Page 43 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 1 Health and safety practices and systems

Manual handling

Manual handling operations are an important part of the construction industry.
They are probably the biggest cause of back problems and time off work. Here,
we will look at the following safe manual handling techniques:
● how to avoid manual handling injuries by using correct lifting methods
● how to assess your own lifting capability
● how to decide whether a manual handling activity is safe KEY TERMS
● how to safely lift a load, transport it and put it down Acute injury: occurs when
● ways of reducing the load manual handling or lifting
● ways of avoiding manual handling. causes immediate pain and
injury.
Often, manual handling and lifting can cause immediate pain and injury; this Chronic injury: type of
type of injury is called an acute injury. Sometimes the result of an injury can injury that can take weeks,
take weeks, months or even years to develop. These types of injuries are called months or even years to
chronic injuries. develop.
As already mentioned, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
control manual handling and lifting, and require employers to reduce the risks KEY POINT
from manual handling and employees to adopt the safe working practices set Manual handling
down by the employer.
For further information
Here are some points for you to consider before attempting any lifting or and advice on manual
handling operation. handling, download the
HSE’s information leaflet
● Be aware of your own strength and limitations. at: www.hse.gov.uk/
● Decide if it is a one-person operation or you require help. pubns/indg383.pdf
● Always use mechanical equipment or aids if available and ensure you are
trained in their use.
● Be sure of the weight of the item before lifting. KEY POINT
● Wear gloves to protect your hands. Remember: even a light
● Wear safety boots to protect your feet. weight can cause injury,
● Make sure the area around is clear and safe to carry out lifting and movement. especially if it’s too big
and you can’t see where
Lifting and handling techniques you are going!

The one-person lift
To avoid injury, the principles listed in Table 1.6 should be followed.
 Table 1.6 Kinetic lifting
Step 1 Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where are you moving the load to? Will you need
help with the load? Remove obstructions in your way. For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or
bench to change your grip.
Step 2 Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart, with one foot slightly forward to maintain balance (at the side of the
load, if it is on the ground). You should be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain your stability.
Step 3 Get a good hold. The load should be hugged as close to your body as possible. This may be better than gripping it
tightly with hands only.
Step 4 Start with a good posture. At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable.
Step 5 Don’t flex the back any further while lifting. When you lift the load, your legs and the load should move together to
avoid flexing the back.
➜

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