Information on this page is drawn from "Carpenter: Material handling in low clearance congested space" published by intel

NOTE: Request for permission pending.

Task

Crews must install 100 lb. steel support beams into a pre-existing area where the ceiling clearance is less than 48" and there are multiple obstacles on the floor.

Exposure

Workers must bend over to fit under the 4' ceiling clearance and then step over pipe installed approximately 12" off of the floor. This exposes them to awkward posture, forceful exertion, static posture and repetitive motion. There are other obstacles hanging down from the low ceiling plus an uneven walking surface. The beams weigh in excess of 100 lbs. and are 8' long. Hundreds of beams are to be installed.

Intervention Process

Platforms were built using unistrut and polypropylene sheets. The polypropylene provided a slick surface to facilitate sliding the beams over the raised pipe into the areas where they were to be installed. This eliminated carrying the heavy beams and simplified movement as well.

Materials

Both the unistrut and polypropylene were items common within this industry and so were readily available though did add cost to the overall task.

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Carpenter: Material handling in low clearance congested space