Manual Handling
Manual Handling
September 2013
Accident Statistics
The Spine
Definition
Covers:
Lifting
Lowering
Pushing
Pulling
Carrying
Ergonomic Assessment
Manual handling is a case
where the risk and control
options are well known. A
typical procedure for carrying
out a manual handling risk
assessment is shown here.
What is considered to be
“reasonable” will vary from case
to case and include all sort of
factors, including cost.
Manual Handling – Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment
One approach to identification of hazards in manual handling
operations involves four key factors:
The Task – analysis of the type of handling operation involved and
identifying high risk activities.
The Load – analysis, including measurements, of the object(s) being
handled.
Individual Capability – consideration of the (mainly) physical
characteristics of people who are doing the handling operation and
their ability in terms of knowledge, skills, health and strength.
The Working Environment – analysis of the immediate physical
surroundings within which the handling operation takes place.
Manual Handling – TILE
After completion you should check that the load is safely located
and that the area is clear. The technique is sometimes
referred to as “kinetic handling” or “kinetic lifting”.
Manual Handling – Mechanical Aids
Mechanical Aids
We have noted that wherever possible mechanical aids should be used
to lift and carry loads so as to eliminate the risk of personal injury from
manual handling. Such mechanical equipment may be divided into tow
groups:
•Manually propelled or powered devices – where the weight of the load
is taken by devices such as pallet trucks which are then pushed or pulled
manually.
•Mechanically powered devices – where the power to lift and/or move
the load is provided by a motor or other mechanical means such as a lift
truck.
Introducing these aids does not eliminate risk form the operation.
Instead, it changes the type of risk faced. The use of motorised devices
presents many hazards and is a cause of a great many accidents in the
workplace.
Manual Handling– Summary
Summary