boxes
- Change your ENS location on your computer so you can get emergency messages.
- To update the ENS click on the yellow and black circle in lower right corner of your computer screen.
- GOAL: Less clutter; better organization
- File, don’t pile
- Boxes are not appropriate for permanent storage.

## If Injured

- Report to Health Unit
- Inform supervisor
- Complete forms
- 		CA – 1
- 		DOE 5483

## Construction Site Safety

- Stay out of construction areas!
- Questions – Call Facilities Representative

## Near a construction area

- Follow established emergency procedures
- If smell, hear, or see something unusual, call 6-6100 or, if emergency, 166
- If see smoke, activate pull station and leave area

## Websites with more information

- _[www.back.com](http://www.back.com/)_
- _[www.mayoclinic.com](http://www.mayoclinic.com/)_

## Questions?

## Thank you

- HQ Safety, Health, and Security
- FORS room GE-112
- 202-586-1005
- HQSafetyandHealth@hq.doe.gov