Manual Handling Supporting Guidance - East Cheshire … · Due to the nature of manual handling and the ... 2 Patient handling risk assessment ... Risk management for moving and handling

Manual Handling Support Guidance v1

Manual Handling Manager Feb 2015

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Manual Handling Supporting Guidance



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Policy Title:

Manual Handling Supporting Guidance

Executive Summary and associated documents

The purpose of these guidelines is to describe the necessary arrangements required for the trust to comply with current legislation and promote best practice relating to manual handling activities. Due to the nature of manual handling and the variety of loads encountered throughout East Cheshire’s work streams This guidance sets out best practice for the organisation to follow in order to demonstrate compliance with the legislation

Supersedes:

Description of Amendment(s):

This policy will impact on: All staff working for the trust

Financial Implications:

Impact on financial resources, budgets, cost of equipment and training to demonstrate compliance with legislation

Policy Area: Manual Handling Document Reference:

ECT002278

Version Number: Effective Date: February 2015

Issued By: Manual Handling

Manager

Review Date: February 2018

Author: Manual Handling

manager

Impact Assessment Date:

N/A

APPROVAL RECORD

Committees / Group Date

Consultation: Risk Management Sub

committee

February 2015

Director of OD learning February 2015

Approval committee Risk Management Sub

committee

February 2015

Ratified by

committee/executive

director:

Risk Management Sub

committee

February 2015

Received for information: Matrons OD learning

November 2014



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Section Manual Handling Supporting Guidance

1 Introduction 4

2 Procedure details 5

2.1 Requirements to undertake appropriate risk assessments 5

2.2 Documentation 6

2.3 Safe handling techniques 7

2.4 Unsafe practice 8

2.5 Equipment 9

2.6 Access to specialist advice 10

Appendix Appendices

1 Patient handling risk assessment 12

2 Patient handling risk assessment complex 14

3 Bariatric R/A 17

4 OPD assessment 19

5 Inanimate load R/A 22

6 Accessing and maintenance of equipment 24

7 Definitions and flow chart for staff handling categories 25

8 Workplace induction form 27

9 Verification form 28

10 Ward/area establishment risk assessment 29

11 Request for manual handling service 32



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SUPPORTING MANUAL HANDLING PROCEDURES and GUIDANCE 1. INTRODUCTION

Due to the individual nature of moving and handling and the variety of loads encountered throughout East Cheshire’s work streams, providing procedures for all tasks would be an insurmountable task. This procedures document will provide a principle based approach to be applied to all moving and handling tasks. Risk management for moving and handling comes from the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. The overarching objective of the various pieces of legislation is the prevention of accidents. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations requires employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of all the risks to the health and safety of their employees while at work. If following this assessment there is a risk identified, regulation 4 requires the employer to introduce protective and preventative measures to control the risks identified. Employers must avoid moving and handling operations involving a risk of injury so far as reasonably practicable. Where these operations cannot be avoided they need to be assessed. The assessment must take into account the task, the load, the working environment and the individual capabilities of the handlers. The risk of injury needs to be reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable. The actual method used for moving and handling of individual service users should be based on a balanced decision-making approach where the safety and human rights of the member of staff are assessed against the needs, wishes and human rights of the service user. Evidence has shown that risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders are repetition of movement and awkward or static postures. Heavy manual handling activities and psychosocial factors that affect workers psychological response to their work and workplace conditions, healthcare workers exposed to inadequate safety systems are likely to undertake poor manual handling practices and will inevitably sustain manual handling injuries, this also affects the quality of patient care, has led to employee and patient injury and can impair clinical outcome, an ergonomic approach to safety needs to become integral to both clinical and management process’s



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2. PROCEDURE DETAILS

2.1 Requirement to undertake appropriate risk assessments

Any moving and handling procedure must be developed following an ergonomic risk assessment as detailed in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

