4.07 Steps Involved in Properly Moving an Object to a New Location

The following paragraph takes you through the process of moving (lifting, pivoting, squatting, and carrying) a heavy object. (The same rules would apply to moving a patient.)

The object will be moved from a waist high area to a lower area five to ten feet away. The procedure will combine all the rules of body mechanics previously discussed.

Identify the object to be moved.

  • Adopt a stable base of support.
  • Your feet are separated.
  • One foot is behind the other.
  • Your back is straight.

Grasp the object at its approximate center of gravity.

Pull the object toward your body’s center of gravity using your arm and leg muscles.

Re-establish your base of support and appropriate body alignment.

  • Your back is straight.
  • You have a stable base of support.
  • You are holding the object approximately at waist height and close to your body.

Pivot toward the desired direction of travel.

  • Turn on both feet at the same time.
  • Maintain a stable balance.

Re-establish a stable base of support and appropriate body alignment.

  • Your back is straight.
  • Your feet are apart, one slightly behind the other.
  • The object is at hip level, close to your body.

Squat and place the object onto the lower area.

  • Bend at the knees and hips.
  • Maintain a straight back.
  • Maintain a stable base of support.
  • Use your arm and leg muscles (as needed) for guidance.
  • Use your leg muscles to resume an upright position.

Basic Nursing Education