Safety Tools | Prevent Hand Injury Using Pushing & Pull Tools
By
Gwyn Evans BA (Hons)
Building Compliant Health & Safety Management Systems & Delivering Effective Employment Law Advice
The HSE has developed a new tool to assist organisations in reducing risks from manual handling pushing and pulling activities.
The guidance, entitled ‘Risk assessment of pushing and pulling’ (RAPP) provides a simple method for evaluating the levels of risk associated to your activities. By following the guidance, you will be able to identify your high-risk activities and check the effectiveness of your control measures.
The tool covers two distinct types of operation:
Moving a load which is mounted on wheels
Moving loads without wheels which involves dragging/sliding, rolling, or churning (for example, manoeuvring a tilted barrel)
Each type of operation is then broken down further by the typical equipment which may be used, or the manual handling method applied for movement.
There are flow charts to follow for both types of operation; leading you through a number of factors which affect the risk of injury. These include:
Weight
Posture
Grip
Work pattern
Travel distance
Floor surface
Obstacles
Each factor receives a score based the level of risk, highlighting which create the greatest risk e.g. certain tasks may require poor posture, or require a number of obstacles to be negotiated whilst moving from A to B.
You’ll also now have a cumulative risk score for the overall task.
When assessing a number of different push/pull activities within your organisation, the cumulative scores can be used to compare tasks against each other. This enables you to prioritise your focus on those which carry the highest risk scores.
The results should mean that you can evaluate the effectiveness of your control measures quantitatively, thus giving you a firm grounding on which to base your risk assessments and safe working practices.
Manual Handling Push & Pull Tool Developed By The HSE
Push Pull Tools
The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvementsaround site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool | Prevention of Hand & Finger Injury
TheShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is manufactured by Hand Safety Tools and stocked and distributed by Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt tools are designed to help users avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects. The tool ensures correct ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire, while enabling users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of Safety Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Over a quarter of a million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. The Hand Safety Tool Company works hard to help to reverse that trend by creating No Touch Hand Safety Tools that keep hands off and away from potential injury areas. The range of Safety Products are the result of numerous conversations and in-field encounters over the last decade with key Health & Safety Officers and “boots-on-the-ground personnel” to ensure each tool produced does the most important job of all – helps every user to keep their hands.
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manage at Thorne & Derrick
All Content is Copyright of HSE & Original Informationis here.
The HSE aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health.
Pushing and pulling of loads is a way to reduce or avoid manual lifting and carrying. Putting the load on a trolley and pushing it is one way of avoiding carrying.
So, when people push and pull instead of lifting and carrying, less effort is required, but there may still be a risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which you need to assess and eliminate or reduce.
Although you may think that the Manual Handling Operations Regulations only apply to the lifting, lowering and carrying of loads, they also apply to pushing and pulling.
This ‘pushing and pulling’ guide should help you comply with the regulations and control the risks to your workers.
A risk assessment tool for pushing and pulling operations (the RAPP tool) is available:
It is a simple tool designed to help assess the key risks in manual pushing and pulling operations involving whole body effort.
It is similar to the MAC tool and uses colour-coding and numerical scoring, like the MAC.
It will help identify high-risk pushing and pulling activities and help you evaluate the effectiveness of any risk-reduction measures.
You can assess two types of pulling and pushing operations using the RAPP:
moving loads using wheeled equipment, such as hand trolleys, pump trucks, carts or wheelbarrows;
moving items without wheels, involving dragging/sliding, churning (pivoting and rolling) and rolling.
For each type of assessment there is a flow chart, an assessment guide and a score sheet.
NOTE: Since the RAPP tool was launched, our experience, supported by further testing, has indicated that the tool is not sensitive to the level of risk in some tasks (or parts of tasks) involving moving loads with hand pallet trucks or similar, with small wheels.
In these tasks, small irregularities (including debris) and small gradients in the floor surfaces, which would otherwise be assessed as low risk (Good G/0) under the A-7 Floor surfaceand A-8 Obstacles along the routefactors, can have a very significant effect on the manual forces required. In these situations, the RAPP will tend to underestimate the level of risk, although the need for high force should be identified from looking at worker posture in factor A-2 Posture.
Therefore, a full, site-specific, pushing and pulling risk assessment may be preferable when assessing tasks (or parts of tasks) in locations with varying floor and environmental conditions. This is particularly likely for tasks that occur outdoors or can be affected by the weather, such as deliveries or loading/unloading in yards. Worker involvement in the assessment process is important as they have valuable knowledge of the specific risks of the task, particularly, for example, drivers who are experienced in delivery operations.
