How long are shovels

The most efficient shovelling rate is estimated at about scoops per minute. However, fatigue builds up over a short time at this rate. Therefore, the recommended rate for continuous shovelling tasks is usually considered to be around 15 scoops per minute.

Tasks involving continuous shovelling at this rate should not be carried on longer than fifteen minutes at a time. The shovelling rate per minute will also depend on how easily the shovel can be inserted into the material being moved e.

The length of the rest break depends on many factors. Since most shovelling is done outdoors, consideration for the prevailing conditions is very important. In the more extreme conditions such as very hot and humid, or very cold and windy, 15 minutes of shovelling should be followed by 15 minutes of rest. The load lifted should be adjusted according to the shovelling rate. For a high rate of shovelling about 15 scoops per minute the total weight weight of a shovel plus a shovel load should not exceed 5 to 7 kg about 10 to 15 lb.

For higher weights, a lower rate of scoops per minute is suggested e. In addition, the need for precise placement of the load decreases the amount to be lifted because it takes more time and effort to aim the load at a selected location. Throw height should not exceed 1. The optimal throw distance is slightly over l metre about 3 feet. The load should be reduced if the task requires a longer throw.

There are also guidelines for maximum workloads for continuous shovelling. This table is an example of such suggested by the Kodak Company. Shovelling is strenuous work and hard on both the heart and the back.

For older people or persons with a history of back or heart problems it might be better to avoid this job altogether. Shovelling is especially difficult under extreme weather conditions cold winter, hot summer. Even for the physically fit, warm-up exercises before starting shovelling is highly recommended. Flexing and stretching exercises warm and loosen the muscles and prepare them for the job ahead. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions.

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CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. OSH Answers Fact Sheets Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion.

Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. In general, a Shovel is a tool used to dig as well as to move loose, granular materials like dirt, gravel, grain, or snow from one spot to another. Spade is a tool used for digging straight-edged holes or trenches, slicing and lifting sod, and edging flower beds or lawns. The most important features in the selection of a shovel include: weight, handle type, length, and blade size and shape.

The amount of muscular effort required in shovelling depends on: the total weight of the shovel, the weight of the load it carries, how far the load is from the shoveller's body, and where the hands are placed on the handle. Use triangular or round blades with long handles for sand and dry earth. Use square blades with short handles for coarse-grained materials such as gravel, coal, or ore. Use a smaller blade shovel heads to minimize the weight of material when lifting.

Use a blade that has rolled step on the top it can be triangular, round, or straight at the bottom for digging in hard earth. This action substantially reduces strain on upper body and lower back. The major components of shovelling and digging tasks are: shovelling rates, shovel loads, throw height, and throw distance. Always contact your local utility providers before digging to determine the location of any cables, power lines, gas pipelines, water pipes, etc. Depending on the size of the blade, this is usually suitable for people between 1.

Matching the length of the shaft to your height When a shovel is placed on its end on the tip of the blade the top of the handle grip should reach your lower chest.

This will avoid constant stooping when working with the shovel. The standard length of a shovel is usually about 1. Those taller than 1. A longer shovel also gives a wider reach when grasping the shaft. Likewise, a short person digging with a long shovel may find it harder to apply enough force from the top of the shovel.

A longer shaft will also make lifting the shovel more difficult. In this respect, look for a shovel with a bent shaft. For more information, please see our section: Ergonomics and choosing the right shovel 2. Matching the length of the shaft to the task Shovels with long shafts provide more power to dig through harder materials and more leverage to pitch and throw material into a heap.

Digging deep holes and trenches, cutting through turf, awkward weeds and dense materials, as well as brisk shovelling Shovels with shorter shafts give you more control for delicate work such as digging in flower beds and confined spaces, like against a wall or in a tight corner. Working in a small area, such as a greenhouse.

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