Lift 5 Gallon Bottles Safely
If you have a bottled water dispenser in your home or office, you occasionally may need to lift a 5 gallon bottle to refill the dispenser. A 5 gallon bottle full of water weighs approximately 45 lbs. If you don't lift it properly, you could strain your back muscles. Be sure to follow proper techniques for safe lifting to avoid injury.
Instructions
1. Use slow and smooth movements as you lift the bottle. If you hurry, or use jerky movements, you could strain the muscles in your back. Avoid sudden movements and weight shifts.
2. Keep your body facing the water bottle while you lift. If you twist to either side, you could hurt your back. Turn with your feet, not your back.
3. Tighten your stomach muscles and take a deep breath before you lift the bottle.
4. Lift the bottle with your legs. This means you should bend your knees, not your back, while picking up the bottle. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and keep one foot slightly forward while lifting to ensure balance and stability. Allow a slight arch in your lower back, and stand up straight as you lift.
5. Keep the bottle close to your body as you lift. Reaching can strain your muscles. Try to keep it at waist height.
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