Solution Summary: Wire Dispensing Cart
A transporting device for wire spools to help reduce musculoskeletal injuries from manual material handling.
Description:
A wire dispensing cart is an engineering control that can reduce musculoskeletal disorders from manual material handling and stooped postures. It is a transporting device that allows one worker to transport a large wire spool or multiple smaller diameter wire spools. They also serve as a mobile workstation that allows quick wire dispense. These trucks are generally constructed out of welded steel and heavy-duty casters.
Sumner Wire Spool Cart
The Sumner wire spool cart (figure 1) features an all-steel frame and is equipped with 10-inch wheels for smooth mobility and is designed for easy setup to facilitate cable dispensing. It is compact to fit through 32-inch doorways and has a lifting capacity of 350 pounds. The dimensions of the cart are 31.5 inches in width, 16 inches in depth, and 63.5 inches in height, and it weighs 80 pounds.
Figure 1. Sumner Wire Spool Cart.
Greenlee Wire Dispenser Assembly
The Greenlee Wire Dispenser Assembly (figure 2), includes two fixed and two swivel locking heavy-duty casters. The spool rack consists of ten spindles for up to 18-inch diameter spools and an adjustable guide loop which can be turned 360 degrees independent of the base. The spindles are angled to contain reels and act as a brake while paying out wire. The dimension of this unit, in inches, is 36.25 length x 31.5 width x 59 height and weighs 196 pounds.
Figure 2. Greenlee Wire Dispenser Assembly (Photo courtesy of Greenlee Tools, Inc.)
In addition to the wire dispenser configuration above, Greenlee Tools also offer alternative wire dispensing carts (figure 3 and 4).
Figure 3. Greenlee Wire Reel Cart (Photo courtesy of Greenlee Tools, Inc.)
Figure 4. Greenlee Wire Dispenser (Photo courtesy of Greenlee Tools, Inc.)
Risks Addressed:
Heavy manual material handling and stooped postures can cause musculoskeletal disorders of the low back, such as muscle strain or a disc herniation (“slipped disc”), which is bulging of disc material possibly pressing on the spinal cord or nerves that go into the leg.
How Risks are Reduced:
Wire dispensing carts reduce heavy lifting and carrying by supporting multiple wire spools during movement across a variety of surfaces. In addition, these carts can easily dispense wire at a proper height reducing the need for workers to routinely bend over to unwind wire spools if they are set on the floor.
Additional Considerations:
Operators of wire dispensing carts need to be mindful of securing the handle bar in an upright position to prevent tripping hazards.
Overloading the top tier supports with wire spools can cause wire dispensing carts to become top heavy and unstable. This creates risk for tipping and struck-by hazards as workers will be pulling wires or travelling across uneven surfaces. It is important to distribute the load the wire spools evenly. In addition, it is recommended users follow all manufacturer guidelines before using this equipment to ensure worker safety and compliance with applicable local, state or federal regulations.
Contributors:
Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Hazards Addressed:
- Electrical
- Install and maintain electrical control systems
- Install interior wiring systems
- Lift and carry wire, cables and conduit
- Load, unload and distribute construction materials
- Rig, load and transport construction debris
Availability
Greenlee Tools, Inc.
To obtain information, visit Wire Dispenser Assembly
or contact 1-800-435-0786 grncustomerservice@emerson.com
Sumner Outlet
To obtain information, visit Wire Spool Cart
or contact 1-866-754-9077 sales@sumneroutlet.com
