How to Lift Very Heavy Equipment
Millions of people around the world suffer from back pain. Although this can be a sign of old age, it can also be the result of poor-lifting technique. Fortunately, there are several methods to reduce the chances of back pain and damage to your body. Learning how to lift properly will not only preserve the life of your back, but also help you perform better on the job.
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Instructions
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Examine the equipment (or heavy object). Try pushing it with the palm of your hand. If you can push it, then it is possible to lift it. Study how the object is constructed as well. Feel around with your hands and fingers for any handles or other parts that you can hold or grip easily.
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Position yourself. Stand in front of the heavy object with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squat down while keeping your spine erect, and tuck in your chin as you bend down.
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Grip the bottom of the object with your palms and lift with your legs. Lift close to your body and tuck in your stomach muscles to gain more leverage.
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Lift to a height where you can easily see what's around you. Squat down, remove your hands and fingers, then gently set the object on a level surface when you are done lifting.
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Tips & Warnings
Immediately set the object down if you think you are unable to lift and move it.
When in doubt ask for a secondhand.
Always keep your spine erect and straight.
Use gloves if you are unable to grip the object.
Wear steel toe boots to prevent damage from dropped objects.
Never attempt to lift anything that is too heavy.
Never grasp any part of the object that is sharp or jagged.
