Lesson 1Mechanical aids and equipment: wheelbarrows, sack trucks, hoists, and pallet jacks selectionIntroduces common mechanical aids such as wheelbarrows, sack trucks, hoists, and pallet jacks used locally. Covers selection, inspection, load limits, operating techniques, and housekeeping to reduce manual strain and prevent handling incidents.
Choosing the right aid for load and distancePre-use checks and reporting defectsLoad limits, stability, and center of gravitySafe pushing, pulling, and route selectionUsing hoists and lifts with correct slingingStorage, charging, and maintenance basicsLesson 2Cement bag storage: dry storage, off-ground pallets, stacking heights and weather protectionCovers safe storage of cement bags in dry, ventilated areas using pallets and dunnage in Namibia's climate. Explains stacking heights, stability, rotation of stock, and weather protection to prevent moisture damage, contamination, and risks.
Selecting dry, covered storage locationsUsing pallets and off-ground supportsMaximum stacking heights and stability rulesWeatherproofing, tarps, and condensation risksStock rotation, labeling, and batch controlHousekeeping and spill or tear managementLesson 3Timber and rebar handling: bundling, tag-lines, cutting safety, and PPE for splinters and sharp endsCovers safe handling of timber and rebar, including bundling, tag-lines, and control of sharp ends. Explains cutting safety, PPE selection, and coordination with lifting equipment to prevent strikes, punctures, and handling injuries locally.
Bundling, banding, and secure tying methodsUsing tag-lines to control suspended loadsHandling sharp ends and projecting barsCutting areas, guards, and spark controlPPE for splinters, cuts, and eye protectionCommunication with crane and hoist operatorsLesson 4Timber and rebar storage: racking, chocking, segregation, and corrosion/weather protectionExplains correct storage of timber and rebar using racks, chocks, and bundling in Namibia. Covers segregation by size and type, corrosion and weather protection, housekeeping, and inspection to prevent collapse, damage, and injuries.
Design and loading limits of storage racksChocking, dunnage, and preventing roll or slipSegregating timber and rebar by size and gradeCorrosion control and weatherproof coveringsHousekeeping, access aisles, and trip controlInspection, damage reporting, and tag-outLesson 5Concrete block storage: stable stacking, protection from rain, and edge shoring to prevent collapseExplains how to stack and store concrete blocks to prevent collapse, damage, and water ingress in local weather. Covers base preparation, stack patterns, height limits, edge protection, signage, and inspection of stored blocks and areas.
Preparing firm, level bases for block stacksStacking patterns, bonding, and interlockingMaximum stack heights and stability checksEdge shoring, barriers, and exclusion zonesWeather protection and drainage planningRoutine inspections and defect reportingLesson 6Site routes and exclusion zones: defining walkways, vehicle segregation, and temporary ramps for material movementDefines safe site routes for people and vehicles, including walkways, crossings, ramps, and loading points in Namibia. Covers signage, barriers, lighting, inspections, and controls that prevent collisions, trips, and material handling incidents.
Planning pedestrian and vehicle circulation routesDesigning and marking pedestrian walkwaysVehicle segregation, barriers, and crossing pointsTemporary ramps, gradients, and edge protectionSignage, lighting, and traffic management plansRoutine inspections and route maintenanceLesson 7Manual handling fundamentals: safe lifting posture, spine mechanics, and team lift coordinationIntroduces manual handling principles, including risk assessment, load evaluation, and safe lifting posture. Explains spine mechanics, center of gravity, team lifting, and use of aids to reduce strain, fatigue, and musculoskeletal injuries locally.
Assessing the load, route, and personal limitsNeutral spine, hip hinge, and foot positioningGrip, load close to body, and smooth movementTeam lifting communication and coordinationUsing mechanical aids instead of pure muscleRecognizing fatigue and early injury signsLesson 8Concrete block handling: safe carrying methods, two-person carry techniques, and mechanical lifting aidsDetails safe handling of concrete blocks, including single and two-person carries, use of gloves, and planning routes. Explains mechanical lifting aids, loading and unloading methods, and controls to prevent crush injuries and strains.
Selecting appropriate gloves and PPESingle-person carry posture and load limitsTwo-person carry methods and coordinationUsing block grabs and mechanical liftersSafe loading, unloading, and stacking stepsManaging uneven ground and step transitionsLesson 9Cement bag handling: lifting techniques, PPE for dust, and ergonomic measuresFocuses on safe handling of cement bags, including lifting techniques, team lifts, and use of mechanical aids. Explains dust hazards, PPE selection, ergonomic planning, and housekeeping to reduce strain, slips, and respiratory exposure in Namibia.
Assessing bag weight and planning the liftSingle and team lifting techniques for bagsUsing trolleys, pallet jacks, and hoistsDust hazards, masks, and eye protectionWorkstation layout and task rotationCleaning spills and controlling slip risks
