Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
HEADTEACHER CHECKLIST





From general risk assessments, identify the activities that involve
manual handling
Where it is not possible to avoid hazardous manual handling
activities, conduct manual handling assessments
Consider where the level of risk requires staff to undertake training
in manual handling techniques
Communicate the outcome of manual handling assessments to
staff

Ensure follow through on action plans

Keep records of assessments and training

Review assessments annually or sooner if required

Document your local health and safety procedure for managing
hazardous manual handling activities
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
Introduction
More than a third of all over three day injuries reported each year to the enforcing
authorities are caused by manual handling - the transporting or supporting of loads
by hand or by bodily force.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations apply to a wide range of manual
handling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying. The load
may be either inanimate, such as a box, or animate, for example, a person.
The policy of the Council is to work to a minimal lifting policy in all its work areas in
order to ensure compliance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
This document is intended to provide guidance to Headteachers on the management
of risks in relation to the moving and handling of inanimate objects only.
Legal requirements
The Management of Health and Safety Regulations establish a clear legal
requirement to carry out risk assessments for all hazardous activities. The Manual
Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (‘the Regulations’) require a more detailed
manual handling risk assessment to be carried out for activities where manual
handling presents a significant risk. Risk assessment may only be carried out by
competent persons who have attended a training course run or recognised by the
Council. The hierarchy of control measures established by the Regulations makes it
quite clear in that the main principle is one of avoiding hazardous manual handling so
far as is reasonably practicable.
The management of manual handling
It is the responsibility of Headteachers to:
 develop, implement and communicate a local health and safety procedure for
enacting the Council’s policy on lifting and handling:
 during the general risk assessment exercise required under the ‘Risk assessment’
section of the Health and Safety Manual for Schools, identify where there is a risk
of injury from manual handling activities;
 where reasonably practicable, avoid moving the load, to automate or mechanise
the operation;
 where this cannot be achieved, carry out formal manual handling assessments
with consideration of the load, task, environment, handler; and
 minimise risk by improving control measures where necessary and in order of
priority; and
 draw up an action plan and budget for the new measures required.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
Avoidance of manual handling
Having identified a manual handling hazard through a general risk assessment,
separate consideration now needs to be given to the need for the particular
hazardous manual handling task. With a policy of minimal lifting, the starting point is
to implement the most effective control measure, the total avoidance of hazardous
manual handling. Does the load have to be moved at all? What about mechanising
the task or using a handling aid such as an electric or hand powered hoist?
If the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling cannot be avoided, an
assessment is required with the aim of reducing the risk of manual handling so far as
is reasonably practicable.
Risk assessment
Assessments of risk are crucial to successful management of manual handling. The
assessments should be carried out by or in consultation with the people most familiar
with the task being performed. In complex situations the school may need to enlist
the help of others such as the WBC Health and Safety Adviser.
The assessment must be recorded – a form is available in the Manual. Detailed
guidance on how to carry out a manual handling risk assessment is attached as
Appendix 2 to this document. The action plan must be followed through and the
control measures introduced as a result of the assessment must be communicated to
relevant staff.
Reducing the risk of injury
Precautions include:
 Reducing the weight of the load without unduly increasing the frequency of the
operation;
 Providing suitable and sufficient handling equipment and training staff in its use;
 Improving layout to give better access, reducing distance etc;
 Ensuring staff are trained and are competent to do the job;
 Ensuring that staff are and remain capable to do the job required without putting
themselves or other persons at risk;
 Ensuring procedures and systems of work allow the workload to be spread
through time and between people;
 Ensuring adequate staffing to avoid anyone taking risks;
 Ensuring that staff clothing is suitable for the task.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
It is the responsibility of the Headteacher to ensure that staff are supervised,
monitored and instructed in safe handling.
Guidance on the principles of safe manual handling is attached as Appendix 1 to this
document; it is not intended to supplement training and should not be seen as an
alternative to sending staff on manual handling training courses where required.
Training
Training is important but should not be seen as the main or only solution. Having
identified appropriate risk controls such as mechanical aids, consideration should be
given to the degree of training that may be required. Where the task presents
significant risk of causing musculoskeletal disorders, formal training in manual
handling techniques should be considered. For lower risk tasks the training could
take the form of instruction in safe manual handling. In all cases, staff should be
made aware of the manual handling risk factors and how injuries can occur together
with instruction on the use any mechanical aids provided.
Monitor and review
In addition to the planned annual review, it is important to update the assessment
when significant changes are made to the workplace/activities or if employees report
problems or experience ill health that may be connected to their work.
New and expectant mothers
When carrying out risk assessments, special consideration should be given to
anyone who may be vulnerable to a higher level of risk. When notified by an
employee that they are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should carry out a specific
new or expectant mother risk assessment based on the various risk assessments
relevant to their job. Refer to the ‘New and expectant mothers’ section of the WBC
Health and Safety Manual for Schools for further guidance.
Moving and handling of people
Click this link to Lifting and moving of children for specific guidance on this topic.
Further information and advice
Email: [email protected] or telephone HR Enquiries on (0118) 974
6116.
Other sources of guidance
Visit the HSE microsite at HSE Musculoskeletal Disorders. The term musculoskeletal
disorders include problems such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain
injuries of various sorts.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
Appendix 1 - The principles of safe manual handling
PLANNING THE WORK