HSE has produced a pushing and pulling risk assessment checklist and an example checklist to help with your full risk assessments – contact HSE for further information.
Push Pull Tools
The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvementsaround site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool | Prevention of Hand & Finger Injury
TheShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is manufactured by Hand Safety Tools and stocked and distributed by Thorne & Derrick.
ShoveIt tools are designed to help users avoid hand injuries while working with suspended loads or manoeuvring objects. The tool ensures correct ergonomic body positioning for safe handling out of the line of fire, while enabling users to guide loads, move and position objects, as well as grab slings and taglines without physically placing hands on the item.
Thorne & Derrick distribute a range of Safety Tools from Hand Safety Tool Company designed to minimise hand injuries by keeping hands out of the line of fire.
Over a quarter of a million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. The Hand Safety Tool Company works hard to help to reverse that trend by creating No Touch Hand Safety Tools that keep hands off and away from potential injury areas. The range of Safety Products are the result of numerous conversations and in-field encounters over the last decade with key Health & Safety Officers and “boots-on-the-ground personnel” to ensure each tool produced does the most important job of all – helps every user to keep their hands.
Distributed in the UK by Thorne & Derrick International
uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick
Joints Termination Connectors Tools
Nexans Power Accessories is the leading European innovator and manufacturer of Low, Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories as well as connection technology for energy transmission and distribution networks, including both onshore and offshore renewable projects. The Nexans range of Medium Voltage Power Cable Accessories ranged is stocked and supplied in the UK by Thorne & Derrick, contact us for commercial quotations, specification support, product training or to discuss your requirements.
Power Cable Accessories for High Voltage Power & IAC Cables 66kV 72.5kV
Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service.
Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV Cable Accessories & Electrical Products.
Cable Support Systems
What is GRP?
GRP/GFRP (Glass-fibre reinforced polymer) cable support and trough systems possess unique properties that enable them to resist highly corrosive environments; particularly where conditions indicate that conventional materials may not provide an economic service life. During this brief but comprehensive webinar/online learning; you will be getting to know more about the type of cable support system designs; GRP as a composite material from the sustainability point of view; how to choose the right cable support; advantages of GRP cable support systems; its applications and many more. This course is designed for beginner and intermediate learners.
Thorne & Derrick are a Preferred Distributor & Supplier of MITA brand Cable Support Systems – contact us for scheme design, specification guidance and competitive delivery of product from UK stocks at reduced lead times.
MITA brand is now powered by Wibe Group. MITA have been supporting customers through their technical journey on choosing the correct product, manufactured from GRP, in cable support applications for almost five decades. MITA are now fully separated operationally from Schneider Electric. They now have a stand alone presence in the UK market with their “Made in UK” products which are fully compliant to the related cable management standards. MITA are marker-leaders in the manufacture of CABSYS cable trays and GRP cable ladders
VOLTS is our first monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VOLTS.
In The News
Mining Company Fined £3.6 million
after electricians sustain burns in the UK
A mining company has been fined after two electricians suffered severe burns in separate incidents. The owners of Boulby Mine in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland were fined £3.6 million and ordered to pay costs of £185,000 after an investigation by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Cleveland Potash Ltd, which runs the mine at Boulby near Loftus, admitted two health and safety breaches following arc flashes in 2016 and 2019.
A company spokesman said the firm “deeply regretted” the injuries and “important lessons” had been learned.
Teesside Crown Court heard that on the 3 August 2016 a contract electrician received serious burns from an 11,000-volt electrical system. The mine, which is owned by Cleveland Potash Limited (CPL), extracts organic fertiliser known as Polyhalite. The electrician unknowingly had placed a vacuum cleaner nozzle into a live electrical chamber. He had to be air lifted to Newcastle hospital specialist burns unit, where he was placed in an induced coma for 10 days.
On the 12 February 2019, another electrical contractor made contact with a live conductor on a 415-volt electrical system during electrical testing works and received serious burns. He was hospitalised for six days.
The HSE found deficiencies from the owner of the mine in risk assessment, planning of works, and shortfalls in providing warnings about which parts of the electrical systems the two electricians were working on remained live.
HSE inspectors said that the incidents were ‘easily preventable’ and that there were ‘significant failings’.
The first man suffered “very severe burns” to 20% of his body focused on his head, face, arms and hands and his “ongoing disfigurement, pain and disability is likely to be permanent”. The second man has “fortunately” made a full recovery after suffering burns to 8% of his body, the judge said.
Did you know? – While high voltage equipment does increase the likelihood and intensity of arc flash explosions, they can occur in any live electrical environment – even low voltage. Read The Blog |Why Is Electrical Safety Important?
