

Solution: Vacuum Lifters for Windows and Sheet Materials

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	Description:	Manually installing large windows and sheet materials requires workers to handle heavy and bulky objects. You may need to lift and carry them some distance to the installation site. When installing them, you may have to use a lot of strength to hold them while they are placed and secured. A vacuum lifter can be attached to a forklift, or to a small counter-balanced crane built in the shop. It can also be attached to a larger crane for outdoor work. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Serious muscle and joint injuries arising from stress on the back and shoulders while lifting heavy and bulky objects to manually install windows.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Vacuum lifters eliminate the need to manually lift and position heavy and awkward materials.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Manual handling of windows and flat panels becomes increasingly awkward and difficult as their size and weight increases. Using vacuum or suction systems reduces hazards and fatigue. Mechanical systems that position and hold the window or panel in place while it is secured result in even greater improvements.
	Effects on Productivity:	Large window units and other panels can be installed without the usual physical stress that comes with lifting, carrying, holding, and positioning heavy objects. Using lifters will help reduce the possibility that a worker will develop a muscle or joint injury. A vacuum lifter also keeps the fingers and arms from being caught in pinch points when positioning and setting the window or panel. There should be a gain in productivity, since workers will be less fatigued and able to install more windows or panels. There may also be less damage to windows and other materials.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Improved lifting mechanics or mechanical lifting and positioning aides can improve productivity of crews handling windows or panels and reduce fatigue and injuries. Equipment costs, operating skills, and number of task repetitions must be considered.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Wood’s Powr-Grip™ Company, Inc. For purchasing information visit www.powrgrip.com or contact 1-888-769-7474 or by contact form Anver Corporation For purchasing information visit www.anver.com or contact 1-800-654-3500 or by contact form Schmalz Inc. For purchasing information visit http://us.schmalz.com/ or contact 1-919-713-0880 or schmalz@schmalz.us
	Additional Considerations:	In commercial buildings unitized building skin panels or windows can be placed from the interior of the structure with similar but larger equipment. This can reduce crane hook-time and associated schedule costs, but can only be implemented at the design phase of the structure or building. Designing windows and panels to weigh so much that mechanical lifting aides or cranes are required, because manual handling is impossible, may also reduce lifting injury risks.
	Hazards Addressed:	Drywall, Glass & Floor Coverings Cut, etch and install decorative glass Cuts and punctures from tools or materials Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials handling) Cut, place and install windows, mirrors and protective glass and plastic Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials handling)
	Sources:	Albers, James T., and Estill, Cheryl F. Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers. DHHS (NIOSH) Publications. March 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh. To view the Table of Contents for the Simple Solutions Document, please visit: http://www.cpwr.com/simple.html. Please send requests for copies of this publication to cdcinfo@cdc.gov, referencing document number 2007-122.