Assess the weight of the object to be moved.

Check for any insecure or moving parts.

Check for even distribution of the load.

Check for any sharp or abrasive surfaces.

Make sure the intended route is clear.

Make sure the unloading area is clear and free from hazards.

Ensure any required help is on hand.

Make sure any required equipment is available.
Lifting and Lowering
Avoid lifting and lowering to floor level wherever possible. Do not lift loads that are
too large to move between your knees. Use intermediate levels if necessary.

Move as close as possible to the load.

Relax your knees slightly, adjust your feet around the load about shoulder width
apart with one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction of the intended
movement and the other behind and turned slightly outwards.

Gently raise and lower your shoulders and relax your back. Allow your knees to
move slightly outwards as you lower but avoid bending in a squat position.

Keep hands and elbows close to body, maintain your balance and keep your
head upright until it becomes necessary to look down at the load.

Reach beyond the object with your hands and take hold of the load from as far
below as possible; this will promote a recoil response that encourages holding
rather than gripping. If necessary, manipulate the load so that the heaviest side is
closest to you.

Hold the load close and lead the movement upward with your head adjusting your
feet as necessary to maintain balance.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
Appendix 1 - The principles of safe manual handling (continued)
ALWAYS
 Get a good grip with load
resting on the body.
 Use the palms of the hands
 Avoid carrying the load too
high with elbows protruding.
 Make sure the load does not
obstruct your view
 Maintain a steady grip and
keep load as close as
possible to body
 Use your feet to avoid
twisting your body.
 Avoid adjusting your grip
while carrying.
 Avoid stooping or bending.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
UNLOADING
ALWAYS
 Make sure you have a clear space to
receive the load.
 Place the load on the edge of the work
Surface and slide it into position being
careful to avoid trapping fingers.
 If the work surface requires a lowering
Movement, bend your knees not your
back.
MISCELLANEOUS LOADS
ALWAYS
 Seek advice or help if you are unsure
about moving unfamiliar or awkward
objects.
Barrels or drums
 If it is safe to roll them short distances
keep your hands on top to avoid trapping
fingers.
 Wear gloves.
 Consider special equipment for regular
needs.
Heavy or awkward objects
 Seek advice or help from a colleague or
your supervisor.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
EQUIPMENT
SIMPLE AIDS CAN MAKE THE
JOB EASIER - ALWAYS USE
THE TOOLS PROVIDED
Sack Barrow
 Use for sacks, parcels,
cases etc.
Mobile Platform
Use for.
 Office equipment.
 I.T. equipment.
 Dense or delicate objects.
Manual Forklift
Use for.
 palletised loads.
 deliveries.
REMEMBER
 Check the intended route
is suitable for wheeled
equipment.
 Check for obstructions or
stairs.
NOTE
 There are many other types
of lifting aid — these are
only examples
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
LONG OBJECTS
Sometimes a long object e.g. a
roll of carpet or other material
may require moving.
 First assess whether you
need help and if so seek it
before attempting the lift.
 If help is not required
commence the lift as with a
basic object described
previously to up-end the
load.
 Next get a firm grip on the
load keeping it close to the
body using the left hand.
 Rock the load forward
sufficiently to get a good grip
at the base with the right
hand.
 Raise the load using the
strength of your leg muscles
to straighten up.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
FURNITURE
 Some items of furniture can be
moved by means of a small
platform fitted with castors.
 Remove contents before moving
to reduce the risk of accidents.
 Get help to secure the load and
guide into place.
 Make sure route is clear of
obstructions.
 Longer distances may require
use of a sack barrow or handcart.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
Appendix 2 Manual Handling Risk Assessment – inanimate objects
Introduction
Employers must by law carry out manual handling assessments. Assessments are
crucial for success in the management of handling and lifting by reducing risk.
This document describes the risk assessment process that must be followed.
Legal perspective
The guidance to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require risk
assessments to be made if the employer cannot avoid the need for a manual
handling operation which involves the risk of injury. Once these assessments have
been carried out by competent persons, the employer must take appropriate steps to
reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable.
How to organise assessments
Identify hazardous manual handling activities as part of the general risk assessment
exercise.
Establish who will lead the manual handling assessment (ensuring that they are
competent to do so) and determine which other staff should be involved.
Training manual handling assessors
Manual handling risk assessors need to be familiar with the Regulations and have
relevant training to ensure that they are competent to conduct assessments. The
WBC Manual Handling Risk Assessors course has been designed to do this and
covers the following:








