Heavy loads

The muscular effort required to lift, lower or carry an object depends on more than just the weight of the load. It is also determined by the forces, frequency and duration of the task and the posture, movements and physical capability of the individual.

In most cases we don’t specify safe maximum weights for staff. Books vary greatly in weight – how many books should you lift at one time? We leave it to your discretion.

The only actual weight limit we set is a 10-kilogram limit on bags of books. The reason for setting this weight is because a number of different staff could be required to lift the bags and 10 kilograms is a determined weight that any able-bodied staff member could comfortably lift.