Health and Safety Tool Box Talk
GBM
Date: 23.05.2013
TITLE: Manual Handling
The use of mechanical lifting aids should be the first
consideration of a manual handling risk assessment. Manual
handling should be eliminated wherever possible. When it
cannot be completely eliminated the risks should be reduced
to a minimum. This TBT considers the knowledge required to
safely assess and carry out a manual handling activity.
Employees who have to handle loads, which are assessed as
potentially a source for injury, shall be given adequate
information about the load.
This shall include: •
•
•
The weight of the load.
The heaviest side of any load whose centre of gravity
is not positioned centrally.
The arrangements for handling the load.
Manual handling is defined as: The movement of loads by human effort.
By lifting, pushing and pulling of a load to a different destination. LOAD is defined as: A discrete
movable object. (An implement, such as a chainsaw is not considered to constitute a load while it is
used for its intended purpose)
Wherever it is practicable, mechanical lifting aids shall be used to transport goods to their
destination. Where manual handling is the only option, an assessment shall be made for the
operative to determine the following:
REMEMBER LITE
Load:Determine whether moving the load be within your capability, to lift or move on your own. It could
be too heavy, bulky, difficult to grasp or likely to shift whilst in motion (loose components, or liquid).
The load may have sharp edges that require specialist gloves and other PPE.
Can the load be broken down into more manageable parts in order to reduce the risk of injury?
Can a package be opened and split to make it lighter and easier to handle?
Is the packaging secure? Is the weight marked on the load?
Are their lifting points or carrying handles to assist with handling?
Individual Capability:Any assessments by the individual must include his or her capability to move the load. Each person
will have a different threshold. Normally, loads are not marked to give their weight, but by surveying
the load, or by trying to move it by rocking it back and forth, without lifting the object, can determine
weather or not its within the individuals capability. Assistance must be requested if the cannot be
carried by the individual.
Is it safer to arrange for more help and assistance… are other people available to assist with the
manual handling activity?
Does the individual asked to lift the load have any pre-existing health problems or previous injuries
that could be repeated or worsened by the activity?
Task:
Consider, before lifting, where is the load to be shifted to and from.
Take into account the distance to travel, the route from the start point to the end point, the weight of
the load, and the conditions at the end where the load is to be taken to.
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Along the route there may be doors that require opening. Can these doors be opened before the
task is commenced?
Consider where the load will be put down: Is the area clear? Can the load be placed onto a shelf or
table to avoid the handler needing to bend to put it onto the floor?
Environment:The environment in which the load has to be moved can have a large impact on the capability to
move the load safely. Uneven or slippery ground conditions, space constraints, and adverse
weather conditions can affect the capability to move the load safely.
On construction sites, consideration shall also be given to other operations, which are occurring
within the area required to move the load.
Is the pavement or flooring slippery? Is it wet? Is it even or uneven?
Are doorways or opening large enough to lift the load safely without trapping hands or fingers?
Lifting Techniques:CORRECT
INCORRECT
•
•
Get close to the load
Place your feet as close to the
load as possible
Obtain a firm grip- using gloves
if necessary
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Bend the knees to get down to
the load
Avoid bending the spine to
reach the load
Lift the load in one movementavoid jerking the load
Do not twist whilst lifting or carrying the load
Keep the load close to your body; do not extend
your arms
Take care when releasing the load- avoid
dropping it.
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Questions:
What is the first consideration when assessing whether to carry out a Manual Handling Task?
Are mechanical lifting aids available?
What does L.I.T.E stand for? Use it to help you remember about assessing manual handling tasks.
Load Individual Task Environment
How can you test that a load is within your capability without lifting it?
Try rocking the load at ground level to ascertain an estimation of the weight
What should be your concern when carrying liquids in a container or a load containing loose
objects?
They may shift when being carried, the centre of gravity can change, the centre of gravity can
change causing you to jar your back or fall
If stooping to lift a load from the ground… which parts of the body should you bend?
You should bend your knees
Which part shouldn’t you bend?
You should not bend your back
Where should you place your feet before lifting a load?
As close to the load as possible
Are pushing and pulling loads considered manual handling?
Yes. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of loads are all considered manual handling activities
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