Material Handling - Manual Material Handling Guidelines

Here is list of basic manual material handling guidelines:

• Load weight should be less than 51 pounds for a single person lift.

• Handle load within the maximum comfort zone. 

• Handle load at a horizontal distance less than 12 inches from the body.

• Ideally, the frequency of lifting is once every five minutes or less, and a maximum frequency of 15 lifts per minute.

• Perform lifts without twisting.

• Provide a stable load to reduce balance shifting while lifting or carrying.

• Standing surfaces should be stable and high-friction.

• The load dimensions should allow a comfortable grasp, adequate handles are preferred.

• An optimal handle design has a 0.75 inch diameter, 4.5 inches or more in length, a 2 inch clearance, and has a cylindrical shape with a smooth, non-slip surface.

• An optimal handhold cutout should have a height of 3 inches or more, 4.5 inches in length, and have a semi-oval shape.

• Containers should be 16 inches or less in width and less than 12 inches in height for manual material handling purposes.

Return to Material Handling