Management of Manual Handling Activities for Managers IN AIT - … · 2018-12-10 · AIT Guidance for the Management of Manual Handling (status: Approved, version 3, date July 2018)

AIT Health & Safety Office

ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Version 3 2018

H&S Guidance for the Management of Manual Handling Activities in AIT

AIT Guidance for the Management of Manual Handling (status: Approved, version 3, date July 2018)

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Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

2.0 Legislation & Regulation .................................................................................................................................. 2

3.0 Identify Staff & MH Activities in AIT Units .................................................................................................... 3

4.0 The Manual Handling Risk Assessment Process .............................................................................................. 5

4.1 Quick & Easy Risk Assessment Method ...................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Example using the Quick & Easy Risk Assessment Method (An MH Practice that can take place in AIT) 7

5.0 Full Risk Assessment Method ........................................................................................................................ 11

5.1 Guidance on Making a Full Assessment of the MH task ............................................................................ 12

5.2 Full Risk Assessment Example - (Kevin Blue) .......................................................................................... 13

5.3 Full Risk Assessment Example - (ref: - Health & Safety Authority) .......................................................... 16

6.0 Sample Faculty/Department/Campus Company MH policy .......................................................................... 17

7.0 A prepared sample of either a Faculty /Department /Campus Company Standard Operating Procedure for

Manual Handling Activities .................................................................................................................................. 18

8.0 Guidance on Lifting a load from the floor ...................................................................................................... 20

9.0 How to Identify, Assess and Control Manual Handling Activities in AIT Units ........................................... 22

References ............................................................................................................................................................ 30


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1.0 Introduction This guidance is primarily intended to support managers/supervisors managing the Health & Safety aspects of manual handling activities taking place in their AIT Unit/Department (Note: It will also assist staff). The guidance is presented as steps in a process and when followed is designed to achieve compliance with Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the General Application Regulations 2007. Each manager where manual handling activities are taking place in his/her department should: -

1. Follow and implement the guidance given in this training material.

2. Ensure their staff involved in manual handling activities receives Manual Handling training.

3. Keep up to date records of all Manual Handling Training received by their staff using the

template MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING REGISTER. (Note: The Health & Safety Authority undertaking audits, review training records, so please ensure you keep a copy of these recodes in your department and issue a copy to the Institute H&S office).

2.0 Legislation & Regulation The object of the Legislation/Regulations is aimed at achieving the prevention of occupational accidents or ill health. The General Application Regulations 2007 are made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005. Guide to Chapter 4 of Part 2 of General Application Regulations 2007: MANUAL HANDLING OF LOADS. The Regulations set out a framework for employers to avoid or reduce the risk of injury resulting from manual handling activities. The basic principle enshrined is that where manual handling of loads which involves a risk of injury (particularly to the back) is present, the employer must take measures to avoid or reduce the need for such manual handling. The definition of manual handling in Regulation 68 refers to activities where the characteristics of the load pose a risk and the ergonomic conditions of the activity are unfavourable. Regulation 69(c) requires that a risk assessment be carried out on all work tasks which involve manual handling activity. The risk assessment process should ensure that these activities are assessed to identify risk factors and to decide on appropriate control measures, including both engineering and organisational, to avoid or reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. This assessment should critically review manual handling operations. Full compliance with the requirements of Regulation 69 means that the employer completes a risk assessment of manual handling tasks in consultation with relevant staff, records the results of the risk assessment in a suitable documented format, puts appropriate control measures in place to avoid or reduce manual handling Manual Handling activities and communicates the findings of the risk assessment to relevant staff. Under the 2005 Act, employees are entitled to be consulted when protective measures related to manual handling are taken; this could include the provision of information and training on the use of new mechanical aids which are to be used to handle heavy loads. The provision of manual handling training on its own will not reduce injury rates. Manual handling training needs to be specific to the tasks involved. It should aim to ensure that employees understand the reasons for doing the job with least risk, that they can recognise the risks and decide the best way to go about it and can perform the task in that way. However, it is not a substitute for the reduction or avoidance of manual handling activities which involve risk. Manual handling training is only one part of an intervention approach which is primarily focused on the implementation of ergonomic control measures to avoid or reduce risk of musculoskeletal


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injury. For further detailed guidance, please refer to the Health and Safety Authority’s Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace (2005).

