How to Lift Beer Kegs Safely

Though your friends might make fun of you, an injury from a beer keg is no laughing matter. Beer kegs can weigh around 167 lbs., according to the United States Department of Labor, and anyone who must routinely lift kegs, such as delivery or bar staff, can put themselves at risk. The safest way to handle kegs is to lift them as infrequently as possible. When you must lift the keg, take care to do it in the safest manner.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on work gloves to get a better grip on the keg.

• 2

  "Walk" the keg as far as you can without lifting it. To do this, tilt the keg on its side and move the other side as far forward as possible, then repeat on the other side.

• 3

  Bend your knees so that you can grab the keg without bending your upper body at more than a 10-degree angle.

• 4

  Tilt the keg up and grab the underside, with the other hand holding the handle at the top.

• 5

  Grip tightly, tighten your stomach muscles and straighten your legs. This allows you to "lift with your legs" rather than using your back, which can cause injury.

• 6

  Bend your knees again when setting the keg down.