Manual Handling Rev.00 - 2026

Manual Handling Rev.00 - 2026.

Course Table. 2. Introduction. Manual Handling - Definition Anatomy Types of Back Pain Ergonomic Assessment Lifting and Lowering Risk Filter Mechanics, Principles of Lifting, Pushing and Pulling Handling a load Reminder Practical application.

Introduction. 3. This course covers, what manual handling is and how you can assess and reduce the risks that can occur when lifting and carrying. The aim is to help reduce the number of manual handling related illnesses and accidents in the workplace and to promote good attitudes amongst the staff.. What you'll learn At the end of the course, you will learn: Legislation Anatomy Ergonomics Principles of lifting Basic understanding of your back Understand principles of safe manual handling Know when to stop!.

Manual Handling - Definition. 4. Any transporting or supporting of a load by one or more employees and which may include; LIFTING PUTTING DOWN PUSHING PULLING CARRYING OR MOVING A LOAD Which by reason of it’s characteristics or unfavorable ergonomic conditions involves risk, particularly of back injury to employee..

Anatomy. 5. Why Is It important? The Musculo-skeletal System of the body is designed for movement; In order to lift and handle an object safely, it is essential to have a knowledge of this system and its flexibility..

Spinal Column. 6. 7 Cervical. 12 Thoracic. 5 Lumbar.

5 vertebrae Facet joints Discs. Lumbar Spine. 7.

Only in Lumbar Spine Gliding movement. Facet Joints.

Down through the centre of the spine we have our spinal cord This brings messages to the brain from the rest of the body and from the brain to the rest of the body Nerves from the spinal cord control the movement of the trunk, arms and legs.

[image]. The spine is strengthened and made moveable by muscles. This makes your back flexible as opposed to a fixed bamboo like situation Posture muscles are not designed for lifting.

Ligaments: soft tissue in joint capsule. Limit mobility. Long Ligaments Limit movement of spine.

Types of Back Pain. 12. There are over 100 accepted causes of low – back pain (small of the back) Wear and tear being the most common. Three types of mechanical back injury which may be caused by poor manual handling practice: DISC INJURY SOFT TISSUE INJURY BONY INJURY.

Disc Degeneration - Gradual. 13. Nutrition cannot get to disc Disc dries out Lack of nutrition leads to disc degeneration EXPERIENCE A HIGH LEVEL OF PAIN DUE TO PRESSURE ON NERVE ENDINGS..

[image]. When pressure is applied on the spinal nerves pain can be felt in several areas Sciatica is caused by disc pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Wear and tear effects can be noticed from as early as 25 years of age – earlier if there has been an injury. Heavy physical work over a long period causes wear & tear..

Ergonomic Assessment. 16. Information required to carry out an ergonomic assessment: THE TASKS THE LOADS THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL CAPABILITY Practical Demonstration..

Lifting and Lowering Risk Filter. 17. [image] Lifting and lowering risk filter Men 10 kg 5 kg Shoulder height Elbow height Knuckle height Mid lower leg height 10 kg 13 16 kg 13kg kg 5 kg 20 kg 10 kg 15 kg 10 kg 5 kg Shoulder height Elbow height Knuckle height Mid lower leg height.

Mechanics. 18. [image] Pushing and pulling risk filter In pushing and pulling operations, the load might be slid, rolled or moved on wheels. Observe the worker's general posture during the operation. Figure 2 shows some acceptable push/pull postures. The task is likely to be low risk if: the force is applied with the hands; the torso is largely upright and not twisted; the hands are between hip and shoulder height; the distance moved without a pause or break is no more than about 20 m. Pushing and pulling: DO I need to make a more detailed assessment? If the load can be moved and controlled very easily, for example with one hand, you do not need to do a more detailed assessment. You should make a more detailed assessment using, for example, the RAPP tool or full risk assessment checklists (or equivalent) if: the posture shows that the task requires significant forces, for example, leaning; there are extra risk factors like slopes, uneven floors, constricted spaces or trapping hazards..

Assess Task, Area, Load Broad Stable Base (Feet Flat on Floor) Bend the Knees Back Straight (Not necessarily vertical) Firm Grip (Palmer) Arms in Line with Trunk Weight Close to Centre of Gravity Point feet in the Direction of Movement.

Pushing and Pulling. 20. Keep your back straight Bend at the hips and knees Let your legs do the work Pushing is better than pulling Pushing is easier as you can see over the load If you can’t see over the load GET HELP.

Handling a load. 21. The following guidance illustrates how to perform a basic lift safely, using both hands, lifting a load in front of and close to your body, without twisting. These principles can be adapted to suit the actual task. Think before handling/lifting. Plan the lift/handling activity. Where is the load going to be placed? Use suitable handling aids where possible. Will you need help with the load? Remove obstructions, like discarded wrapping materials. For long lifts, for example from floor to shoulder height, think about resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip..

Handling a load. 22. Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to your body. If you can't get close to the load, try to slide it towards your body before you try to lift it..

Handling a load. 23. Ensure a good hold on the load. Where possible, hug the load as close as possible to your body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with just your hands. Slight bending of your back, hips and knees at the start of the lift is preferable to either fully flexing your back (stooping) or fully flexing your hips and knees (full/deep squatting). Don't flex your back any further while lifting. This can happen if your legs begin to straighten before you start to raise the load..

Handling a load. 24. Keep your head up when handling. Look ahead not down at the load once it is held securely..

Reminder. 25. Remember……. ……nobody is immune to natural wear and tear ……use it or lose it!.

Practical application. 26. To and from the floor To and from a bench To and from a height Pushing Pulling 2 persons lift.

Discussion and Feedback. 27. Discussion and Feedback..

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