Manual handling

Question 1

Structure of the spine

Answer 1

(Neck) Cervical area C1 – C7
(Chest) Thoracic area T1 – T12
(Lower back) Lumbar area L1 – L5
(Tailbone) Sacrum and coccyx

Question 2

The main functions of the spine are to: 3

Answer 2

 Provide safe passage for the central nervous system, to and from the brain to the
rest of the body.
 Provide the human with a range of movement and a deal of flexibility that a single
fused bone would not.
 Act as a weight bearing structure for key body aspects, such as the rib cage,
muscles, tendons, and nerves.

Question 3

Intervertebral discs have three main functions:

Answer 3

 To act as a shock absorber, cushioning the vertebrae from vibration and
compression forces, and spreading the load out across the surface of the bone.
 Forming a strong link between the vertebrae (hence the term’ slipped disc’ is
rather a misleading one).
 Allowing movement between the bones, while at the same time controlling the
extent of the movement (in association with ligaments).

Question 4

A manual handling operation is defined as:

Answer 4

… any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting
down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily
force.

Question 5

The regulations require the employer (so far as is reasonably practicable) to: 4

Answer 5

 Avoid the need for manual handling jobs which involve a risk of injury.
 Assess the risks arising from manual handling tasks that cannot be avoided.
 Reduce the risk of injury (preferably by automation or mechanisation).
 Inform employees of:
- the weight of each load
- the heaviest side of any load, whose centre of gravity is off centre.

Question 6

Training should cover: 4

Answer 6

 Manual handling risk factors and how injuries can occur.
 How to carry out safe manual handling including good handling technique.
 Appropriate systems of work for the individual’s tasks and environment.
 The use of mechanical aids.

Question 7

Safe lifting technique
There is no single correct way to lift. The following process illustrates some important
points which are relevant to a two-handed symmetrical lift, (i.e. a lift using both
hands in front of and close to the body). It is based on research by the Institute of
Occupational Medicine (IOM), for the HSE.

Answer 7

(1) Plan the lift/handling activity.
(2) Keep the load close to the waist.
(3) Adopt a stable position.
(4) Ensure a good hold on the load.
(5) Moderate flexion.
(6) Don’t flex the back any further while lifting.
(7) Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways especially while the back is
bent.
(8) Keep the head up when handling.
(9) Move smoothly.
(10) Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed.
(11) Put down and then adjust.