ISO 11228-2:2007

Overview

ISO 11228-2:2007 - Ergonomics: Manual handling - Part 2: Pushing and pulling provides recommended limits and practical guidance for whole-body pushing and pulling tasks. The standard helps assess risk factors that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and fatigue for the healthy adult working population. It is based on experimental studies of push–pull tasks and covers only single-person, two-handed, upright push/pull actions performed in front of the operator, without external supports.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions
  • Clarifies terms such as initial force (to start motion), sustained force (to keep motion), and stopping force.
  • Limits application to standing/walking tasks, not seated work or team handling.
• Risk factors to evaluate
  • Force (initial vs sustained)
  • Posture (trunk/shoulder alignment, hand position, elbow height)
  • Frequency and duration of exertions
  • Distance moved and manoeuvrability
  • Object characteristics (wheels, handles, friction, visibility)
  • Environmental conditions (slopes, surfaces, lighting, temperature)
  • Individual characteristics (training, age, gender, fitness)
  • Work organization (task sequencing, maintenance, training)
• Risk assessment methods
  • Method 1: Generalized checklist for preliminary hazard identification.
  • Method 2: Specialized approach combining biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical assessment (includes muscle-strength and skeletal-based evaluation and safety limits).
• Risk reduction
  • Prioritize elimination of hazardous tasks (automation/mechanization), redesign of equipment and work layout, improved handles/casters, surface maintenance, and worker training.
• Focus on compressive loads
  • While pushing/pulling often produces higher shear forces, the standard focuses on compressive loading when proposing safety limits due to limited shear-load guidance.

Applications and users

ISO 11228-2 is used to:

• Evaluate and redesign workplace tasks to reduce MSD risk
• Specify equipment (trolleys, casters, handles) and ergonomic controls
• Inform purchasing, maintenance and work layout decisions
• Develop training, safe work procedures and occupational health assessments

Primary users include ergonomists, health & safety professionals, industrial designers, facility managers, occupational physicians, and manufacturers of material-handling equipment.

Related standards

• ISO 11228-1: Lifting and carrying
• ISO 11228-3: Handling of low loads at high frequency
• ISO 11226: Evaluation of static working postures

Keywords: ISO 11228-2, ergonomics, manual handling, pushing and pulling, workplace safety, risk assessment, musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomic design.