This ergonomic assessment must take into account the task to be completed, the load to be moved, the individual capability of the handler and the work place environment in which the handling is to be completed. When considering the task, the assessor must consider whether it involves things such as bending, twisting, stooping or reaching upwards, does the task require large vertical movements or extended carrying distances, and whether there is a set time period for completion or repetitive handling and limited recovery times. Remember: All unnecessary load handling should be avoided. Methods used to complete tasks must be checked to ensure they reflect the assessment guidelines and remain applicable. Training in the use of the equipment / techniques must have been undertaken. Equipment must be in safe working order and if necessary inspected by a competent person. Apply brakes on wheelchairs / beds. Identify a leader when team handling. Agree and give clear unambiguous verbal instructions Where appropriate, use rhythm and gentle movement prior to the procedure. The load must be assessed in terms of weight, size, shape, is it difficult to grasp, unstable, awkwardly stacked or unwieldy or too large for the handler. Remember: Keep any load, patient, or point of force, as close to your vertical centre of gravity as possible. Ensure any physical contact with a patient is safe and comfortable and avoids pressure from the fingertips (use palmar holds). Although there is no such thing as a completely safe lift or weight, working within the guidelines below will reduce the risk.



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Each box contains a guideline weight for lifting and lowering within that zone. Observe the work activity you are assessing and decide which box or boxes the lifter’s hands pass through when handling. If the lifters hand enters more than one box then the smaller weight limit should be the guide. The guidelines assume the load is readily grasped with both hands and with a stable body position. Further consideration should be made if the task involves twisting or high repetition. The individual capability assesses the person completing the task and will ask questions as whether there is a requirement for special training or unusual strength or agility and whether it may endanger a person with any health issues. Remember: Wear appropriate clothing that does not restrict movement. Wear appropriate footwear. (e.g. low heeled, enclosed toe and heel, securely attached to the foot) Be aware of your own handling capacity and limitations and do not attempt procedures if unhappy to do so – report to management. Ensure that you have a good stable base of support. Maintain a lazy “S” shaped spine (avoid twisting and stooping). Do not rush. The working environment assessment will consider whether there are any constraints on posture due to limited space, are there any problems with floor levels or services, are there limitations of movement due to clothing, and are there environmental conditions such as poor lighting, ventilation or extremes of temperature. Prepare the environment prior to the manoeuvre. With the all the above areas considered, a method for completing the moving and handling scenario can be developed. This method must identify all the risks reduce the level of risk to the lowest level practicable and point the way to practical improvement.

2.2 Documentation.

The findings of the risk assessment must be recorded where a potential risk if injury is identified or where the assessment could not be easily repeated or explained. The method chosen along with any equipment required must be recorded and the details must be accessible for all staff to reference. If required, risk assessments for moving and handling individual patients must be completed during admission (in-patients), or on initial presentation (other patients and community). The risk assessment process should follow a balanced decision making approach which considers the patients’ human rights, mental capacity, privacy and dignity as well as the handlers individual capabilities. All risk assessments must be informally reviewed every time they are followed and formally reviewed if there is any significant change in circumstances or following a specified period of time, as specified at the time of the original assessment. Examples of moving and handling risk assessment documentation for patients and inanimate loads are contained in appendix 1 to 5.



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Any staff preparing to undertake any moving and handling activity must assess the individual situation immediately prior to completing and identify any modifications that may be required to the formal documented plan. Advice must be sought from a supervisor or specialist advisor where necessary. Risk assessments for patient handling are found in appendix 1,2,3 and 4,These can be adapted for local use. Risk assessments for inanimate load handling are found in appendix 5

2.3 Safe Handling Technique for lifting.

1. Think before all moving and handling and plan the process from start to finish.

2. Keep the load close with the heaviest side next to the body.

3. Adopt a stable base, ideally with feet hip width apart with one foot slightly in front of

the other.

4. You should have slight bend in knees rather than fully flexed, avoid twisting or leaning

sideways and keep head up looking in the direction of movement.

5. Move smoothly don’t jerk and don’t handle more than can be easily managed.



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The approved core techniques used within the Trust will be in line with national guidance HSE (2004) and The Handling of Patients 6th edition (2011) Examples in use of equipment and core techniques taught include; hoist, sling, slide sheets etc, techniques to be used will be covered during training, However there are techniques that are not to be used, these are highlighted during training, explanations given and alternatives demonstrated

2.4 Unsafe practice

Trust staff are reminded that; Evidence now exists which shows that the following practices and techniques present a level of unacceptable risk of musculoskeletal injury to handlers, these techniques have also been identified as possibly causing injury to the person being moved;

Drag lifts

Orthodox lifts

Australian lifts

Clasped hands lift

Any transfer from the front (bear hug, handling belts from front, pivot transfer)

