OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9. Housekeeping Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
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■■Know how many people will be required to move the item and make
sure they are all aware of their part in the move.
4.4 PREPARE YOURSELF
■■Before moving an item, remove all apparel that might scratch or snag the item, including
rings, watches, lockets, key chains, belt buckles and pens protruding from pockets.
■■When handling furniture white cotton gloves should be worn except when there is
risk of slippage in which case latex or vinyl gloves should be used.
■■Latex or vinyl gloves should be worn when handling metal, ceramic and glass items.
4.5 PREPARE THE ITEM
■■Danger in moving any item is increased by unusual size or weight. Each large
and/ or heavy piece should be treated as a special problem.
■■Always extend extra care to decorative, ornamental areas, as these areas are
particularly susceptible to damage from applied pressure or sudden shock.
■■Before moving an item remove loose sections if this can be done without damage.
For example, cushions from benches and drawers from desks.
■■To move chests, desks, or any other piece of furniture containing drawers, the first step is to
take out the drawers. Using chalk or small self-sticking labels, mark correct placement for them
on the underside and reinstall them after the piece has been moved to its new location.
4.6 REMEMBER YOUR OWN SAFETY
■■Refer to the OPH Occupational Health and Safety Procedures.
■■As you begin to lift an item, don’t bend; squat instead, keeping your back straight. Be sure your body
weight is centred over your feet. Lift by straightening your legs and keep the load close to your body.
■■To unload - again, squat; and keep your back straight.
■■If you have to turn with the load, avoid any twisting motion - instead, shift your feet.
■■No carrying box or container should have a weight greater than two people can carry with safety.
■■If you must lift something heavy above waist level, don’t try to do it in one motion. Instead,
set the load down on a table and change your grip before lifting it higher.
4.7 MOVING ITEMS ON A TROLLEY
■■Never overload any container or carrying device (eg. trolley).
■■Only move one item at a time.
■■Never put both lightweight and heavy items in the same carrying box or container.
■■Avoid speed with loaded trolleys, hand-trucks and containers. Avoid abrupt stops and jerks.
■■Two people must always accompany items loaded on a trolley.
4.8 NOTES FOR FURNITURE HANDLING
■■Never slide furniture along the floor.
■■All furniture must be carried or lifted onto a trolley or furniture dolly.
■■Never lift a piece of furniture by any projecting part. No decorative part of a piece
of furniture was intended to bear the entire weight of the piece.
■■Never lift a chair by the arms or the back. Chairs should always be lifted by their seat rails.
■■Avoid lifting tables by their tops; lift them by their legs or supporting rails instead.