How to Lift a Heavy TV

Back injuries account for countless emergency room visits and workers compensation claims. It's certainly an avoidable injury, as long as the lifter takes certain safety precautions. If you've recently purchased or are planning to purchase a new widescreen TV, you obviously realize getting it into your living room or den poses a few lifting problems due to the weight. Like the old adage says, "work hard or work smart." Here's how to do the latter.

Things You'll Need

• Dolly
• Set of ratchet straps
• Box cutter
• Two or three heavy blankets or quilts
• Lifting belts (optional)

Instructions

1. Use the box cutter to remove the TV from its carton. Keep the box and packing material in case you must return the TV to the store. Decide how the TV will best fit into your house or room, whether you need to turn it vertically or if you have door frame clearance in its regular position.

2. Drape the blankets or quilts over the TV to protect it from accidental scratching. Don and fasten a lifting belt if you have one. Lift one end of the TV slightly to allow for room to slide onto the dolly. Remember: lift with your legs. Fasten the ratchet straps over the blankets/quilts and around the TV and dolly until the straps are secure and the TV doesn't shift.

3. Pull down on the dolly to the lift the TV from the floor. Have a helper spot you from the front of the TV and guide you into the room, as well as provide assistance by helping hold the TV in place. Once the TV is in the room, lower the TV into place and remove the ratchet straps and blankets/quilts. Slide the TV into the desired position and plug it in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to move the TV down a small set of stairs or steps, you can flatten the box and lay it over the steps to help slide the TV downstairs without damaging the steps.

References

• Heavy Lifting Safety Tips
• Proper Lifting Technique

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish