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Prefabrication: Cutting and
Spooling Wire
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Wire or cable is generally removed from large spools for
various applications within the prefabrication shop. Spools often
need to be moved around the shop and lifted onto wire
racks. Due to the size and weight of the spools, these tasks may cause
overexertion injuries to prefabrication
employees.
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| Lifting and Positioning |
Potential
Hazards
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Figure
1
Forklift raises and moves heavy loads.
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Figure
2
Spool roller. |
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Smaller spools stored on the floor forces the
employee into awkward posture when bending and lifting.
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Heavy spools of wire are used in prefabrication
tasks. They are moved around the prefab location
and placed on racks for de-spooling. Lifting
and moving heavy spools may cause an increased stress on the back and
shoulders.
Possible Solutions:
- Ensure that pre-planning is conducted to allow
smaller spools of wire to be placed on work surface of
appropriate height to minimize bending and
lifting.
- Use mechanical means such as forklifts (Figure 1), hoists or overhead cranes to move and lift large
spools.
- Use two or more employees to lift spools
when mechanical means are not available.
- Ensure that there is adequate access to all
spool racks. Spools that are used most
frequently should be in the most convenient locations,
usually between waist and shoulder height.
- Use spool rollers (Figure 2) instead of elevated racks when removing
wire from the spools. These do not need to be lifted to elevated
locations.
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