The legal duties relating to manual handling
The process of risk assessment
How to use the forms provided
Opportunities to conduct assessments
Appropriate use of mechanical and other handling equipment
Current manual handling approaches
Inappropriate practice
Problem solving
Alternatively, contact the Corporate Health and Safety Service for advice on the
selection of a competent training provider.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling
Wokingham Borough Council
Health and Safety Manual for Schools
Standards and guidance
MANUAL HANDLING – INAMINATE OBJECTS
The assessment process
The staff who carry out the tasks being assessed and their safety representatives
should be encouraged to play a positive role in the risk assessment process.
Assessments should be recorded and records retained. A form for manual handling
assessment is available from the WBC Health and Safety Manual for Schools. The
main findings and control measures should be communicated to staff to enable them
to fulfil their legal obligations to follow the safe working practices.
Once you have identified risks you will need to develop and implement an action
plan. Any changes made will need to be monitored in order to ensure that they are
effective and do not introduce new risks. It will, therefore, be necessary to review the
risk assessment periodically. This should be at least annually provided nothing else
changes or should there be any other reason to believe that the assessment is no
longer valid e.g. following an injury incident. Significant changes to working practice,
the capabilities of the handler, weight and shape of load etc will also require a
thorough review of the assessment.
Factors to consider during risk assessment.
The risk assessment process will need to consider the following factors:
 The Task: does the task involve holding loads away from the trunk, twisting,
stooping, reaching upwards, excessive movement of loads, excessive carrying
distances, excessive pushing or pulling, risk of sudden movement, frequent or
prolonged physical effort, insufficient rest, a rate of work imposed by a process
etc.
 The Load: is it heavy, bulky, unwieldy, difficult to grasp, unstable or likely to
shift, etc.?
 The Environment: limited space, uneven, slippery or unstable floors, variations
in levels of floors, extremes of temperature, poor lighting, etc.
 The individual’s capability: does the job require unusual strength, height, etc,
or create a risk to anyone who may be pregnant or have a health problem or
requires special information or training for its safe performance.

Other factors: is movement or posture hindered by clothing?
Action plan
Record the actions that will be taken to reduce the risks and follow through. Share
the findings of the risk assessment with relevant staff. Monitor the effects of the
improvements and undertake a formal review of the risk assessment annually or
sooner if there are changes, or any reason to believe it is no longer valid.
Issue date:
October 2012
Review date: October 2013
Manual handling