

Solution: Telescopic rebar positioner

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	Description:	The Original telescoping rebar positioner (TRP™) is a metal device that allows a bricklayer to place rebar within a wall after multiple courses have been constructed. This installation technique is different from the traditional method of lifting concrete masonry unit (CMU) over preset rebar. A rebar positioner is a metal or plastic device placed between hollow CMU wall courses to allow a worker to guide rebar through the wall voids once a number of courses have been constructed. The feature that makes the TRP different is that a worker has the ability to lock rebar at specific heights. This reduces the height CMU need to be lifted to place it over rebar and gives the worker the ability to keep the rebar at the surface of the wall while working, decreasing the impalement risk. Wall construction is completed with less effort compared to the traditional methods. With a TRP™, the worker will: Place the rebar down the wall voids after finishing the 8th course by dropping two pieces of rebar down the center of the CMU. Clip a TRP around the two pieces of rebar. Twist one of the rebar pieces ¼ turn to lock it in position and then complete several more courses. Reach into the CMU and pull up the unlocked piece of rebar to the desired height and lock it into position by turning it 1/4 of a turn. Repeat these steps until the wall is at the desired height. A link to an installation video on you tube can be found at- http://www.heckmannbuildingprods.com/PRebar.htm More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Lifting and Carrying (Manual Materials Handling) Overhead work Stressful hand & wrist activity
	How Risks are Reduced:	The TRP™ minimizes the amount of overhead work since bricklayers do not have to lift CMU over rebar. Instead, rebar is inserted into the wall after it is built. In addition, the TRP eliminates the need to tie rebar, which reduces stressful hand and wrist activity. Finally, it eliminates protruding rebar from walls, which reduces the risk of impalement injuries.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Although specific studies on the TRP™ have not been performed, numerous research has shown that workers who perform repeated activities above shoulder level are at greater risk of sustaining shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Studies have also shown that workers who spend more time in stooped posture or other awkward back postures are at a higher risk for developing low back problems. Studies have reported a decrease in low back pain and stress among those working with materials kept at or near waist height. Manufacturers report a decrease in the stress placed on the back, shoulders, wrist, and hands when using the TRP™. Lifting CMUs up and over rebar causes stress on these injury-prone areas. Protruding rebar from unfinished walls also creates a risk on construction sites, which is eliminated by the TRP™.
	Effects on Productivity:	Productivity may be indirectly improved since using the TRP may increase the speed at which a worker can construct a wall. Bricklayers may become fatigued from lifting CMU over preset rebar and the TRP eliminates this problem. In addition to construction speed, there may be a reduction in the number of job site injuries and workers compensation claims reported.
	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:	Steel-Wich Inc. Original telescoping rebar positioner For purchasing information visit http://www.heckmannbuildingprods.com or contact 1-800-621-4140 or info@heckmannanchors.com
	Additional Considerations:	Additionally, using a TRP reduces the need to cap the protruding rebar which can prevent impalement as required by standard, 29 CFR 1926.701(b), states: "all protruding reinforcing steel, onto and into which employees could fall, shall be guarded to eliminate the hazard of impalement."
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Michael Milanoski, SPT – Eastern Washington University