Page 3 of 4 2.2 Observe the work activity you are assessing and compare it to the diagram. First, decide which box or boxes the lifter’s hands pass through when moving the load. Then, assess the maximum weight being handled. If it is less than the figure given in the box, the operation is within the guidelines. 2.3 If the lifter’s hands enter more than one box during the operation, use the smallest weight. Use an in-between weight if the hands are close to a boundary between boxes. 2.4 The basic guideline figures for lifting and lowering are relatively infrequent operations – up to approximately 30 operations per hour. The guideline figures will have to be reduced if the operation is repeated more often. As a rough guide, the figure should be reduced by 30% where the operation is repeated once or twice per minute, by 50% where the operation is repeated around five to eight times per minute and by 80% where the operation is repeated more than 12 times per minute. 3. GUIDELINES FOR CARRYING 3.1 Similar guideline figures apply to carrying operations where the load is held against the body and is carried no further than about 10 m without resting. If the load is carried over a longer distance without resting or the hands are below knuckle height then a more detailed risk assessment should be made. 3.2 Where the load can be carried securely on the shoulder without first having to be lifted the guideline figures can be applied to carrying distances in excess of 10 m. 4. PUSHING AND PULLING 4.1 The task is within the guidelines if the following figures are not exceeded: Men Wome n Force to stop or start the load 20 kg 15 kg Sustained force to keep the load in motion 10 kg 7 kg 5. TWISTING 5.1 Reduce the guideline weights if the handler twists to the side during the operation. As a rough guide, reduce them by 10% if the handler twists beyond 45° and by 20% if the handler twists beyond 90°. Figure 2