You must never take the most or all of the weight of a person (any transfer from the front must ONLY be undertaken by staff who have had training in therapeutic handling techniques and must only be carried out after a full risk assessment that identifies the risks to patients and the methods to reduce risks)

Hospital bedding must not be used to carry out manual handling These are known to be unsafe for patients and staff and should not be used



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However, there may be occasions when it is necessary to get advice from the manual handling service. If normal practice cannot be followed the decision should be made with the multi-disciplinary team, A Balanced approach to the rights of the service user and the rights of healthcare workers are required, to guarantee both parties are protected by health and safety regulations May need to refer to the safeguarding team for more information

Exclusions to the above;

In a life threatening situation where there is no time to carry out a planned move, the individual must assess each individual situation and using their professional knowledge and judgement and act in the most appropriate way in order to reduce the use to the lowest level,

Unconscious patient/cardiac/respiratory arrest and patient on the floor. Once the patient is stable a hoist must be used to lift the patient up from the floor.

Fall in confined space (no room to use hoist), patient should be encouraged to help themselves as much as possible, or slide sheets can be used to slide the patient to a more accessible area where a hoist and sling can be safely used.

Fire, patient should be moved as per local arrangements organised by the fire officer.

Refer to the Guidance for safer handling during resuscitation in health care settings

2.5 Equipment

There are various pieces of equipment available throughout the trust to assist in the moving and handling of loads. Prior to the use of any equipment staff must be trained in the use of that particular piece of equipment. Staff must also check that the equipment is in working order and serviced, if required, prior to use. Any equipment outside of the service period should not be used and its condition must be reported to line manager.

Equipment used for manual handling operations involving patients must be thoroughly examined at regular intervals in order to ensure that they are safe to use, this is a legal



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requirement where such equipment is used to lift patients, i.e. hoist, slings, but must also be applied to other equipment e.g. slide sheets in order to reduce risks to staff and patients. Frequency of checks Smaller handling aids e.g. slide sheets must be thoroughly examined for defects or signs of wear and tear immediately prior to each use. Patient lifting hoists must be checked to ensure they re in good working order, safe to use and that statutory inspection has occurred within the last 6 months prior to each use with a patient Patient lifting hoist statutory examinations will occur at 6 monthly intervals in accordance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. These inspections are organised by estates, Safety checks for slings Staff should examine slings prior to use and be immediately withdrawn from use and condemn the item if any of the following are found

Loose or broken stitching

Tears, breaks, frays or holes in material

Excessive wearing or thinning of material

White lines, marks or signs of cracking in plastic components, e.g. clips attachments

Unreadable or missing manufactures labels Where a defect is found in any equipment or staff members have concerns regarding the integrity or safety of an aid, it must be withdrawn from use. If the equipment was used with a patient it must be retained for inspection and an incident report completed. Staff must inform their line manager or the concerns and actions relating to

Equipment found to be damaged

Equipment not working

Equipment overdue fro statutory inspection

Equipment withdrawn from use

Equipment found to be incompatible with other existing stocks The manual handling team should be notified of serious or persistent problems Managers should ensure that adequate manual handling equipment is available in their ward. Dept area’s to meet the manual handling and clinical needs of patients, promote good infection control practices, ensure the safety of staff and meet legal and regulatory obligations. Managers are responsible for managing risks within there own area’s and ensuring that safe systems of work are being implemented in the workplace.

If manual handling equipment is broken or unsafe, report to estates and take out of service.



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Estates are responsible for ensuring that mechanical manual handling equipment that is owned by the trust is inspected and maintained in efficient working condition in accordance with statutory requirements.

Estates will be responsible for ensuring that local managers are aware of the results relating to any equipment that is located in their area’s.

Estates will ensure that equipment awaiting repair and presenting risks to staff or patients is disabled and local managers notified, all such equipment must be made available for inspection by the manual handling adviser or risk or health and safety manager when required as part of the investigation or monitoring process.

Managers must have a contingency plan in place, for in the event of equipment failure/breakdown.

