Week 3 - manual handling

Question 1

Define manual handling

Answer 1

Any task requiring a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing

Question 2

State the consequences of poor manual handling techniques

Answer 2

Modifying techniques, time off, surgery, leaving profession

Question 3

Describe the 5 components of a hazardous task

Answer 3

Manual handling involving one or more of the following-
- repetitive or sustained force
- high or sudden force
- repetitive movement
- sustained or awkward posture
- exposure to vibration

Question 4

List scenarios in physio where manual handling is required

Answer 4

• handling weights in gym
• assisting clients eg. support while walking
• standby assist to balance exercises

Question 5

List the hierarchy of control to manage hazards

Answer 5

• eliminate hazard / substitute task
• susbtitue hazard w/ lesser risk
• isolate hazard (from person at risk)
• use engineering controls eg. adjust bed height
• use administrative control eg. establish policies, procedures + practices to reduce exposure to risks

Question 6

Describe the principle of efficient movement

Answer 6

Max productivity / min effort
- use large muscle groups to generate force w/ less effort
- weight shift rather than step
- position self in line of force

Question 7

Describe the principle of neutral s curves

Answer 7

Maintain s curve of spine so that shear forces in lumbar spine reduced

Question 8

Describe the principle of wide BOS

Answer 8

Enables greater area to move in where LOG stays in BOS

Question 9

Describe the principle of keeping load close

Answer 9

Load closer to body means that load arm is reduced
- less effort force required to hold item

Question 10

Describe the principle of appropriate footwear

Answer 10

Some friction necessary but not too much
- need to resist slipping over

Question 11

Describe the principle of safe environment

Answer 11

Need adequate space
- for therapist + patient movement
- only essential equipment
- proper ventilation + appropriate lighting + noise