Which Bag? – EMBE Workshop (2012)

BAG/LOAD CARRYING DEVICE / CASE FOR USE / CAUTIONS
Long Handled Satchel Bag
/ Can be used in a variety of positions e.g. Across the body, on one shoulder, in front of the body.
Spreads the load over both shoulders when worn across the body.
Convenient and flexible.
A secure load.
Keeps load close to the body.
Enables hands to be kept free for opening doors or holding on to stair rail.
Leaves hands free to carry another object or bag
Good for carrying small objects in one load.
Can be placed on the floor without bending.
Not a trip hazard when walking
Easier to run with (or jump out of helicopter)
Limit to how much can be put inside it therefore lighter than some other bags. / Can get caught up in revolving doors etc
Can be uncomfortable – weight can be on a small area if narrow strap.
If not worn diagonally across the body will make more unbalanced.
Further to lift from the floor.
Can be overloaded and become too heavy
Rucksack
/ Even weight distribution- provide waist/hip strap available.
Keeps hands free.
Ergonomic/biomechanical advantages as forces are spread evenly.
Padded straps increase comfort.
Adjustable straps will make it easier to get on/off
Waist straps help to keep the load close to the spine
Good choice of sizes available – can be contoured to the spine. Some versions available which have a trolley handle and wheels integrated into it.
Good for posture – symmetrical position
Keeps the load close.
Stable load. Lightweight
Very versatile. Can be worn on the front of the body as well as on the back. / Can be difficult to get on/off
Getting the 2nd strap on can cause stress on the shoulder
Posture risks on removal and when putting in to place.
Got to take it off to get in to it
Disadvantages re security - unable to keep an eye on what is in it or what is happening to it.
People tend not to use both straps and use it as a shoulder bag.
Trailing straps can get caught up etc
Problems on escalators and on public transport
Rolling Rucksack
/ Lightweight
Dual purpose bag – rucksack or wheeled trolley bag
Waterproof
Built in lap top sleeve
Lots of pockets
Pockets for tucking straps in / Can tip over quite readily due to small base especially those with wheels that are not on the edge.
Dirty wheels could contaminate user
Other disadvantages as above with conventional rucksack
BAG/LOAD CARRYING DEVICE / CASE FOR USE / CAUTIONS
Wheeled Extending Handled Case
/ Limits the amount of lifting/carrying.
Pulling rather than lifting.
Extending handle allows for better posture.
Can handle/move larger/heavier loads.
Extra handles for lifting in different positions.
Not so far to bend when lifting from the floor.
Contents closed in and protected from bad weather. Waterproof fabric.
Inner compartment with padding to protect laptop
Looks professional.
Good for security – lockable
Can also be carried
Will fit into overhead locker on aeroplane journey. / Can have a tendency to overfill
Trip hazard- pavements. Stairs and steps become a problem.
Heavy for lifting upstairs and in/out of boot of car.
Can tip over quite readily due to small base especially those with wheels that are not on the edge.Poor cornering
Small wheels – problems with some terrain.
Thresholds can be a problem.
Impact/vibration to hands and arms
Wheeling – upper limb abducted
Twisted posture and stress full position for shoulder while wheeling.
Can be overloaded and become very heavy.
Some designs of the handle can be uncomfortable on the fingers e.g. T bar
Cases
/ Better for security.
Can transport many things.
Stack better e.g. on luggage racks.
May make you think more about how to deal with the load.
Has a hard shell to protect contents.
One large compartment –good capacity. / Can be overloaded. Can be heavy.
Distances limited
No options for how to carry it – only one handle
Can be big and bulky.
Encourages unbalanced posture
No wheels to aid transportation.
The contents may move around inside.
Folding Hand Truck
/ Good for distances.
Strong and heavy duty.
Handle at waist level.
Large wheels more stable over different terrains.
Can aid transfer of large goods.
Light weight to aid transfer at other end of the journey.
Useful elastic strap to secure the load.
Can push or pull.
Good posture when unfolding for those that have special button. / If goods not secure they can fall off.
Can be stability issues.
When pulling behind can be a risk of getting caught up in things.
Can encourage people to overload the system.
Bending postures to decant the goods or stack the goods.
The load is exposed.
Poor posture with incorrect use.
BAG/LOAD CARRYING DEVICE / CASE FOR USE / CAUTIONS
/ Very lightweight
Space saving when folded
Easy to fold
Good for novice handler
Cheap
Water resistant
Small size limits how much can be transported – stops overloading
Small and compact for lifting e.g. in/out of car. / Handle too short for some users causing poor posture
Can be overloaded causing problems with pavements, stairs and lifting in/out of the car
Looks cheap
May not last long before breaking
Small wheels – problems over thresholds, rough terrain
Contents not protected from the weather and will get wet
Can be carried up stairs but only two points of contact
BAG/LOAD CARRYING DEVICE / CAUTIONS WHEN NEGOTIATING STEPS OR STAIRS
Wheeled Cases.
/ Small wheels make them unsuitable for negotiating steps and stairs (could be used on an escalator).
Often will have to be lifted up and down stairs.
If too big and bulky can be very difficult lifting up/down stairs.
More carrying or dragging of the load.
Small wheels so harder to control. Unbalanced and can rotate.
More wear and tear on the suitcase going up and down stairs/steps.
Stairs need to be traversed using one hand on the banister for support.
Folding Hand Trucks
/ Dragging the truck up too many stairs or steps may cause strain on the back and upper limbs especially if the load is heavy.
Going up stairs backwards.
Back ward walking. Balance when pulling.
Posture problems – fixed handle height.
Extra force needed when dealing with stair nosing.
Central handle can mean only able to use one hand and load may tip.
Care needed to make sure that the loaded is properly secured and stable. Load can fall off if not secure.
Stairs that are not very deep may be difficult to negotiate.
Other users on the stairs
Limited turning circle at top of stairs/landing.
Stairs need to be manipulated using on hand for support.
Carried Loads
/ User should have three points of contact with the stairs – HSE guidelines.
Depth of steps can reduce balance/stability.
Unsuitable footwear – decreased stability leading to slips, trips and falls.
Very demanding on the knees when carrying a load, increased when coming down or going up stairs/steps.
User behaviour – rushing
Gradient, variations in height of steps. Environment e.g. lighting, indoors or outdoors, surface of stairs, patterns on carpets narrow staircase.
Width of stair case – too wide
Cannot see your feet. Static loading while going up and down with the load.
Cannot get support from handrail. Less balanced with a load in place.
Traffic problems on the steps/stairs.Top heavy load.

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