2.6 Access to specialist advice.

All staff must attend Moving and Handling training provided by the Trust a minimum of every year. If following attendance at a Trust training course any staff member feels they have unmet training needs they must report this shortfall in training to the manager immediately. Additional training advice together with general moving and handling advice can be gained from Moving and Handling link staff who are based in various departments and units throughout the trust. If there is no access to a link staff then the Moving and Handling advisors can be contacted directly for information, advice or complex moving and handling risk assessment. Moving and handling risk assessment advice can also be gained from a number of websites including:

The health and safety executive at www.hse.gov.uk

The national back exchange at www.nationalbackexchange.org

Back care charity at www.backcare.org.uk

The service can be contacted using the referral form in appendix 10 or telephone 01625

663973, 01625 663681

Out of hours the site manager should be contacted for advice

http://www.hse.gov.uk/

http://www.nationalbackexchange.org/

http://www.backcare.org.uk/



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3. Associated documents-see policy

Appendix 1 Risk Assessment & Care Plan for

Manual Handling

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Height (state or tick box): Tall Medium

Short Weight

Impaired sitting balance: Yes No

Communication:

Sight:

Hearing:

Comprehension:

Analgesia needed Yes No

Impaired standing balance: Yes No Catheter: Yes No

History of falls Yes No

I.V. Drains, etc:

If yes to above commence

“Maintaining patient safety”

assessment.

RISK LEVEL

Unable to assist in any way, may be unconscious and/or is likely to behave

unpredictably. HIGH

Able to co-operate and can move with assistance and/or requires the use of

small moving aids MEDIUM

Needs minimal assistance/supervision/guidance LOW

MOVEMENT HANDLING PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION – Equipment,

number

of handlers, etc

General mobility in bed

Lying to sitting in bed

Bed to chair transfers

Sit to stand / stand to sit

Chair to commode / toilet

transfers

Showering & bathing

General mobility out of bed /

walking

Date & time: Print name: Signature:

Other risk factors;

Would any specific staff group be more at risk handling this service user/patient?

Do the tasks require any special knowledge or skills?

Is there any follow up action required?

Additional Comments / information:

Please affix

patient’s label

here



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Regular re-assessments

Re-assess the manual handling needs every week, or earlier if the patient’s condition alters,

and record any changes below as appropriate. If there is no change in the manual handling

needs then date and sign immediately below. If the patient’s needs change complete

ASSESSMENT 2 or 3 at bottom.

Date Sign and print name Date Sign and print name

ASSESSMENT 2 – RISK

LEVEL


LEVEL

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM MEDIUM

LOW LOW

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment,

number of

handlers, etc.

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment,

number of

handlers, etc.

Date, Name & Signature: Date, Name & Signature:



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Appendix 2

PATIENT HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT( complex handling)

This document should be kept in the Patient’s Care Plan and be easily accessible.

Patients Name: Date of Birth:

Gender: Male / Female Hospital Number:

Address:

Assessor: Assessment Date:

Ward:

PATIENT DETAILS

Can the patient move independently without the use of any aids? Yes / No

Weight: Patient aids/adaptations:

Height Bed:

Body Shape/build: Mattress:

Vision: Hoist:

Speech: Chair:

Hearing: Wheelchair:

Psychological/behavioural: Sticks/crutches:

Diagnosis: Standing frame:

Medication: Other:

BED CARE N/A No. of Staff

Equipment

(i.e. hoist or sling)

Handling Plan Comments

Type of bed (i.e. electric or hydraulic)

Into bed

Out of bed

Re-position in bed

Lying to sit



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MAINTAINING HYGIENE

N/A No. of Staff

Equipment



In/out bath

In/out shower

Bed bath

Cultural needs

Other

TOILET CARE N/A No. of Staff

Equipment



On/off toilet

On/off commode

Continence aids

Any catheters

TRANSFERRING N/A No. of Staff

Equipment



Bed to chair

Chair to chair

Bed/chair to trolley

Lateral transfers

Trolley to bed

Bed to bed

Trolley to theatre table

Standing



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MOBILITY N/A No. of Staff

Equipment . Handling Plan Comments

Walking

Wheelchair

Car/transport

Other (pushing or pulling i.e. wheelchairs, beds or trolleys)

Any Risk to Handler Comments

i.e. Unpredictable behaviour Uncooperative behaviour Communication issues Is patient un/conscious or semi conscious? Muscle spasms Paralysis Any attachments? (e.g. catheters or pegs)

Tissue Viability / Infection Comments

Does the patient need any special considerations related to their skin or need disposable equipment such as slings?

Falls

Does the Patient have a history of falls? Is there a falls R/A completed?

