Manual Handling

Question 1

Manual handling

Answer 1

Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object

Question 2

Types of Manual Handling in the workplace

Answer 2

Moving, lifting or supporting objects, pushing/pulling/wheeling trolleys, working surfaces and walk areas, restraining a load being moved, lifting heavy objects, lifting objects above chest height

Question 3

General Lifting techniques

Answer 3

think before you act, move in close to load, if low bend your knees, stabilise your stance with a broad base of support, ensure a secure grip, hold your head upright, avoid lifting loads that are obviously too heavy or awkward to lift, use controlled movements, maintain the natural curves of your spine, don’t twist your back

Question 4

General process for lifting

Answer 4

Warm up your body prior to shift and/or lift, check the path, assess the lift, position yourself for the lift, back straight, bend knees, squat for the lift, keep load close to your body, keep your head up-right

Question 5

Team lifting

Answer 5

where more than one person moves an object

Question 6

Tips for team lifting

Answer 6

should be coordinated, team members should be of similar height, one individual should control the action to ensure proper coordination, walk out of step, get another worker to guide you