Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00406
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 61878–64758

power tools where possible
    * suspending or supporting heavy tools where they are used repetitively and in the same place
    * counterbalancing heavy tools that are used repetitively and need to be kept away from the body
    * using trigger locks where the grip has to be sustained for more than 30 seconds
    * holding the work piece in place with either jigs or fixtures selecting tools that produce the least amount of vibration
    * reducing impact shocks
    * limiting torque or 'kick back' reactions.

Maintenance
Tools and equipment should be well maintained by carrying out regular inspections and servicing in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

Figure 27 Select tools that can be held with a neutral wrist or in a handshake position with the hand adopting a comfortable (not too open or too closed) grip. Orient jigs and fixtures holding the workpiece so that the wrist does not have to bend.

Excessive bending of the wrist is required to use this tool.

Modifying the tool eliminates the awkward wrist posture

Figure 28 Select tools that are suited to the task, such as long handled saws when pruning trees.

The heaviest part of this brush cutter is located behind the wrists and the weight is supported by a harness.

An overhead suspension system reduces the forces required to use the iron.

4.5 Using mechanical aids
Mechanical equipment may eliminate or reduce the need for workers to lift, carry or support items, animals or people. A wide range of mechanical aids is available for various industries, for example: (Figure 29-31)
    * conveyors such as roller conveyors, elevating conveyors, belt conveyors, screw conveyors, chutes, monorails or trolley conveyors
    * cranes such as overhead travelling cranes, gantry cranes or jib cranes, stacker cranes, industrial manipulators and articulating arms
    * lifting hoists
    * loading dock levellers
    * turntables
    * springs or gas struts, mechanical devices such as hand winches, hydraulic pumps, and battery powered motors
    * forklifts, platforms trucks, tractor-trailer trains, tugs and pallet trucks
    * lift tables, mechanical and hand stackers, lift trolleys, two-wheel elevating hand trucks, and vacuum or magnet assisted lifters
    * glass panel, duct and plaster lifters.

Figure 29 Example of lift table

Figure 30 Mechanical lifter hand to lift people

Figure 31 Using mechanical equipment, such as overhead cranes to lift
and move very heavy objects eliminates the need to apply high force.

A vacuum operated lifting device can reduce the forces, awkward postures,
and movements required to manually load products onto pallets.

A self-adjusting base in the laundry tubs reduces the need for bending,
twisting and reaching during unloading

Mechanical aids should be:
    * designed to suit the load and the work being done
    * as light as