3.0 Identify Staff & MH Activities in AIT Units Identify the staff in your AIT Unit that undertake MH work and summarise the MH activities they are undertaking. (Note: - Managers or supervisors need to identify who is undertaking MH work and schedule it for risk assessment based on priority, i.e. most hazardous first). If there is manual handling work taking place in your department then you need to Risk Assess it (i.e. If there are MH risks than the Regulations Apply). A sample of a completed identification is presented below. Managers should use blank version of the template below to assist with identifying the staff in their department who are undertaking MH work and provide a summary of their MH activities. (Guidance Prompt – This is the beginning of a risk assessment & will assist with the method of assessment that needs to be undertaken). Table 1: Sample– MH staff identified and their MH activities summarised

AIT (Faculty/Department/Unit) Identification of Staff undertaking Manual Handling Activities

Faculty Sample faculty

Department Sample Department

Head of Department: - Name of HOD

Date of Report Sample 20 March 2016

Review Date Sample March 2017 Staff

name

Job Title Job Description Manual

Handling Activities/Tasks

Manual Handling

tasks/Activities

Yes No No. Task description

Joe Black Engineering Theory lecturer

Class room Activities X X N/A

Jane Green

Administrator School Administration Yes 1 Archiving school filing

Kevin Blue Senior Technician Responsibility for day to day laboratory operations & delegating tasks to technicians

YES 1 Replacing Gas Bottles in Gas Storage compound

2 Lifting equipment onto & off benches for Laboratories

3 Moving apparatus in laboratories

John Orange

Post Room Supervisor

Receiving and dispatching goods, warehouse storing of goods for the Department

Yes 1 Receiving & storing good on top shelf of the storage shelves. Removing & dispatching good from Storage shelves.

Jim Purple Laboratory Attendant

Set up and take down of laboratory apparatus for Class room experiments

Yes 1 Install and remove lab materials and apparatus

2 Cleaning of equipment

Joan Blue Engineering Practical Classes

Class & Lab operations Yes 1 Lifts concrete cubes


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Figure 1: Identifying Manual Handling Tasks

Examples of Manual Handling tasks being performed, both improperly & properly .

High Risk (Lifting & Moving Load)

Low Risk (Trolley & small Loads)

High Risk (Pulling & Lifting)

Low Risk (Smaller weight packets)

High Risk (Lifting) Low Risk (Cylinder Trolley) High Risk (Carrying) Low Risk (Trolley)


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4.0 The Manual Handling Risk Assessment Process Two methods risk assessment methods are presented in the following sections

i) The Quick and easy risk assessment method ii) Full Risk Assessment Method

4.1 Quick & Easy Risk Assessment Method The following risk assessment method is based on information contained in the Health and Safety Executive “Manual handling at work - A brief guide” Leaflet INDG143 (rev3), published 11/12). The Manager assessing MH activities in their Unit should first determine if this risk assessment method will apply to MH activities being performed in their UNIT.

(I.e. see if this quick and easy assessment applies).

Figure 2: Taken from UK, HSE “A brief guide” Leaflet INDG143 (rev3), published 11/12 ■ Use Figure 1 to make a quick and easy assessment. Each box contains a guideline weight for lifting and lowering in that zone. As you can see, the guideline weights are reduced if handling is done with arms extended, or at high or low levels, as that is where injuries are most likely to happen. ■ Observe the work activity you are assessing and compare it to the diagram. First, decide which box or boxes the lifter’s hands pass through when moving the load. Then, assess the maximum weight being handled. If it is less than the figure given in the box, the operation is within the guidelines. ■ If the lifter’s hands enter more than one box during the operation, use the smallest weight. Use an in-between weight if the hands are close to a boundary between boxes. ■ The guideline weights assume that the load is readily grasped with both hands and that the operation takes place in reasonable working conditions, with the lifter in a stable body position. Twisting Reduce the guideline weights if the handler twists to the side during the operation. As a rough guide, reduce them by 10% if the handler twists beyond 45°, and by 20% if the handler twists beyond 90°.


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Frequent Lifting and lowering The guideline weights are for infrequent operations – up to about 30 operations per hour – where the pace of work is not forced, adequate pauses to rest or use different muscles are possible, and the load is not supported by the handler for any length of time. Reduce the weights if the operation is repeated more often. The table below will assist with estimates for frequent operations. Table 2: - Compiled from information contained in the Health & Safety Authority – Guidance on the Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace

Where operations are repeated Figures should be reduced by

Once or twice per minute 30%

Five to eight times per minute 50%

More than 12 times per minute 80%

Pushing and Pulling The task is within the guidelines if the figures in Table 3 are not exceeded: Table 3: - Compiled from information contained in the Health & Safety Authority – Guidance on the Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace

