Manual Handling
Manual Handling
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Manual Handling Slide 1
Manual Handling
The aim of this session is to provide you with
information on:-
•The types of injuries which can result in poor manual
handling
•The legislation relating to manual handling
•Safe manual handling techniques
•A demonstration on good manual handling techniques
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Manual Handling Slide 2
Introduction
• Definition :- “any transporting or supporting of a
load (including the lifting, putting down,
pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by
hand or by bodily force”
• Any activity that requires an individual to lift,
move or support a load will be classified as a
manual handling task
• Also consider - twisting, reaching, pulling,
carrying and stretching
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Manual Handling Slide 3
Legislation
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 – Main
Requirements
• Require:-
- Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so
far as is reasonably practicable
- Mechanise or automate process, where possible
- Assess any hazardous manual handling
operation that cannot be avoided
- Reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable
- Provide training and information
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Manual Handling Slide 4
Injuries Resulting From Manual Handling
2. Crushed/fractured limbs
−Painful
−Eventually repair themselves
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Manual Handling Slide 5
Injuries (Continued)
3.Soft tissue damage
– Muscles, ligaments, tendons
– Painful but again, these heal with time
4. Hernias
− Very painful
− Major mobility problems
− Corrective surgery
− Can prevent future manual
handling
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Manual Handling Slide 6
Injuries (Continued)
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Manual Handling Slide 7
Correct Lifting Techniques
• Get a firm grip
• Ensure you feet are secure
• Keep your back upright by
bending your knees
• Avoid bending at the waist
whilst lifting
• Never obstruct your vision
• Take your time – Don’t
rush!
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Manual Handling Slide 8
Correct Lifting Techniques
• Always check the weight
of an object before lifting
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Manual Handling Slide 9
Correct Lifting Techniques
• Counterbalance loads, so
that the forces acting on
your back are balanced
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Manual Handling Slide 10
Correct Lifting Techniques
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Manual Handling Slide 14
Manual Handling Assessments
• No manual handling activity is completely safe
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Manual Handling Slide 13
Manual Handling Assessment
L OAD
I NDIVIDUAL
T ASK
E NVIRONMENT
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Manual Handling Slide 14
Load
Observe loads, are they:-
• Unwieldy
• Heavy
• Difficult to grasp
• Sharp
• Hot/ cold
• Likely to move or shift in transit
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Manual Handling Slide 15
Individual
Observe individuals:-
• Do they require unusual strength or height for
any activity?
• Is anyone pregnant, disabled or suffering from a
health problem?
• Is specialist knowledge or training required?
• Has effective training been completed?
• Is a trolley or cage being used?
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Manual Handling Slide 16
Task
Consider the different activities and whether they
involve:-
•Twisting, stooping, bending
•Excessive travel
•Pushing, pulling or precise positioning of the load
•Sudden movement, inadequate rest or recovery
periods
•Team handling or seated work
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Manual Handling Slide 17
Site Specific Tasks
• Moving cages
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Manual Handling Slide 18
Environment
Looking at internal/external areas consider:
• Confined spaces
• Uneven, slippery or unstable floors
• Variations in floor levels
• Extremely hot, cold or humid conditions
• Poor lighting/ventilation
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Manual Handling Slide 19
Any Questions?
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Manual Handling Slide 20