LET’S CELEBRATE!
August marks the Anniversary of our very own Managing Director, Richard Derrick, who has now been with the company for 30 years! Congratulations Richard, here’s to another 30!
New In sTock
NEW TO STOCK. Thorne & Derrick have introduced PADS Approved type 3S Connex Connectors from Pfisterer into stock, for the termination of high voltage power cables up to 52kV into gas insulated switchgear.
CONNEX Size 3S MV connectors manufactured by Pfisterer are specified to terminate MV HV cables with specific conductor size range (120-630sqmm) and primary insulation diameter ranges.
Pfisterer size 3S inner cone plug separable connectors are suitable for terminating and connecting high voltage single core cables (XLPE EPR) with copper wire screens up to 52kV – CONNEX plugs suitable for indoor and outdoor cable terminations with or without voltage taps are supplied in sets of three phases.
Typically used to connect and terminate unarmoured single core XLPE or EPR insulated power cables with Cu copper wire screen and fully bonded semicon screen, the Pfisterer CONNEX Size 3S MV Connector can be supplied as variants and customised to suit – including integrated fibre optic (FO) cable.
pROJECTS & NEWS
hIGH vOLTAGE rAIL cABLE cONNECTIONS
This month we shipped out our largest rail project to date for Nexans Power Accessories type M784TB Interface E Connectors – 120 sets ready to wrap and load. Thank you to Joe Roberts and the UK Team for the great technical, commercial and manufacturing support.
We’ve called, we’ve pitched and we’ve met record numbers of new prospective customers this year and that hard-working team effort continues. We’re calling now and everyday, so thanks for picking-up and listening. Additionally, thank you for providing us the opportunity to be of service. Above all thanks for your business.
Joints | Terminations | Connectors up to 66kV from UK Stocks at Thorne & Derrick
Going Global
Congratulations to Jason Leatherland for his promotion this month to International Sales Manager with AN Wallis & Co Ltd, a world-market leader in the manufacture of Earthing & Lightning Protection Systems.Jason has been transformational in supporting and developing both AN Wallis’s and Thorne & Derrick’s UK market position in the power utility and substation industry – this has been achieved through the provision of comprehensive earthing system designs, site based training and the delivery of earthing products manufactured from copper from extensive stocks on short-lead times.
Thorne & Derrick wish Jason every success on his new position and our Exports Department look forward to continued working on international projects requiring Earthing, Lightning Protection and Surge Protection Equipment.
AN Wallis & Co Ltd established in 1946 is a world-leading manufacturer of Earthing, Lightning Protection, Exothermic Welding and Surge Protection products.
LV Connections from Pfisterer
The CONNEX brand from PFISTERER is renowned for the design and development of Medium & High Voltage Cable Accessories (33kV-500kV) for the connection and jointing of cables onto gas insulated switchgear networks. Did you know, PFISTERER also supply via their Approved Distributors including Thorne & Derrick, an extensive range of Connection Products for Low Voltage Power Networks?
For further information, pricing or samples please contact us.
CONNEX | The Universal Connection System for Cables, Transformers & GIS
Insulation Piercing Connectors
Insulation piercing connectors connect and make electrical contact with conductor ends, whatever the conductor cross-section, type and insulation. Because they pierce the insulation during installation, preparatory work on the conductor, such as stripping or brushing the contact area, is eliminated when live working.
The 2DIREKT clamp is connected directly to the distribution transformer screwing onto the transformer bushing and secured via a clamping groove and clamping screw. This reduces the amount of installation work and the risk of connection errors. No cable lugs have to pressed on, and no wire-end ferrules have to be fitted. There are fewer points of contact and transition resistance is minimised.
The ISICOMPACT establishes all contacts for a 4-conductor cable branch using a single screw connection – when the screw connection is tightened, contact is established by piercing the insulation on the main line and branch lines.
Once the required clamping force has been achieved, the screw shears off and thereby ensures successful installation. By providing protection against contact and thus against electrical hazards, the ISICOMPACT is designed for live line work on low voltage electricity networks.
Download the 3M Electrical brochure to learn about the advantages of Cold Shrink technology for LV & HV cable repair, jointing, termination and installation. For over 60 years, the global electrical industry have trusted 3M Electrical for innovative and reliable solutions that enhance the safety and productivity of power cable systems from 600V to 66kV. This includes high performance Scotch electrical tapes, Scotchcast cable joints and the innovative range of Cold Shrink products
3M Electrical| Did you know Thorne & Derrick stock the most extensive range of Scotchcast, Cold Shrink & Scotch Tapes product lines in the UK?