Using the results: Do I need to make a more detailed assessment? If having used the above method (i.e. figure 2) and the Manual Handling activity assessed, is found to come within the guideline figures (bearing in mind the reduced limits for twisting and frequent lifts), then the assessment is complete and a manager should record the findings and move to have the staff member trained in Manual Handling prior to performing the task. Note if the following condition exist:

The conditions given for using the guidelines (e.g. that the load can be readily grasped with both hands) are not met,

the person doing the lifting has reduced capacity, e.g. through ill health or pregnancy,

the handling operation must take place with the hands beyond the boxes in the diagram,

The guideline figures in the diagram are exceeded,

The guideline figures in the table are exceeded for pushing and pulling,

There are extra risk factors like uneven floors or constricted spaces,

the worker can’t push or pull the load with their hands between knuckle and shoulder height,

the load has to be moved for more than about 20 m without a break, Then a more detailed assessment of the Manual Handling task is needed and a manager should apply the full manual handling assessment as set out in method 2.


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4.2 Example using the Quick & Easy Risk Assessment Method (An MH Practice that can take place in AIT) Introduction Jane Green, Faculty Administrator, on regular occasions, performs Manual Handling tasks, transporting full storage boxes from the School Administration office area to the external examiner review room. The Task under assessment is the removal of the storage boxes from the top of the cabinet to the Trolley. Task Description Jane Green is a school Administrator. On occasions she has to lift exam scripts in boxes weighing 5Kg from a position above shoulder height and place then at floor level on the trolley for transport to the external examiner review room. No more than 6 boxes are needed to be relocated. We will first assess this task under the “Manual handling at work” A brief guide - (ref HSE Leaflet INDG143 (rev3) page 8 and 9). Figure 3.0 - The MH Task under Assessment –lifting box & placing on Trolley for transport to the External Examiner Review Room

Technical Details: Load: - The box weighs 5kg Handling ability: - The box is readily grasped with both hands and the operation takes place with the lifter in a stable body position Frequency of task: less than 30 operations per hour & the load is not handled by the lifter for any length of time. Twisting: - There is no Twisting of the handling movement.


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Risk Assessment Analysis - (checking the Activity against the guidance given on P 8 & 9 in HSE leaflet)

The lifter is lifting the box close to her body and lifts the load from above shoulder height to floor level trolley its 5kg. Looking at the guideline weights, it is evident that the lifter‘s hands enters more than one box during the operation, therefore the smallest weight for Women lifters applies i.e. 7kg.

Control Measures - (i.e. what we must do to comply with the Regulations)

The control measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of injury. Remember the MH Task has been assessed and is within the lifting guidelines. So the main purpose of our control measures is to ensure that the task is undertaken safely, which can be achieved as follows: -

1) Training - Arrange for Manual Handling training for Administration staff that

undertake MH activities as part of their duties to learn good lifting techniques (HB safety is one of the current training provider for AIT).

Figure 4: - Manual handling proper lifting techniques


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2) Height of Storage – In most cases it is unnecessary to store full boxes on the top of cabinets and there is an increased risk of injury. So inform your staff not to store full boxes above table height.

Figure5: - Using a Trolley to store boxes at table height

3) Signage - If your department has many and continuous, light MH activities, consider incorporating some helpful signage as a reminder of good lifting techniques.

Figure 6 : - Signage in warehouse/process areas should be a serious consideration as they are a reminder and support training already provided (example signage from www.slingsby.ie)

https://www.google.ie/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjVt4y_vfzLAhXFJA8KHdD5COYQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slingsby.ie%2FSigns-Labels%2FSafety-posters%2FFirst-aid-safety-posters%2FSafety-posters_326506.htm&bvm=bv.118817766,d.bGs&psig=AFQjCNEBpxDan--An-qd4Jq9OqdCgAjD2A&ust=1460115304740178


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The Completed AIT Risk Assessment Template for this MH Activity

Ref The Hazard AssessedRisk Rating

H/M/LWho is at Risk

Current

Control

Measures

Recommendation for Reducing Risk Rating

1) What Action Taken? 2)

Actioned by who? 3)

Implementation date ?

Residual Risk Rating

H/M/L

Jane Green MH work lifting exam scripts in boxes weighing 5kg from a position above

shoulder height and placing the box at floor level on the trolley

for transport to the external examiner review room. No more

than 6 boxes in total need to be relocated.

H

(without any

safety controls)

Staff member None 1. MH training 2. Instruct staff not to place any full storage

boxes above table height.

