Objects
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Hazards
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Possible Controls
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Document trays and transfer boxes
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- Boxes used for transferring documents buckle when lifted fully loaded
- Full boxes are too heavy for employees to lift
- Boxes have no hand holes and are difficult to lift and hold
- Temporary (archive) boxes have collapsible bottoms which can give way if not secured
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- Ensure that boxes used are sufficiently strong that they will not buckle when fully loaded
- Ensure boxes used are of a size and shape that can be comfortably lifted when full
- Use rigid plastic document trays or boxes which have handles at each end for easy lifting
- Check that temporary transfer file boxes are in sound condition and that bottoms can lock securely in place
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Ladders and stepladders
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- Unstable ladders (i.e. not level or set too steeply)
- Tasks that require repeated climbing of ladder with small loads
- Ladder with damaged or worn rungs or feet
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- Use a ladder with lateral wheels at base which is fixed to a rail running along top of shelving, and which prevents it from toppling outwards
- Provide a mobile stepladder with a platform and shelf which enables employee to work safely and efficiently at all heights
- Periodically check condition of ladders and have any damage repaired or the ladder replaced
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Trolleys
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- Trolley is heavy to push and difficult to steer when fully loaded
- Trolley may roll away when left unattended
- Trolley cannot be used in passageways between shelving bays, through doorways and lifts
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- Select trolley with wheel type and size for the job and types of floor surfaces where it will be used
- Ensure that at least one trolley wheel is fitted with a braking mechanism to prevent movement
- Ensure that shelving bays are set wide enough apart to allow passage of standard trolley sizes
- Check width of narrowest passageway, door, lift, where trolley must be used before purchasing
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