Yes / No

Emergency Handling

(i.e. hoisting from the floor or use of emergency lifting sheets)

Comments

Any risk to handler?

Does the job create a hazard to those that have a health problem?

Does the job require any special training?

Any Cultural / Ethnic needs?

Environmental Issues

This patient handling risk assessment represents the methods to be used to ensure the safety of the person being moved and the handler. It is a legal requirement to have a safe Handling Plan. I acknowledge that this plan has been discussed with me. Patient: _____________________________ Advocate: ___________________________ (Signed on behalf of patient) Assessor Signature: _________________________ Date: __________ Review Date: __________ Signature: _________________________ Review Date: __________ Signature:___________________________



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Appendix 3 Bariatric Risk Assessment & Care Plan

Manual Handling

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Height (state or tick box): Tall Medium Short Weight

Impaired sitting balance: Yes No

Communication:

Sight:

Hearing:

Comprehension:

Analgesia needed Yes No

Impaired standing balance: Yes No Catheter: Yes No

History of falls Yes No

I.V. Drains, etc:

RISK LEVEL

Unable to assist in any way, may be unconscious and/or is likely to behave

unpredictably. or

Does the persons weight impact on mobility, available space, staffing levels or

necessitate specific bariatric equipment

HIGH

Able to co-operate and can move with assistance and/or requires the use of small moving

aids please summarise in the box’s below MEDIUM

Needs minimal assistance/supervision/guidance, please summarise in the box’s below LOW

MOVEMENT HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

Options available to

reduce the risk

ACTION – Equipment,

number

of handlers, etc

General mobility

General mobility in bed

Lying to sitting in bed

Bed to chair transfers



transfers

Showering & bathing

General mobility out of

bed /

walking


Other Risk factors;

Would any specific staff group be more at risk handling this service user?



How many staff are required?

Do you need to refer to the manual handling team/physio or O.T


Please affix

patient’s label

here



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Re-assess the manual handling needs every week, or earlier if the patient’s condition alters, and record any

changes below as appropriate. If there is no change in the manual handling needs then date and sign

immediately below. If the patient’s needs change complete ASSESSMENT 2 or 3 at bottom.



LEVEL


LEVEL

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM MEDIUM

LOW LOW

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment, number

of handlers, etc.

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment, number

of handlers, etc.


Bariatric moving and Handling Assessment Equipment checklist,

This checklist is to ensue the service user has equipment with an adequate Safe Working Load

What equipment is

required?

If on site, name

the equipment

and note the

S.W.L

If to be ordered,

name the

equipment/company

And name of senior

nurse contacted for

agreement

Any follow up

action, by

whom?

Date when

equipment is in

place and

signature

Bariatric/ profiling

bed

mattress

Overhead

hoist/mobile hoist

slings

Slide sheets

Rise/recliner chair

Bedside chair

Commode/shower

chair

Other

Training needs: Please check any staff involved with this patients care are familiar with the use of the

above equipment and adequate instructions are on site and necessary training is arranged



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Appendix 4

Risk Assessment & Care Plan for

Manual Handling

Out Patients Department INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Complete for all patients who require assistance with

mobility/manual handling tasks during their stay within

Outpatients

Date Time

Admitting nurse/therapist/health professional

Does the patient require extra

time or equipment due to

mobility needs?

Assessment completed by

RISK LEVEL

Unable to assist in any way/or likely to be have unpredictably HIGH

Able to co-operate and can move with assistance and/or

requires the use of small moving and handling aids

MEDIUM

Needs minimal assistance/supervision/guidance LOW

Height Weight Catheter/I.V Drains

Communication sight hearing

Pain other

MOVEMENT HANDLING PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION – Equipment, number

of handlers, etc

Any impaired sitting balance

Any impaired standing balance

General mobility/walking

Transfers independently

On and off

bed/trolley/couch/Chair



transfers

Other, i.e. catheter

Risk of falls


Please affix

patient’s label

here



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Other risk factors;

Would any specific staff group be more at risk handling this service user/patient?




Re-assess the manual handling needs if the patient’s condition alters, and record any

changes below as appropriate. If there is no change in the manual handling needs then date

and sign immediately below. If the patient’s needs change complete ASSESSMENT 2 or

3 at bottom.



LEVEL


LEVEL

HIGH HIGH

MEDIUM MEDIUM

LOW LOW

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment,

number of

handlers, etc.

