Heathrow imposes bag weight limit

Forty per cent of injuries at airports are related to baggage handling

Heathrow airport is to introduce a weight limit of 32kg (70lbs) on baggage items to reduce injuries and strains among luggage handling staff.

The measure, instigated by airport operator BAA, will come into effect on 1 June.

The limit relates only to single items of luggage, while baggage allowances set down by individual airlines will not be affected.

Passengers who exceed the limit will have to repack before checking in.

BAA Heathrow managing director Mick Temple said: "We are committed to implementing safe working practices airport-wide which is why we want to make sure that all our airlines adhere to the same guidelines to help lessen manual handling injuries among airport staff."

Although the average bag weighs around 20kg (44lbs), some employees have to lift items of up to 70kg.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is backing the initiative, baggage handling injuries account for 40% of total airport injuries reported to the agency.

Scales will be available at each terminal for passengers to check their luggage before going to check-in.

Those who need to repack will find bags provided by BAA at baggage outlets inside terminals.