A) Arranged Safe lifting technique training;

B) Instructed staff not to store boxes over

table height. 2) HOD

3) December 2015

L

Date Approved: (Insert approval date)

Premises & Location where activity is being risk assessed: Faculty of ………….(Insert Name)

Risk Assessment of: (i.e. Activity that is being Risk Assessed) All Manual Handling Operations in the dept. of (Insert Name) coming under the Faculty of …(Insert Name) ………………………

Risk Assessment by : Head of Deparment ………………..(insert Name)

Category of Hazard Being Assessed

(include the category, description of hazard & associated activity under assessment) Manual Handling Activities in the department of ….(Insert Department Title ) ….

Date of Assessment : ………(Insert Date)

Approved by: (must be the relevant manager or Head of relevant Function) (Insert the department manager's name)


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5.0 Full Risk Assessment Method This method involves gaining a detailed understanding of the task under assessment, collecting all relevant technical details of the task, identifying if there are risk factors/hazards present, exploring what options or solutions are available to reduce or eliminate the risk factors/hazards and putting a plan in place to introduce the agreed control measures. The flow chart below is from the H&SA guidance document on Manual Handling and summarises the full risk assessment process. In this training session we will undertake a risk assessment of a MH task, showing how the process works. Figure 7: - Guidance from the Health and Safety Authority (steps to follow undertaking a full risk assessment).


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5.1 Guidance on Making a Full Assessment of the MH task Start by looking at the hazards associated with that staff member’s Manual Handling Task (examples are given in Table 3 below). Table 3 – Extract from Manual Handling at work, a brief guide (HSE leaflet INDG1 43 rev3) Problems to look for when making an assessment (i.e.

Identifying the hazards associated with an MH Activity/task)

Ways of reducing the risk of injury

Source: Manual Handling at work: A brief guide Health & Safety Executive

The tasks, do they involve: ■ holding loads away from the body? ■ twisting, stooping or reaching upwards? ■ large vertical movement? ■ long carrying distances? ■ strenuous pushing or pulling? ■ repetitive handling? ■ insufficient rest or recovery time? ■ a work rate imposed by a process?

Can you: ■ use a lifting aid? ■ improve workplace layout to improve efficiency? ■ reduce the amount of twisting and stooping? ■ avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially heavy loads? ■ reduce carrying distances? ■ avoid repetitive handling? ■ vary the work, allowing one set of muscles to rest while another is used? ■ push rather than pull?

The loads, are they: ■ heavy or bulky? ■ difficult to grasp? ■ unstable or likely to move unpredictably (like animals)? ■ harmful, e.g. sharp or hot? ■ awkwardly stacked? ■ too large for the handler to see over?

Can you make the load: ■ lighter or less bulky? ■ easier to grasp? ■ more stable? ■ evenly stacked? If the load comes in from elsewhere, have you asked the supplier to help, eg by providing handles or smaller packages?

The working environment, are there: ■ Restrictions on posture? ■ Bumpy, obstructed or slippery floors? ■ Variations in floor levels? ■ hot/cold/humid conditions? ■ gusts of wind or other strong air movements? ■ Poor lighting conditions? ■ Restrictions on movements from clothes or personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Can you: ■ remove obstructions to free movement? ■ provide better flooring? ■ avoid steps and steep ramps? ■ prevent extremes of hot and cold? ■ improve lighting? ■ provide protective clothing or PPE that is less restrictive? ■ ensure your employees’ clothing and footwear is suitable for their work?

Individual capacity, does the job: ■ require unusual capability, e.g. above average strength or agility? ■ endanger those with a health problem or learning/ physical disability? ■ endanger pregnant women? ■ call for special information or training?

Can you: ■ pay particular attention to those who have a physical weakness? ■ take extra care of pregnant workers? ■ give your employees more information, eg about the range of tasks they are likely to face? ■ provide more training (see ‘What about training?’) ■ get advice from an occupational health advisor if you need to?

Handling aids and equipment: ■ is the device the correct type for the job? ■ is it well maintained? ■ are the wheels on the device suited to the floor surface? ■ do the wheels run freely? ■ is the handle height between the waist and shoulders? ■ are the handle grips in good condition and comfortable? ■ are there any brakes? If so, do they work?

Can you: ■ adjust the work rate? ■ provide equipment that is more suitable for the task? ■ carry out planned preventive maintenance to prevent problems? ■ change the wheels, tyres and/or flooring so that equipment moves easily? ■ provide better handles and handle grips? ■ make the brakes easier to use, reliable and effective?

