An introduction to MANUAL HANDLING
Dave Baxter M.A.S.C. (Life Coach)
What Is Manual Handling? Manual Handling is any of the following activities carried out by one or more workers:- pushing; pulling; carrying or moving a load; lifting; holding or putting it down. Learning how to lift and carry or move things safely is extremely important to reduce injuries and accidents A good manual handling technique will help to prevent the following problems Cuts - the handling of rough or jagged
items can cause cuts or bruises
Ruptures or Hernias - putting your
stomach muscles under too much strain can lead to ruptures Broken or fractured bones - if you drop
a load you risk damaging toes, feet or legs Muscle strains and sprains - injuries can
be caused by overloaded joints
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What Do I Have To Do? It is best to try to avoid manual handling wherever possible. However if avoidance is not possible it is imperative that the risk is minimised for yourself and to others by using the proper techniques. It is also important to remember that manual handling should be tailored to the individual not dictated by the load. By tailoring your own lift to your capabilities you will reduce the risk of injury If you don’t think that you are capable of lifting the load on your own consider making it a team lift or passing the task to someone more suited to it. Identify all manual handling jobs so that they can be done by the majority of the employees. This way it will be much easier to rotate the jobs as required, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuries occurring. It is important to ensure that you have received proper training. If you feel uncomfortable about your skills in manual handling you should request more training or ask for more information. Whilst some manual handling injuries occur after a single incident most injuries are cumulative. Sprains and strains are common injuries associated with manual handling however, more serious injuries do occur. The majority of manual handling injuries can be avoided through proper training, instruction and supervision.
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Whose Responsibility Is It? Responsibility for safe manual handling rests with both you and your employers
Your employer is required to Avoid the need for manual handling if at all possible Assess the risk of injuries that could occur as a result of the manual handling Reduce the risk of injury as much as possible Provide you with the relevant training including the training for the use of mechanical aids
Your duties as an employee are Follow the proper manual handling guidelines and procedures set out by your employer Make proper use of the equipment provided for your safety Co-operate with your employer on Health and Safety matters Inform your employer if you come across something that is dangerous or if there are dangerous handling practices taking place Make sure that your activities do not put other people at risk
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Considering yourself and colleagues Minimise the risk of injuries by Eliminating the need for manual handling if possible Follow proper manual handling procedures Make sure you get a good grip on the object, wipe away any moisture from the load’s handles or grips as well as your own hands Make sure you have a clear path, open doors before you begin and clear any debris or liquid from the floor
Asking for help if you have an awkward or heavy load instead of struggling to do it on your own Using the appropriate mechanical aids and ensuring the equipment is in good working condition Wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as Safety Shoes or Boots; Hard Hats and Gloves
Make use of lifting aids whenever possible Break down large loads into smaller ones Not rushing to finish the job quickly, taking your time and resting in between loads Vary your tasks in order to reduce the risk of R.S.I (Repetitive Strain Injury)
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To Be Considered……... What are the possible risk factors for manual handling and how injuries can happen?
What are the appropriate systems of work and safe techniques that are task specific for your job? This should not be an overview of general manual handling practices.
Have you had training for any mechanical equipment necessary to perform the task? Have you had practical training in manual handling techniques and procedures as required by your employer? Have you received information on the weight of the load before you begin the lift? There are no specific weight maximums for manual handling, so you will need to adjust how you lift, depending upon the load’s weight and dimensions. If it is at all possible try to change your environment to allow you to move a load without lifting
The Environment What are the conditions around you? Are there space constraints in your working environment? Cleanliness, temperature and lighting all of these factors could affect how you carry out the lifting process. Could you be required to walk over slippery floors or uneven surfaces? Is there a great fluctuation in temperature or humidity? What are the ventilation and wind conditions? Is there sufficient lighting or are there different lighting levels?
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The handling task….. What type of manual handling task will you have to do? Will you need to push, pull or lift the load? Will you need to go a long distance? Will you need to use force, twisting movements or reaches for the load? The load…… Is the load heavy? Is it hard to grasp? Is it fragile? Is the manual handling you have to perform strenuous, repetitive or awkward? Your Personal Capabilities Consider your personal capabilities. What are your lifting capabilities and how do they compare with the lifting requirements for the load? Consider your age. Would it be more productive and responsible to have a colleague either older or younger than you to complete the task? How much experience do you have? Is there someone with more qualifications who can carry out the task instead of you? Does the load require you to be of a specific height or have weight / load capabilities? Do you have a history of any back injuries? Will you be using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
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The Good Lifting Technique‌‌... It it extremely important that you understand how to lift things properly! What you have to do If the load is being moved in a straight line and it is at all possible push or pull the object instead of lifting. At all times, think before you lift Be sure to plan your route and make sure that you have a clear path before you start to move things. Always bend at the knees, not the waist if you are required to pick up a load. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and lift with the proper posture.