HANDLING

PROBLEMS

IDENTIFIED

ACTION –

Equipment,

number of

handlers, etc.




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Appendix 5

Manual Handling Risk Assessment Form

Summary of Assessment Operations of person covered by this assessment: . People performing these operations . Location of assessment: Date of assessment: …11-02-2013……

Overall priority for remedial action (Circle) TRIVIAL

TOLERABLE

SUBSTANTIAL

INTOLERABLE

Date by which action is to be taken:

Date for re-assessment

Assessors name:

Signature:

Section A - Preliminary

Q1 Do the operations involve significant risk of injury? If yes go to Q2. If no the assessment need go no further, if in doubt answer ‘YES’

YES NO

Q2 Can the operations be avoided/mechanised/automated at a reasonable cost? If no go to Q3. If ‘Yes’ state the actions in section C and check that the result is satisfactory. YES NO

Q3 Are there elements of the tasks clearly identified in Section B? If ‘YES’ go to section B (Overleaf). If ‘NO’ you may go straight to Section C if you wish.

YES NO

Section B: More detailed assessment (overleaf)

Triv = Trivial

Tol = Tolerable

Sub = Substantial

Intol = Intolerable

Section C: Remedial action Action date Completion date

1

2

3

4

And finally: Complete the summary above. Unit/Dept Manager’s Name: Compare it to other manual handling assessments Unit/Dept Manager’s Signature: Decide the priorities and take action Date:

Section B: More detailed assessment

Questions to consider. Score the activity in line with Risk Assessment Guidance 1 – 4. Add total and look at level of further action that is required.

Does it/they apply

Level of risk

Possible remedial action. Make rough notes for completing in Section C.

1) The Loads – Are they: Y/N Triv Tol Sub Intol

Heavy? Bulky? Unwieldy?

Difficult to grasp?

Unstable/Unpredictable?



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Sharp? Hot? Cold? Rough?

2) Individual capability.

Require unusual capability?

Is it a problem to those with health problems?

Is it a hazard to those who are pregnant?

Require special information or training?

Is movement hindered by wearing PPE?

3) The Tasks – Do they involve:

Holding loads away from trunk?

Twisting? Stooping?

Stretching? Bending?

Large vertical movement?

Long carrying distance(s)?

Strenuous pushing/pulling?

Unpredictable load movement?

Repetitive handling?

Insufficient rest or recovery?

A work rate imposed by process?

4) The Work Environment:

Constraints on posture?

Poor floors?

Variations in levels?

Hot/Cold/Humid conditions?

Strong air movements?

Poor lighting conditions?

Any line scoring a risk rating of 4 should receive immediate attention

Triv Tol Sub Intol Total Score

0 44 45 62 63 80 81 100

Trivial Tolerable Substantial Intolerable

No overall action. Look at any single cause with a rating of 4 and eliminate it.

Look at ways to reduce the risk. Start regular monitoring to ensure risk does not increase.

Action is required to reduce the overall level of risk.

Look at the whole activity and reduce the overall level of risk urgently.



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Appendix 6 Accessing and maintenance of equipment

All equipment that lifts must comply with Lifting Operation and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1992 (LOLER) and staff should check that

all equipment they use has a safe working load displayed or have checked with the manufacturer in accordance with Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 (PUWER). Equipment used for manual handling operations must be thoughroughly examined at regular intervals in

order to ensure they are safe to use.

Acute Trust Community Access Maintenance Access

If a patient requires equipment they

should be appropriately assessed.

Staff should check if this equipment is

available from the ward stock.

If the item is not available from your

wards stock then contact other wards.

If the hire of equipment is needed

please contact senior person in

charge, or duty officer if out of hours.

Once approval given contact

Arjo Huntleigh 08457 342 000

Hospital direct 01588640144

Hilrom-liko 01530 411000

Cromptons 01256 400620

For bariatric suppliers please see

Manual Handling for the heavy patient

guidelines

Six monthly inspections of

hoists/slings will be organised by

the estates department in

accordance with LOLER

requirements.

For ongoing repairs , maintenance

contact estates (1616)

If equipment is broken or unsafe

this should be reported to estates,

taken out of use and labelled

appropriately.

All reusable equipment must be

decontaminated before use and

between each persons use.

A patient may be given a

prescription for smaller items

which they will need to arrange

and collect.