Work organisation factors: ■ is the work repetitive or boring? ■ is work machine or system-paced? ■ do workers feel the demands of the work are excessive? ■ have workers little control of the work and working methods? ■ is there poor communication between managers and employees?

Can you: ■ change tasks to reduce the monotony? ■ make more use of workers’ skills? ■ make workloads and deadlines more achievable? ■ encourage good communication and teamwork? ■ involve workers in decisions? ■ provide better training and information?


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5.2 Full Risk Assessment Example - (Kevin Blue) Introduction Kevin Blue is the Senior Technician for the Department of Chemical Engineering Science. Kevin performs a number of MH tasks as part of his duties. The specific task we are assessing here is the receiving/returning full/empty gas bottles, and transporting them to the storage compound for connection to the regulators/laboratory gas lines. The task is performed only occasionally (on average every 3 months) and the weight of the Acetylene bottles are 82Kg (when full). The MH task is outside the limits of the Quick Guide so we will undertake a full assessment, using the H&SA guidance document on the Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace (see P 14 for a summary of the risk assessment process). Figure 8: - Sample of transporting compressed gas cylinders to foot of steps of store

Task Description: Kevin receives fully charged 82kg Acetylene bottles from the BOC gases delivery company. BOC will only leave the bottles on the footpath adjacent road (i.e. the footpath opposite the car in the picture above). The bottles are transferred into a Gas bottle trolley on the footpath by two men (no vertical lifting is required at this part of the activity). The footpath is level and the bottle is transported along the level footpath by one man. At the foot of the steps to the gas compound two men need to lift the bottles up the steps and into the compound – we will pay special attention to this element of the MH activity as it involves a significant amount of lifting and pulling.

Technical Details: Task issues: The trolley need to get the gas bottles up the steps into the compound The Loads: - A full bottle weights 82kg The working environment: N/A Individual capacity does the job: - Lifting the full bottle up the steps? Handling aids and equipment: - Current trolley is for level surfaces. The current device is not suitable for lifting the bottles up over steps (only for level ground transport). Work organisation factors: - N/A

Identifying the Risk Factors Task issues: There is a large amount of strenuous pulling and lifting the bottle up the steps. Even two men have difficulty with a full bottle. The Loads: The load is heavy and difficult to get up the steps into the compound, it is also extremely dangerous if accidently dropped & is damaged. Individual capacity does the job Lifting the full bottle up the steps? Not a one person operation.


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Handling aids and equipment: - The current trolley is designed only for level surfaces operation and is not suitable for getting up steps. Risk Level Continuing with the existing practice that involves strenuous lifting and incorrect mechanical aids that can lead to personal injury or the potential for dropping the bottle can be considered a High Risk activity.

Control Measures Control Measures needed to reduce the risk of injury from Medium to Low are presented below as follows: -

1) Suitable Mechanical Aid The existing bottle trolley for level ground operations is shown against the new stair lifting bottle trolley Figure 9: - Sample of transporting compressed gas cylinders to foot of steps of store

2) Equipment Training - Arrange for training of staff to use Gas Bottle Stair lifting trolley (document and retain the training records).

3) MH Training - Arrange for Manual Handling training for Staff in Department that

undertake these activities to learn good lifting techniques (HB safety is the current training provider for AIT).


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Documentation & Record Keeping -Risk assessment documentation must be retained and you need to show it/make it available to your staff.


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5.3 Full Risk Assessment Example - (ref: - Health & Safety Authority)


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6.0 Sample Faculty/Department/Campus Company MH policy

Athlone Institute of Technology

Faculty/School/Department

Local Safety Statement Version: Date:

Section Manual Handling Policy & Procedure

Faculty/School/Department Manual Handling Policy

Manual handling Policy The purpose of this procedure is to protect staff from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as sprains or soft tissue injuries caused by manual handling. To achieve compliance, all manual handling activities taking place within the department must be covered by risk assessment. Definition Manual Handling can be defined as lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining any object, animal or person. Scope This policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) apply to all AIT staff who report to the Faculty of Science, Department of Chemical Engineering Science. Responsibility The Faculty Management team are responsible for ensuring implementation and compliance with this manual handling policy and SOP. The Staff within the faculty are responsible for complying with this policy and procedure. Procedure Manual Handling activities must be risk assessed and the control measures implemented. Controlling the Risks Staff must review the Risk assessment documentation and the Standard Operating Procedures for MH activities. Training MH training supports good lifting techniques and all staff involved in MH activities must have completed MH training. Review the Control Measures It is also necessary to conduct reviews to identify any new hazardous manual handling tasks introduced into the workplace and to assess whether there have been any changes to the way current tasks are carried out. Records The Faculty or delegated department shall maintain a documented record of Manual handling risk assessments and training records for staff who report to them.


