Choose a shovel most suitable for the job.

Check that the handle is not loose and the blade is not damaged.

Standing. If the material is to be thrown to the right advance right foot, if to the left advance left foot.

Kneeling or Lying. Take up a position within comfortable reaching distance from the material.

If the material is to be thrown to the right grasp the handle with left hand and the shaft with the right.

If throwing to the left grasp the handle with the right hand and the shaft with the left.

Place the point of the blade close to the pile to be removed.

Push the shovel forward using the hand on the shaft to guide the shovel.

The shovel should be held at such a level that it will enter the pile without digging into the floor or riding over any of the coal or stone. Use the swing of the body to force the shovel into the pile. In the standing position the knee corresponding to the hand on the handle of the shovel can be used to give any extra force required to push the blade into the pile.

Loosen the shovel in the pile by giving a series of quick downward jerks to the handle. This will also help to ensure that the blade is full.

Draw the shovel from the pile.

Grasp the shovel close to the blade with the hand around the shaft. When kneeling or standing straighten the back and so raise the load. When lying raise the load using as a pivot the upper part of the arm of the hand which is grasping the shaft.

Swing shovel in the direction in which the load is to be thrown.

When throwing the material forward the handle should be raised above the blade to ensure that all the material is properly projected from the blade.

If the material is to be thrown to the side it is sometimes advisable during the swing to turn the blade almost vertical to ensure complete projection of the load.