For larger items e.g. hoist, bed

staff will order these items via

Choicequip and must complete the

appropriate forms and risk

assessments.

For further advice contact the

manual handling advisor on

07717088985

Schools/departments where the

trust owns equipment such as

hoists or ceiling tracking, contact

estates 01625 661616, who can

contact prism

Departments where the Trust owns

equipment a updated inventory of

manual handling equipment must

be kept ,Appendix 9

If a problem arises from using a small

piece of equipment that was prescribed

from a recommended supplier. The

supplier should be contacted about the

problem.

Six monthly inspections of hoists and

slings will be organised by choicequip .

For on going repairs, maintenance

Choicequip should be contacted.

If equipment is broken or unsafe to use

this should be reported to Choicequip,

taken out of use and labelled

appropriately.

Choice equips contact details

01625 374494

Choice equip is managed via Cheshire

east,

run as a partnership council



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Appendix 7 Definitions for staff handling categories for assessment of competence and training

1. Patient handling staff Staff who are required to participate in the movement or handling of patients as part of their role, however infrequently, unless otherwise identified in the mandatory training matrix, this category will include staff who are responsible for the direct supervision of personnel engaged in the movement and handling of patients. Staff who hold a clinical qualification but do not routinely move or handle patients should consider whether they should be classified as patient handling staff if they

Deliver a service directly to people, in the event of an emergency they may be called upon to participate in the direction, supervision or movement of a patient and should have their requisite skills to ensure that people are handled appropriately and safely

2. Load Handling staff

Any member of staff who moves or handles inanimate loads that may be potentially hazardous, or who directly supervises or delegates such tasks, personnel will be considered to be load handling staff if they meet one or more of the following criteria

They are required to move or handle inanimate loads that weigh in excess of 3.5 kg

They are required to lift or carry loads that are not well contained or stable or that other hazards which will affect their movement, even if the load does not weigh or exceed 3.5 kg

They are required to push or pull loads where the force necessary to start movement exceeds 15kg and/or the force required to continue pushing/pulling exceeds 7kg

3, managerial and clerical staff Staff who’s duties do not require them to handle any load in excess of 3.5 kg providing such loads do not present any further hazards that relate to, or effect, the manual handling of them. These staff will also hold no direct responsibility for the supervision or delegation of manual handling tasks. Attendance at manual handling training, or routine assessment of competence, will not be required for this group of staff, Please refer to work station risk assessment and refer to occupational health for more advice 4. In the event of uncertainty managers can refer staff to training sessions where a risk has been identified or further training or support is required, manual handling is a legal requirement when risk assessment identifies it as necessary



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yes

Do you partake in or are you

responsible for patient

handling tasks no

Access patient

handling

training as

training policy

Do you directly manage,

supervise, staff who

handle patients

yes

Yes

Do you hold a clinical

qualification (nurse, physio, OT)

No

No

Do you handle loads

that weigh in excess of

3.5 kg or are

potentially hazardous

or push/pull loads that

are heavy or difficult

No

Manual handling

practical not req, if

circumstances change

,please follow this

guidance

Do you handle loads that weigh in

excess of 3.5 kg or are potentially

hazardous or push/pull loads that

are large heavy or difficult loads

No

Patient handling training

attendance recommended

yes

Access load handling

training in

accordance with

mandatory policy

yes



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Appendix 8 WORK PLACE INDUCTION

MANUAL HANDLING DEPARTMENT

Staff

name_____________________________ Date of assessment_____________

To be completed by the Risk Assessor or line manager after the new starter has been in post for a

month

Line Manager/Manual Handling Link Staff__________________________________

DATE COMPLETED NEW STARTER PRACTICAL TRAINING_______________

Local induction of manual handling equipment specific to ward/department ________

TECHNIQUE PRACTISED new starter has demonstrated

Competence within the work area

Staff sig Line manager/Link staff comments

Bed frames

Bedrails

Inanimate load handling

Inanimate load handling R/A

Patient Risk Assessment

Sit to stand

Walking

Use of hoist

Fitting slings (sling checks)

Use of SARA 3000

Transferring from bed to chair

Sitting up in bed

Moving in bed

Lateral transfers

Fallen patient

Back care /posture

Other



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Appendix 9

Practical Manual Handling Check

and Verification Form

Any new member of staff who will be required to undertake practical manual handling activities (patient

handling), is required to attend a practical patient handling training session.