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7.0 A prepared sample of either a Faculty /Department /Campus Company Standard Operating Procedure for Manual Handling Activities

SAMPLE - Standard Operating Procedure for Handling an Inanimate Load Moving and handling an inanimate load/s is a key part of the working day for most employees. Moving inanimate loads can take place in many different areas of work for example office moves, loading and unloading equipment in cars or boxing files & archiving on shelves. There is no single correct way to complete any manual handling tasks that we carry out in our work place. Everything will depend on the individual and the conditions on the day. Pushing and pulling: Pushing is usually considered best because you can make more effective use of your body weight and muscles. You can see where you are going without having to twist around and your arms absorb the shock if the load suddenly stops. Carrying loads up and downstairs: Always try to use a lift if available. When carrying loads up and downstairs it is important that you have at least one hand/arm free to support you using the handrail. You should ensure that you can see clearly where you are going so avoid carrying high loads that obstruct your view. It is safer to make multiple journeys than one journey with a heavy load or one that is bulky and awkward. You should always ask for assistance when required, and report difficulties/problems to your manager, for example it may be possible to relocate supplies to a lower floor. Storage of equipment: Look at how you store equipment in your workplace. You should try if possible to store the heaviest (non -wheeled) supplies/equipment on shelving at waist height and then the lighter items just above and below. It is much easier to walk to a heavy item at waist height and slide it towards you, take a firm grip and be able to walk with it, keeping it close to your body. If the same item was stored on the floor then there may be a higher risk of injury as you may bend /stoop to pick it up. If your equipment is not particularly heavy, then you could store it using the shelving but place the items most often used at waist height and the less frequently used items on the lower/higher shelves. This should reduce some of the repetitive bending/stooping. You should try to avoid where possible the use of shelving which is at floor level and also shelving above shoulder height. This will also reduce some bending and over reaching. Split loads and share tasks: If your role involves carrying lots of equipment/supplies, then it would be advisable for you to ask a colleague to assist you. This will reduce the overall handling. If you are unable to ask someone to assist you then it may be safer for you to split the load into more manageable loads where possible. Taking a break during the task may allow your muscles to rest which should reduce the risk of injury. Repetition can be as damaging for your back as some heavy lifting.

Transporting Goods/Services & Equipment by car - Lifting objects in & out of a car: Remember to adopt safe posture and think about your back whilst lifting any load. Ask for assistance when required. Consider whether you need to take the equipment with you, or can you leave it at base. If you cannot avoid moving equipment around in your car then consider the following:


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Think about potential issues that may compromise your posture: Carrying heavy objects Carrying heavy object distances, some car parks are some distance away from entrances Negotiating stairs Negotiating users’ car One person handling Handling whilst handling other equipment Frequent handling Transporting loads on the back seat of your car should be avoided as there could be the potential for the object to become a “missile” should you have to brake suddenly. Where possible you should use a trolley or wheeled aid for transporting objects to and from your car which you feel are heavy. A Folding Hand Cart/Foldable Trolley Truck can be stored in the car boot and used to transport objects from and to the boot at your destination. Apply you manual handling training knowledge & skills in relation to loads and for lifting object from the trolley into and out of the car boot.


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8.0 Guidance on Lifting a load from the floor This type of lift is one of the most difficult manual handling activities you may undertake. If possible it should be avoided manually and equipment used where possible. If it cannot be avoided you may find the following helpful.

1. Carry out a visual inspection of the environment to ensure it is clear from clutter and that you have space in which to manoeuvre the load.

2. Begin the process by positioning yourself close to the load, placing one foot either side of the load, ensuring your feet are pointing in the direction of travel. Remember what you have learned about gravity and posture. Where will your centre line of gravity be when you are holding the load? If the load is too big to fit into your base, or you cannot adopt this stance then you need to ask for help.