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Use your leg muscles rather than putting excessive pressure on your lower back region. Adopt a stable and balanced position Make sure that your hips and shoulders are facing in the same direction Make sure that your feet are both pointing in the direction that you will be travelling Keep the item you lifting close to you, preferably at waist height and with your elbows bent Use two hands when lifting and be sure that you have a firm hold on the load you are lifting Do not change your grip on a load without supporting it first Do not flex your back while you are lifting Try not to twist your back or to lean sideways while you are lifting Keep your head raised while you are lifting a load Walk smoothly Only lift or handle what you can reasonably manage Only adjust the load position after it has been put down
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Carrying An Object You can injure yourself whilst carrying an object these tips will help in keeping you from harm. Make sure that you are able to see over the load you are carrying: especially if it is large. Always maintain a constant grip on the load: if you need to change your position put the load down or rest it securely first Keep your mind focused on where you are going: keep your body head and feet all pointed in the same direction Try to keep you arms close to your side with your elbows close to your body: this will help ease the strain on your arms Position the load close to your body: this will help to support the weight Move your feet: instead of twisting your upper body around If you are carrying more than one item: take extra care when you put the load down so that the objects do not fall. If an object is particularly large, awkward or heavy: get someone to help you or if possible split it into smaller parts and move it that way.
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Unloading
Take just as much care when you are putting a load down as you did when you were picking it up! Bend at the knees when lowering the load, and hold it close to you Make sure that your fingers are not trapped or pinched by the load as you put it down Place the load near the edge to take the weight and strain off you With the load on the edge of the surface push or slide it into place Watch that the load is in a secure position and that it is not likely to fall after you have let it go
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Pushing or Pulling It is always best to use a trolley when you are moving particularly heavy or large loads! Sometimes it may be more suitable to push or pull a load, rather than lifting it, while moving it in a straight line. If you are using a trolley do not overload it and make sure that all the items are secure. Look where you are going, particularly if you are pulling something backwards. Mind your back - when you are pushing a load lean into it and when you are pulling a load lean away from it. Keep a look out because it can be difficult to spot hazards in front of you when you are pushing a large load. Handling while you are seated presents extra risks - you need to be much more aware of how you lift because you cannot rely on the strength of your leg muscles to support the load.
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Team Lifting
There are special conditions to consider when preparing to lift a heavy load with a number of people Discuss what you are going to do before you begin lifting To ensure equal distribution of the load people in the team should be of similar height and strength Plan the route and the movements before you begin the lifting manoeuvre All movements must be done together One person should be designated as the leader and this person only should give commands / instructions to ensure that there is no confusion during the lift.
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Awkward Objects Some objects, such as a bucket, might need to be lifted with just one hand so:Use you legs to take the strain Change hands regularly to spread the load strain Keep a straight back Use your other arm to steady and maintain your balance Lifting or lowering of loads above head height Try to identify the weight of the load before lifting it Reduce the load by moving it in smaller amounts if possible Position your body as close to the load as possible If possible raise your body to a level where the load is not above your shoulders Awkward objects will need special handling which will depend upon their shape Bags or sacks - ideally these should be carried on your shoulder with one hand on the load and the other on your hip Drums or barrels - roll them slowly if they are heavy and keep them under control. For lifting use a team lift or a mechanical aid.
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A quick check of what you have learned Please answer the following questions to complete the training 1.
Sprains and strains are a common injury associated with manual handling
2.
Lifting a heavy load is best done on your own
3.
Learning how to lift carry and move items safely is very important in reducing injuries and accidents
4.
Tailoring a lift to your capabilities can significantly reduce the risk of injury
5.
Don’t worry about manual handling if you are rushing to finish the job quickly
6.
If you have an awkward or heavy load it is best to do it on your own
7.
Your duties as an employee are to follow the proper manual handling procedures and guidelines as set out by your employer
8.
You should always lift a load
9.
Bend at the waist not the knees when picking up a load
10.
Plan your route and have a clear path before you start moving the load
True False
I have read and understood this Introduction to Manual Handling Name ______________________________________
Date ________________
Signed ______________________________________ Trainer ____________________
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An introduction to MANUAL HANDLING
Compiled by Dave Baxter M.A.S.C. (Life Coach) for Capstone Business Services
Š2016 moonshadow media productions