Manual Handling

Question 1

Define the term “Manual Handling”?

Answer 1

Manual Handling involves the use of the human body to lift, lower, fill, empty or carry loads. The load can be animate (a person or animal) or inanimate (an object).

Question 2

What are the two different types of Risk assessments used for Manual Handling?

Answer 2

• Dynamic Risk Assessment

- Formal Risk Assessment

Question 3

What does the acronym T.I.L.E stand for?

Answer 3

• Task
• Individual
• Load
• Environment

Question 4

What MOD Form is used to document Manual Handling Risk Assessments?

Answer 4

MOD Form 5012

Question 5

What conditions would allow a Dynamic Risk Assessment to be conducted instead of a Formal Assessment?

Answer 5

The dynamic assessment will be sufficient if;

• Loads weighing less than 3 kg unless the task has a high frequency;

and

• package is not of unusual dimensions or awkward shape;
• temperature is within a comfortable range; and the lift does not involve extremes of movement e.g. twisting.

Question 6

What are the five principles of a Basic Lift?

Answer 6

The Basic Lift;

• Foot Placement
• Knees bend - back straight
• Grip - Full, firm grip
• Lift
• Lower.

Question 7

When working as a team, how should the task be conducted?

Answer 7

• One person will have to take control
• Use a pre-determined set of commands

– “ready to lift. Lift!”
– “ready to lower. Lower!”

Question 8

Before attempting any form of Manual Handling, what three considerations should be made?

Answer 8

• Can the movement of the load be eliminated altogether?
• Can the operations be automated?
• Can mechanical devices be used?