3. Maintain your spine’s natural “S” shape as reasonably practicable, bend your knees and before picking the load up, ensure your spine is in line. If you start to feel uncomfortable doing this, then stop and reassess the situation

4. Get a firm grip and try to keep your arms within the base of support created by your feet. If there are loose items in a box, consider tilting the box towards you for increased stability. A hook grip may be less tiring than a flat hand hold. If you have to wear gloves during the task then be aware that they can sometimes hinder rather than help! 5. Look towards the direction of travel to ensure that your spine remains in its natural “S” shaped curve as far as reasonably practicable and then come up smoothly. If you are lifting a load with two or more people then ensure that you coordinate the move by saying “ready, steady lift” rather than one, two, three. Ready and steady are questions and people are more likely to say that they are not quite ready to lift. An uncoordinated lift means that one or more people will end up taking a disproportionate amount of weight during the transfer, putting them at risk of injury. 6. Ensure you have a stable base throughout the lift. Keep the load close to you. Push up using your leg and buttock muscles, brace your stomach and breathe out gently, and be aware of the arch in your back. 7. Keep your elbows slightly bent where possible to reduce the strain on your arms.

8. Keep the load close to your centre of gravity. 9. Always make sure that you can see both over the load and where you are going. Never carry loads which obstruct your view ahead.


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After lifting: It is important to apply the principles of safer handling throughout the whole process. Don’t twist or stoop, be careful with your knees and mind the curve in your spine. Lowering the load to the floor: In some ways the issues are the same in reverse, but bear in mind that if you already found the load heavy when standing upright, then it is likely that it will be too heavy for you to lower to the floor. Is the load heavy? The combined lifting ability of a team is always less than the sum of its parts. For example 2 people can only lift two thirds of their capacity. Be aware of height differences, this may affect how much of the load any individual has to manage. Can everyone see where they are going: Very often visibility is a problem for one or more in a team during lifting or carrying? Can everyone get a good grip of the load? Some parts of a load may be more difficult to grip than others. Remember a Manual handling activity must be risk assessed, check with your line manager to ensure your MH activities are covered by completed risk assessments and follow guidance given in this Standard operating procedure.

Reference: Standard Operating Procedure – Handling Loads H&S Office April 2016


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9.0 How to Identify, Assess and Control Manual Handling Activities in AIT Units In this part of the guidance document, we present the process that should be followed by any AIT Unit in identifying, risk assessing and controlling Manual Handling. The process is set out below ‘steps 1 to 4’ and it should be followed by Unit Managers to ensure the Institute is meeting its obligations under the Act and securing goods standards of H&S for any necessary MH activities. Step 1 Identifying Manual Handling Activities & Staff The Blank template below should be used to identify and document the Unit’s Manual Handlers and their Manual Handling activities. Guidance Prompt – start the Process by identifying staff under your control who are undertaking Manual Handling work and include a brief summary of the type of MH activity they are undertaking.


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Template - Identifying AIT Unit, MH staff and their MH activities


Faculty Department Head of Department Date of Report Review Date

Staff name

Job Title

Job Description

Is the staff member

undertaking Handling

Activities/Tasks

Manual Handling Scheduling/Task Description/ Category of MH work

Yes No Task Scheduling Numbering

Task description MH Category A or B


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Step 2 – Categorise your staffs MH activities into Type A or Type B MH activities There are 2 categories of Manual Handling Activity under consideration in AIT: -

A. Type A – Manual handling tasks that fall within the Guidelines of the Health and Safety Executive “Manual handling at work - A brief guide” Leaflet INDG143(rev3), published 11/12). And,

B. Type B - Manual handling activities that fall outside the Guidelines of the “Manual handling at work - A brief guide”

For the identified Unit staff performing MH tasks, assign the correct category, ‘A or B’ and insert it in the MH identification template above. Table 4 - The MH identification and assessment process for Category A and B Manual Handlers

Manual Handling Activities/Tasks

THE STAFF

ACTIVITY

THEN IMPLEMENT THESE CONTROL

MEASURES

YES

(IFMH activity

meets the

Guidance in the

HSE leaflet Then

the Following

Control Measures

Apply)

•Staff to be provided with Manual

Handling Training to teach good lifting

techniques – AIT External Training

Provider.

• Staff to be required to read and

operate within the Standard operating

procedure for Manual Handling, and to

comply with the general MH risk

Assessments.

• Staff should seek assistance where

possible in relation to any heavy lifting

needs.

NO

MH activity does

not meet the

Guidance in the

HSE leaflet - Then

the Following

Control Measures

Apply

•Line Manager with MH staff Member

must undertake a Full Risk MH

Assessment

•Line Manager to Arrange for staff to

receive MH training with the approved

External Training Provider.

• Line Manager to require staff to read

& operate within the MH Standard

Operating Procedure. And the relevant

completed Risk Assessment.

Staff should seek assistance where

possible in relation to any heavy lifting

needs.


