When Archimedes uttered the famous line, "Give me a lever and a place to stand, and I can move the Earth," he was stating a principle of physics. Perhaps unwittingly, he was also describing well‐designed long handled tools. A tool is a device that extends the human body and multiplies any force exerted. Archimedes' lever was an extension of his arm that increased the lifting force applied to one end. The same is true for long handled tools. Whatever their shape or purpose, long handled tools extend some part of your body and multiply the strength applied. For instance, when you use a shovel to pick‐up tear‐off it is obvious that it is considerably more efficient than pocking it up by hand. Unfortunately, the handles on most all shovels require two hands to use. In addition they require proper positioning to use safely. Always avoiding twisting and turning motions when moving materials and use shovels with the appropriate length handles. Power transference; A long handle acts as a lever, transferring your energy to the tool and multiplying the effect so you can do more work with less effort. This is not a new idea ‐ ancient man used sticks to dig in the ground, an application of this principle. Balance; A longer handle counterbalances the weight of the tool head, making it less fatiguing to use, especially over long periods. Reach; Long‐handled tools extend the length of your reach, which has many advantages. Obviously, you can reach further without moving. But the longer reach also lets you spread material around areas that might be otherwise difficult to manage, such as when using asphalt mop with a long handle. Control; The advantages of long‐handled tools might lead you to believe that two‐hand‐use tools are the way to go. What you get from these in terms of leverage, however, you sacrifice in control. For example, the short handled shovel is used to move bulk materials a short distance while a long handled shovel may be used for prying up the roof or for pulling nails or for digging materials. Many new long handles are now made of light‐weight fiberglass and have handles that are cushioned or have a non‐
slip grip for better control and comfort. Remember the taller you are the longer the handle on the tool should be. Wonderful as they are, long‐handled tools can be difficult to find. High grade shovels, mops, and roller handles come in several lengths and should be purchased from a good supplier. You could also replace the handle with a longer one. Avoid the discount store that carries tools. Most are made overseas and the handles are many times 4 to 6 inches shorter that the standard 5 foot handle sold in the USA. This document is purely advisory and intended to assist our clients in their loss control and safety procedures. ComplyAbility does not imply or
guarantee full compliance with local, state or federal regulations which may be applicable to such practices and conditions. This training tool is not
intended to be all inclusive of the governmental regulations.