Can one person move a loaded container?

A loaded Isotec TBX starts in the HSE high-risk band above 500 kg total mass; the route decides whether one person can handle it.

17 July 2024Updated 28 September 2026

Short answer

In the HSE pushing and pulling tool (RAPP), a total mass above 500 kg puts a wheeled container in the high-risk band. GEBHARDT Isotec TBX carries 500 or 700 kg, and once the container's own weight is added a full unit falls in that band. Even on a flat, dry, short route it should be weighed and tried on the real route before it counts as a one-person job.

The HSE RAPP tool classes containers with three or more wheels (roll cages, for example) by total mass, and the container's own weight counts toward it.

Total mass	Risk
under 250 kg	Low
250-500 kg	Medium
500-750 kg	High
over 750 kg	Very high

GEBHARDT Isotec TBX models of 410-795 litres carry 500 kg and those of 900 litres and above carry 700 kg. A TBX loaded with 500 kg lands in the high band once its own weight is added; one loaded with 700 kg comes up against the 750 kg limit. Filling to capacity is not compulsory: where a store has no dock and one person receives, a lower fill is an operating decision.

The tool scores the route too: a 3-5 degree slope is medium; ramps steeper than 5 degrees, steps and wet floors are high; a route over 10 m adds points. Pushing the loaded container once along the real route and watching whether the user struggles gives the final answer.