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Table …. A sample completed MH identification Sheet for staff under your control


Faculty Department Head of Department

Date of Report

Review Date

Staff name

Job Title

Job Description

Is the staff member

undertaking Handling

Activities/Tasks

Manual Handling Scheduling/Task Description/ Category of MH work

Yes No Task Scheduling Numbering

Task description MH Category

A or B

Joe Black

Engineering Theory lecturer

Class room Activities No N/A N/A NA

Jane Green

Administrator School Administration Yes 1 Archiving school filing A

Kevin Blue

Senior Technician

Duties include day to day lab operations

Yes 1 Replacing Gas Bottles in Gas Storage compound B

2 Lifting equipment onto & off benches for Laboratories

B

3 Moving apparatus in laboratories B

Joan Blue

Engineering Practical Classes

Class & Lab operations Yes 1 Lifts concrete cubes B


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Step 3 – Begin completing your risk assessment templates (Remember; MH activities, are categorised into A and B) For Category A Manual Handling Activities:

I. Look at the completed Risk Assessment Templates (Supplied in your folder), if they fit the activities in your department then finish completing them (i.e. your Dept name, dates and so on). Place the completed risk assessment templates in your safety.

II. Arrange for Manual Handling Training with HB Safety – (John Henson will arrange for a

pre visit to your Dept to see what activities your Dept are undertaking and will agree a training date for your MH staff to attend for training in AIT.

III. Look at the Standard operating Procedure in your Health and Safety Folder (it is

designed to support category ‘A’ activities). Read it, if you need to include additional guidance notes then do. When you are satisfied, use the SOP for MH work in your department and keep it in the file.

IV. When your staff have completed Manual handling training do the following : -

(a) Ask them to read the Policy, Procedure, SOP, completed risk assessments and to

comply with the requirements. (b) Keep your records up to date (i.e. Identification templates, Training Records,

Risk Assessments). For Category B Manual Handling Activities:

I. For all ‘B’ MH activities you will need to undertake full risk assessments of the tasks. Ask your staff to support this work (H&S training is available to support your staff – REQUEST IT). Review the completed Risk assessments with your staff and place the completed risk assessment templates in your safety folder (you received this folder at the training session).

II. Arrange for Manual Handling Training with HB Safety – (John Henson will arrange for a

pre visit to your Dept to see what activities your Dept are undertaking and will agree a training date for your MH staff to attend for training in AIT.

III. Look at the Standard operating Procedure in your Health and Safety Folder (it is

designed to support category ‘A’ activities). For complicated MH tasks consider developing specific SOP for them. Keep all SOPs in your folder.

IV. When your staff have completed Manual handling training - do the following : -

(a) Ask them to read the Policy, Procedure, SOP, completed risk assessments and to

comply with the requirements. (b) Keep your records up to date (i.e. Identification templates, Training Records,

Risk Assessments).


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Sample Risk Assessment (Category A)


28

Sample Risk Assessment ( Full Risk Assessment summary – B)


29

Template …. AIT Unit Manual Handling Training Register

MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING REGISTER Institute Functional Area : Institute Department: Head of Department/Line Manager : Last date when register was updated:

Staff Name Staff Number

Please state the staff member's Job Title

Does the staff member’s work

activity ever include Manual Handling Duties

‘Y ‘or ‘N’

If the staff member has received

Institute Manual Handling Training, then please insert the date training

was received.

Please indicate the Manual handling

training requirements as follows;

"Training Required" OR "Refresher Training

Required" OR "None"

Complete this column only when

Training Completed

(insert the date when

training was completed)

First Name Surname

Please insert names of Manual Handling training provider/company and training dates. Note: - It is the responsibility of the relevant Manager to ensure all Manual Handling activities under their control are risk assessed and that employee’s under their contro l who

are undertaking manual handling activities have complete a Manual Handling Training Programme.

Note on Refresher Training needs: - Refresher training needs to be provided at intervals of not more than every three years and when there is any major change in the work involved or equipment used or when an employee is transferred to another activity requiring different loads to be handled.


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References 1. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf 2. http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Retail/Gen_Apps_Manual_Handling.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf

http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Retail/Gen_Apps_Manual_Handling.pdf


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ATHLONE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Health & Safety Office Dublin Road Athlone County Westmeath N37 HD68

Phone 09064 42559

Email: [email protected] AIT Guidance for the Management of Manual Handling

Activities in AIT(July 2018 Version 3 ) © Athlone Institute of Technology

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Management of Manual Handling Activities for Managers IN AIT - … · 2018-12-10 · AIT Guidance for the Management of Manual Handling (status: Approved, version 3, date July 2018)