Manual Handling

Question 1

Before beginning a lift, what is the first thing that must be done

Think environment

Answer 1

That the path to the destination is clear of risks and obstructions

Question 2

Gloves should be worn to prevent injury from ___ or ____ edges

Answer 2

• Rough
• Sharp

Question 3

Which body part should be used to test the weight of the object before lifting?

Answer 3

Your foot

Question 4

Once the object has been determined to be safe for you to lift, how should you start the lift?

Answer 4

From a good base, with your legs hip-width apart

Question 5

During the lift how should your back be posistioned?

Answer 5

Straight and upright

Question 6

During the lift which part of your body should be doing most of the work?

Answer 6

Your leg muscles, thighs etc.

Question 7

During the lift which part of the body should be bent?

Answer 7

Your knees

Question 8

What should be avoided during the lift?

Answer 8

Sudden movements and twisting of the spine

Question 9

What is the name of an injury which results in immediate pain?

Answer 9

An acute injury

Question 10

What is the name of an injury which can take months or years to manifest?

Answer 10

A chronic injury

Question 11

When it comes to manual handling…

What are the most common injuries?

Answer 11

• Torn ligaments
• Hernias
• Slipped discs
• Sprains to muscles and joints

Question 12

What year did the Manual Handling Operations Regulations come into effect?

Answer 12

1992

Question 13

When it comes to Manual Handling…

How must employers reduce the risks from manual handling?

Two answers

Answer 13

• Avoiding it if possible
• Automating lifting processes if it cannot be avoided

Question 14

When considering Manual Handling tasks:

What four things must the employer consider?

Answer 14

• load
• working environment
• employee
• task

Question 15

Under the Manual Handling Regulations…

What must employees consider before beginning a manual lifting operation?

7 examples

Answer 15

• Be aware of your own strength and limitations
• Decide if you need help from others
• Always use mechanical aids if available
• Be aware of the item’s weight
• Wear gloves for hand protection
• Wear safety boots for foot protection
• Make sure the surrounding area is clear and safe

Question 16

Before attempting manual handling/ lifting…

What PPE might you decide to use if appropriate for the task at hand?

6 potential pieces of PPE

Answer 16

• Footwear (steel toe caps)
• Eye protection (glasses/ goggles)
• Respirator
• Safety helmet
• Industrial gloves
• Protective clothing (overalls/ dust coat)

Question 17

When planning a lift…

What three steps must you take before beginning a lift?

Answer 17

• Know where it is going and where it is to be placed/ how
• Plan the route and remove any obstacles
• Place the feet correctly: feet apart with a strong base

Question 18

When lifting a load…

What four things must you do?

Answer 18

• Keep your feet apart alongside the load - one foot slightly further back
• Hold the load as close to your bodty as possible
• Keep back straight - let your leggies do the workies
• Push off with the back foot in one smooth motion

Question 19

When carrying a load…

What six things must you do?

Answer 19

• Keep arms close to the body
• Grip with the palms and roots of fingies
• Avoid twisting, turn by moving your feet, not your body
• Avoid pinching fingies
• Hold the load so you have a clear view ahead
• Put the load down carefully

Question 20

When performing a two person lift…

What two things should be established?

Answer 20

• A team leader is chosen, someone to call the shots and the other to follow instructions
• The effort of each person should be the same

Question 21

True or false:
You can use any lifting equipment if it’s on a construction site, or in your workplace.

Answer 21

False.
Only use equipment that you are qualified to use.
You fuck-bag.

Question 22

Who’s responsibility is it to ensure that building material is stored in a safe and secure location?

Answer 22

The person using the material (the builder)

Question 23

Name four pieces of mechanical lifting equipment (excluding vehicles)

Answer 23

• Barrows
• Pallet trucks
• Sack trucks
• Hods

Question 24

How might you move an object that is impossible to lift?

(Without using vehicles or cranes)

Answer 24

Move the item on rollers

Question 25

If you planned to move an item by using rollers…

What should the impossible to move item be unloaded onto when delivered onto site?

Answer 25

Onto timber bearers

Question 26

Explain the process of moving a heavy item on rollers

Answer 26

The heavy item should be placed on cylinders (wooden or steel or other durable material) and then gently pushed forward.
More cylinders should be placed under the front of the object, allowing the item to move forward, taking from the back of the object to keep it efficient.