Solution Summary: Mobile Toolbox
A mobile toolbox is a container that can be transported to and from worksites attached to a trailer hitch.
Description:
A mobile toolbox is an engineering control that reduces heavy lifting and carrying by allowing toolboxes to be transported to and from the worksite via a trailer hitch attachment. The mobile toolbox sits in a wheeled cart and can be pushed or pulled from an upright position, eliminating lifting and carrying.
A mobile toolbox is attached to a trailer hitch including electrical wiring for taillights (Figure 1). The toolbox sits in a wheeled cart with four, all-terrain pneumatic tires. A hand cranked scissors lift allows the cart to be lifted/lowered between the trailer hitch and the ground, providing 16-26 in of ground clearance. Lift capacity is between 250-500 lb, depending on the make and model. The toolboxes are lockable, weather resistant, and made from gauged steel or aluminum. Mobile toolboxes are approximately 57 in long, 20 in wide, and 24 in tall with between 10.5-16.5 cubic feet of interior space.
Figure 1. The Rescue42 Vault
To lift a mobile toolbox from the ground onto the trailer hitch, the toolbox is first positioned behind the vehicle. Next, the hand crank is operated to lift the toolbox to the height of the hitch (Figure 2). The toolbox is connected and secured to the hitch. The hand crank is then operated in the reverse direction to lift the cart up to the toolbox. Fastener straps are available to ensure the toolbox is secured to the cart. These steps are repeated in reverse to lower the toolbox from the hitch to the ground.
Figure 2. GO! Products® Chassi Box (discontinued)
The toolbox is transported on the ground by pushing or pulling the handle attached to the cart (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Carting the Rescue42 Vault
Risks Addressed:
Heavy lifting and carrying can cause low back disorders, such as muscle strain or a disc herniation (“slipped disc”), which is bulging of disc material possibly pressing on the spinal cord or nerves that go into the leg. A mobile toolbox can reduce lifting and carrying by utilizing a hand crank scissor lift to raise the toolbox to the trailer hitch for transportation. Also, the wheeled cart eliminates lifting and carrying when the toolbox is on the ground.
How Risks are Reduced:
A mobile toolbox minimizes lifting and carrying because the scissors lift raises and lowers the toolbox to and from the trailer hitch. In addition, the wheeled cart eliminates lifting and carrying tools at a worksite and can be operated from an upright position.
Although no studies have been done on the mobile toolbox, there is ample evidence that low back disorders are associated with lifting (Bernard, 1997; Andersen, Haahr, and Frost, 2007). Research has shown a strong association between low back pain and forceful lifting.
The manufacturer, R42 Vault, believes that a mobile toolbox can decrease lifting and risk of associated MSDs, stating “one person can easily mount up to 250 lbs of gear without lifting a thing!” In addition, a mobile toolbox “makes driving equipment to job sites safe and easy.”
Safety and health experts believe that using a mobile toolbox is safer than lifting traditional toolboxes because they eliminate lifting and the associated strain on the workers back.
Effects on Productivity:
A mobile toolbox increases productivity on the worksite.
Additional Considerations:
The frequency of use of a mobile toolbox should be considered prior to purchase because the benefit may not outweigh the price if only used occasionally.
The hand crank scissor lift may require repetitive cranks performed in a stooped posture.
A mobile toolbox may not be realistic for some contractors. Different gang boxes that are used for different jobs are not compatible with the mobile toolbox. Replacing all of the job boxes with the mobile toolbox would be expensive and timely.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Availability
Rescue42 Vault
To obtain information, visit http://r42vault.com/
or contact 1-888-427-3728 Lydia@rescue42.com
