STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SOP Manual Handling

Use Mechanical Lifting devices in preference to manual handling

Safety Glasses are mandatory in some
Protective gloves required
workplaces
Hi-Vis / Protective Clothing required Safety Boots required

MANUAL HANDLING
Manual handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift,
lower, push, pull, hold or restrain something.
Rules for Safe Lifting
• Where mechanical lifting aids are available, they should be used in
preference to manual lifting. Examples include hand trolleys, platform
trolleys, utility carts, pallet jacks, duct lifters and mobile plant such as cranes
and forklifts.
• Never attempt to lift anything beyond your physical capability.
• Before lifting, conduct a visual examination of the load, check labels for
weight and edges for sharps protrusions. If weight information is not
labelled, then an assessment of weight may be conducted using a limited
and controlled moving/lifting effort – do not strain or overexert yourself!
• Extra care should be taken when lifting awkwardly shaped items.
Warm up
• It is good practice to complete a few stretches to ensure your body is ready
for physical exertion.

SOP Manual Handling Date of Issue: 11/12/20 Version: 3

Carrying Loads
• Check that your intended path/route is clear of obstructions and trip hazards before lifting the
load.
• Never twist your body.
• Always carry the load close to your body – never carry a heavy load away from your body as this
puts a lot of strain on your shoulders and back.
• Always have clear vision to reduce the likelihood of tripping or bumping into anything.
• Slide the load if the situation permits as it may be easier than lifting.
• To place the load on a bench, move your feet to face the bench (do not twist) and place the load
on the edge of the bench and slide it forward.

Team Lifting
• Where possible work with a person about your height.
• Decide which person will direct the move.
• Keeping knees bent and back straight, ensure you have a good grip on the
load, lift and raise the load together and exert force simultaneously.
• Move smoothly together as you carry, keeping the load at the same level.
• Unload at the same time, keeping knees bent.
• If moving something up or down stairs, the taller person should be at the lower level.

Pushing and Pulling Loads

Pushing a load is preferable to pulling as it involves less work by the muscles of the lower back, allows
maximum use of body weight, results in less awkward postures and generally allows workers to adopt a
forward-facing posture, providing better vision in the direction of travel.

When pushing:
• Ensure the surface is clean and free from debris so that trolleys roll freely.
• Position trolley wheels in the direction of travel.
• Face the load squarely rather than at the top or bottom of the object.
• Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Trolleys with handles above waist height are best for pushing.
• Do not twist at your hips to push, but rather keep your core tight and use your legs and body
weight to move the object.

If you need to pull a load, then ensure the following:

• Keep your feet hip-width apart.
• When bending forward to pull, drop your hips and bend your knees. Concentrate on keeping your
core muscles tight to decrease pressure on your back.
• Always face the object you are pulling. Take small, backward steps once you start to move.
• For pulling, trolleys with handles below waist height allow for workers to adopt a standing position
so the whole body can be used.

Key Control Methods

• Does the task need to be done?
• Risk Assess the task. Is it safe to continue?
• Use the correct type of lifting aid for the task.
• Warm up.
• Plan work to avoid the need to lift, carry, push or pull.
• Utilise correct manual handling techniques.
• Ask for help from a fellow worker if required.
• Ensure work area design and layout is good.
• Take breaks from repetitive work, rotate task or introduce variation to the work.
• Maintain training and knowledge in manual handling techniques.

SOP Manual Handling Date of Issue: 11/12/20 Version: 3

HOUSEKEEPING
1. Maintain a clean and tidy work area at all times.
2. Check and ensure the path of travel is clear of obstacles before moving a load.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS
▪ Heavy load ▪ Work area design ▪ Crush zone ▪ Slip/Trip hazard
▪ Equipment type ▪ Uneven ground ▪ Poor grip ▪ Sharp edges

Manual Handling of a Load

STEP
JOB STEP HAZARDS CONTROLS
NO.
1. Position your feet • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. • The feet should be placed hip width apart to provide
• Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, a stable base from which to lift.
ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones. • One foot should be put forward and to the side of
the object; which provides better balance.
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.
2. Bend your knees and • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. • By bending the knees and crouching, the weight of
crouch to the load • Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, the load will be safely taken down the spine and the
ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones. leg muscles will do the work.
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.

3. Get a firm grip of the • Dropped load while lifting. • To keep the load under control and distributed more
load • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. evenly up the arms the load should be gripped by
the roots of the fingers and the palm of the hand.
• Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons,
ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones.
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.

4. Extend your neck • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. • Tucking in the chin slightly will automatically
upwards by tucking in • Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, straighten the back as the load is taken which will
your chin ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones. prevent pressure on the abdomen. This technique
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to reduces the risk of hernia and ensures an even
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet. pressure on the intervertebral discs.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.

5. Use your leg muscles • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. • Lifting should utilise the leg muscles.
to lift the load • Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, • Lifting should proceed by straightening the legs
ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones. lifting in one smooth and progressive movement
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to from floor to carrying position.
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet. • When moving forward push off with the rear foot.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.

6. Keep your arms close • Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. • Keeping the arms close to the body reduces muscle
to your body • Back injuries, including damage to the muscles, tendons, fatigue in the arms and shoulders and the effort
ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones. required by the arms. It also ensures that the load
moves with the body and becomes part of the body.
• Joint and bone injuries or degeneration, including injuries to
the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet.
• Nerve injuries or compression (carpal tunnel syndrome).
• Soft tissue hernias.

REFERENCED MATERIAL
✓ Hazardous Manual Tasks – COP 2011
✓ Safety Focus 11 – Hazardous Manual Tasks

CONSULTATION & REVIEW

Description Originator Reviewed Approval
Review and update of SOP-035 version G. Clarke D. McMahon A. MacDonald

SOP Manual Handling Date of Issue: 11/12/20 Version: 3

I confirm I have read, fully understand and will abide by the contents of this SOP
Name Occupation Signature Date Name Occupation Signature Date

SOP Manual Handling Date of Issue: 11/12/20 Version: 3