220-1102 Question 716
Single answerLifting techniquesA support technician is replacing several UPS units in a server room. One of the old units must be lifted from the floor onto a cart for transport to storage. The technician wants to reduce the risk of back injury while moving the equipment. Which action is the BEST lifting technique to use?
- A
Keep the UPS close to the body, bend at the knees, and lift with the legs while keeping the back as straight as possible
- B
Bend at the waist, grip the sides firmly, and lift quickly to reduce the amount of time under strain
- C
Hold the UPS away from the torso so there is room to see the path clearly while lifting
- D
Twist at the hips while rising so the unit can be placed onto the cart in one motion
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests practical workplace safety knowledge relevant to CompTIA A+ objectives on safety procedures and proper lifting techniques. The best practice for lifting heavy IT equipment is to assess the load first, keep it close to the body, bend at the knees, lift with the legs, and avoid twisting motions. If the item is too heavy or awkward, use a cart or team lift rather than attempting to move it alone. These recommendations align with general occupational safety guidance commonly reflected in workplace training and OSHA safe-material-handling principles.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Standard safe-lifting practice is to keep the load close to the body, bend at the knees, maintain a neutral or straight back, and lift with the legs. This reduces stress on the lower back and improves control of the equipment. In an IT environment, this is especially important when moving heavy devices such as UPS units, printers, or servers.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Bending at the waist places significant strain on the lower back and is a common cause of lifting injuries. Lifting quickly does not make the task safer; it often reduces control and increases the chance of both injury and dropping the equipment.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Holding a heavy item away from the torso increases leverage on the spine, making the load feel heavier and increasing back strain. Although visibility matters, the safer approach is to keep the load close and ensure the path is clear before lifting.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Twisting while lifting is unsafe because it places extra stress on the spine and can lead to muscle strain or disc injury. Best practice is to lift first, then pivot the entire body with the feet instead of twisting the torso.