Where the staff member can provide proof of practical training within the last 8 months and complete an

assessment with a link trainer, they may undertake a refresher practical course in place of the new starter

course.

If they are not able to provide proof or are assessed as not meeting the required standard by a link trainer, they

must attend New starter training prior to undertaking practical manual handling activities.

This form is to be used to verify a new member of staff’s practical manual training prior to employment and

identify if an update is required prior to commencing manual handling practice.

Evidence of practical manual handling

training (patient handling for clinical staff)

completed in previous 8 months via

certificate available

Yes / No

If no them referral to manual handling

advisor for practical training to be made

Assessment of competence made by link

manual handling trainer made

Yes / No

Has the staff member been assessed as

competent?

Yes / No

Name of assessor:

If no them referral to manual handling

adviser for practical training to be made

Signature of Manager:

Print name:

Signature of Staff Member:

Print name:

Date:

This record is to be kept in staff personnel file by manager and a copy sent to manual

handling service.



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Appendix 10 Ward/Area/establishment risk assessment, All

manual handling equipment available in the ward/department should be listed on this inventory, the completed list should be used to compliment and inform risk assessments and practice, it should be renewed annually, and when new items are acquired or when old items are decommissioned and disposed of.

Ward area

Department/Business Group

Name manager

Date of assessment

Speciality of care

The following area’s are where manual handling activities occur

Link staff

Do staff have access to policy

Please list below any manual handling equipment that is available within your establishment, ie hoists, transfer boards, list slings used in this department if patient specific or reusable if reusable write serial number and check they are tagged in line with LOLER, also note if clip or loop slings and size

Equipment type

manufacturer Serial number

Asset number

Model name

Is equipment owned or rental

If rental where from

Last service due

Safe working load

comments

Are any of the following tasks carried out in your area

Activity Yes No

Sit to stand

Use of hoist

Use of slide sheets

Use of pat slide

Repositioning in bed

Repositioning for pressure relief



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transferring

Hygiene tasks

Other;

Action plan to demonstrate /improve compliance within your area

eg

Purchase slide sheets Profiling beds Ensure staff attend training Increase or improve equipment available Re-design area or layout Is equipment in good working order Any non-compliance with safe systems

Load handling

Activity, i.e. moving furniture or equipment, moving medical records, moving beds, moving mattress’s,equipment used for venapuncture and ear care and dressings , etc

Yes No

Action plan to improve compliance

Example

Ensure staff attend training Increase or improve equipment available Re-design area or layout Is equipment in good working order Any non-compliance with safe systems Bed movers Mattress movers Breaks etc in good working order Tugs/trollies



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Any other issues of concern

Are there any other manual handling/postural issues that cause concern

Example

Work organisation, poor working postures, insufficient rest periods, lighting, flooring, lack of suitable equipment, systems of work

Action plan to reduce risk

Example

Purchase and maintenance of appropriate equipment Training supervision

Contingency plans for in the event of equipment breakdown

Signature _______________________________________________________________ Date______________________________________________________________________ Is Staff team aware of risks in work area__________________________________________ Copy sent to M/H team________________________



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Appendix 11

Request for manual handling services

Name

Job title

Department/place of work

Date of referral

Contact details

Line manager details

Reason for request Yes/no Supporting info

Reason for request for

bespoke training, i.e. new

equipment prescribed for

patient use

State equipment type

Patient risk

assessment/complex needs

advice

Return to work, extra

training or support req or

identified

Training needed following

incident

Datix number

Is there a place suitable to

carry out this training

Can this training be carried

out via planned sessions

Has this training been

identified on the training

needs analysis

How many staff/sessions are

req

Workplace assessment of

manual handling tasks

Return to work assessment

Assessment of handling

equipment/aids

You would like to know if the

employee is able to undertake

the manual handling aspects

of their role (is job

description attached)or their



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full range of duties, you

would like to be informed of

any limitations or reasonable

adjustments

Any supporting advice

from occupational

health

Expected return date

Permission to share

with occupational

health

Permission to share

with line manager

Permission to share

with other

Manual Handling manager to complete

Can this request be facilitated

If yes book date

If NO reason why

comments

Documents

Manual Handling Supporting Guidance - East Cheshire … · Due to the nature of manual handling and the ... 2 Patient handling risk assessment ... Risk management for moving and handling