OFFSHORE NETWORKING & THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
Thorne & Derrick have joined NOF, a business networking organisation committed to achieving valuable connections between companies in the global energy sector. With an office in North-East England, recognised as a key strategic location to service the offshore renewables energy market in the UK, Thorne & Derrick are currently supplying many international projects from the North Sea to the Nordics, to the USA to China.
Working with Paul Livingstone (Head of Business Development & Membership at NOF) we look forward to maximising the benefits our membership which will include facilitating business introductions, event attendance and utilising their Offshore Wind Projects Database to gain a deep and clear understanding of the offshore wind market through advanced intelligence.
Technical Tip
Cut Strut without Sweat or Sparks
STRUTSLAYR™ is a strut shear head cutter that is able to deliver shop quality, burr-free strut channel cuts on the job in 5 seconds or less without grinding or sawing sparks.
CLEAN & CONSISTENT– Quick and easy to use delivering clean burr-free cuts in 5 seconds – no grinding or sawing sparks. Reduced noise compared to grinders and chop saws.
PORTABLE & POWERFUL – First mobile strut cutter offering shop-quality results out on site. Battery powered and lightweight for workplace versatility.
SAFETY & SIMPLICITY– Improves safety by eliminating rotating blades. Simple to use in seconds. Time saving dedicated window helps you measure the length of each cut.
SILENT & STRAIGHT– Approximately 3000 cuts per die, 200 cuts per charge, 30 minutes battery recharge – compatible with RIDGID 32kN press tools.
JK Jointing Ltd are a leading contractor providing Medium & High Voltage Electrical Services – this includes the repair, jointing, termination and testing of MV Cables & Substations up to 33kV. JK Jointing are members of the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS) and Lloyds accredited competent contractors.
Pictured | Lovink Enertech medium voltage cable joints installed onto Western Power Distribution (WPD) network by JKJ to connect and energise 11kV substation power cables – their Jointers are training and authorised by leading MV cable accessory manufacturers including Tyco, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer and Ensto.
Lovink Joints utilise LoviSil silicone filled technology for the straight, branch and transition jointing of medium voltage power cables. LoviSil branch joints can be applied regardless of the main cable type – with branch joints a polymeric cable can be directly connected to paper or polymeric medium voltage cables. No extra transition joints are needed and less excavation costs.
Lovink cable jointing system comprises two methods of protection : MV electrical insulation is inside a polyester inner joint, provided by the combination of a polymeric tube set (primary insulation) and a high-grade silicone-based compound.
Sector Spotlight | Data Centres
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment to service providers working on hyper-scale data centres including Equinix, Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne and Interxion. We have recently supplied Warsaw RDCC (Rapid Deployment Data Centres) with sealing systems for the protection of cable ducts against water ingress/gas migration and cable termination products for the connection of 33kV power cables switchgear and transformers – the project is part of a $1 billiondigital transformation plan for Poland announced by Microsoft.
We can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations and connectors for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 33kV.
After sponsoring the Event in the South, Thorne & Derrick are delighted to be exhibiting at Energyx2022 North in September.
DATE & TIME – Wed, 21 September 2022, 09:00 – 16:00 BST
LOCATION –Chester Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, CH1 2LY
Following on from ENERGYx2020/21, COP26 and the UK government’s drive for us all to reduce the use of fossil fuels ENERGYx2022 will be a great place to benchmark our progress. The challenges reaching Net Zero creates for transmitting and distributing electricity whilst maintaining safe and reliable networks, though not insurmountable requires a lot of joined up and collaborative thinking.
One of this year’s themes is ‘Best Practice’. All networks are facing similar challenges and the opportunity to learn about the use of products or services that another Network Operator is successfully deploying is not to be missed. The world class suppliers available in one place to the electricity industry is unrivalled for a free to attend event. Come along and meet those inventing, producing, and supplying the best practice solutions.
Please note your ticket (s) will be scanned on entry to the event, so please either print your ticket in advance or have your ticket ready to scan on your mobile phone.
VOLTS! By,
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes Joints, Terminations & Connectors to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.
Testimonial Organiser | EA Technology Event | Industrial Forum 2025 Title | Keeping Electrical Switchgear Safe Date | 14th October Location | Chester Racecourse By | Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick | Co-Exhibitor with...
Thorne & Derrick International, the UK’s leading Specialist Distributor of LV HV Cable Accessories, Tooling & Hazardous Area Electrical Equipment, are celebrating 40 years of supplying products and solutions that ensure the safety and reliability of industrial heating, lighting...