Wheelbarrows

When was the first time you used a wheelbarrow? As a passenger - when you were little and you grandfather gave you a ride? Or perhaps it was when you and your buddies were just fooling around taking one another for a lift. Just stop and think what it would be like if we did not have wheelbarrows on the jobsite today.

A wheelbarrow consists of a wheel, two handles, and a shallow open pan that allows us to move material from one place to another. A very simple piece of equipment. All it takes is a strong, person to load and move it. Whether you are on the job or at home working around the yard, the wheelbarrow can be of great help to you, but there are several things to remember in order to use a wheelbarrow correctly and safely.

First of all never overload a wheelbarrow or attempt to lift more than necessary. An out of control wheelbarrow can crush you or a fellow worker. Balance your load over the wheel. When going through doorways pay particular attention to where you place your hands. Doorways, knuckles and wheelbarrow handles don't mix. Watch for holes in the floor, they can cause you to trip. As with any other piece of equipment you need to keep them in good repair.

Replace handles when needed, check the tire for proper pressure and lubricate the front wheel as required. Never use a wheelbarrow with a flat tire - it was not designed to roll on the wheel rim. If the task is too large for a wheelbarrow, use a hand truck or pickup. Never take a short cut, ask your supervisor for additional help.

Work gloves, hard hat and safety shoes should be part of your personal protective equipment when handling a wheelbarrow. As with any other hand tool. play it safe - follow the rules - wear your personal safety gear - and then let the wheelbarrow do the work safely. After use, be sure to store it properly.

Always be sure you can see the load that you're moving and that you have a clear view of where you're going.