Manual Handling

Question 1

What are the 4 movements involved in manual handling? (4)

Answer 1

• Lifting/lowering
• Pushing/pulling
• Holding/carrying
• Throwing/dropping

Question 2

Why is manual handling training important? (4)

Answer 2

• It’s the law
• Reduce cost to MOD
• Provide safe working environment for employees
• Decrease prevalence of back pain and work-related muscular-skeletal disorders

Question 3

Which laws and legislation are relevant to manual handling? (3)

Answer 3

• Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regularions (MHSWR) 1999
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Question 4

What does TILE stand for?

Answer 4

• Task
• Individual capability
• Load
• Environment

Question 5

What are the employer’s responsibilities regarding manual handling? (5)

Answer 5

• Avoid risk where possible
• Assess risk and manage
• Train, inform, supervise
• Conduct manual handling risk assessments
• Report manual handling accidents to CoC when applicable

Question 6

What are the employee’s responsibilities regarding manual handling? (5)

Answer 6

• Co-operate
• Report shortcomings
• Report all accidents or near misses
• If equipment is provided to reduce risk, employee legally must use it
• Use correct procedures (from training)

Question 7

What is the weight vs force equation used in manual handling? (2)

Answer 7

1kg of weight close to the body exerts 10kg of force onto the muscles of the back.
1kg weight held at arms length exerts 100kg of force onto the muscles of the back.