Health and safety services

Manual handling

Appendix
Contents

Appendix 1
Manual Handling Risk Assessment form
Section 1 – Main form
Section 2 – Pushing and pulling

Appendix 2
Manual handling techniques
Semi squat
Leg lift

Appendix 3
Safe working procedures for offices, general tasks and laboratories

Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering
 Appendix 1
Detailed Manual Handling Risk Assessment
School/Service: Assessment Title:
Name of Assessors(s): Signature of Assessors(s):
Assessment Date: Review Date:
Location: Frequency of Task:
Job titles of staff involved: Male/Female (See 3.1.2):
Description of activity:

Risk Assessment Matrix

Low High
GREEN RED
Monitor activity Prompt action is required
Medium Very High Risk
AMBER PURPLE
Examine activity and reduce risk where possible Need close scrutiny and action as potentially a serious risk of injury.

Please use with reference to Manual Handling Risk Assessment Guidance Notes (GN) where necessary

Section 1: Manual Handling Risk Assessment for Lifting and Carrying

Identify
GN Ref
Detail Green Amber Red Purple Risk Comments
No
Level
Load As per chart As per chart As per chart 50kg or more
3.1.1 weight/frequency (as per chart)
(See HSE Graph)
Vertical lift region Above knee and/or Below knee and or Floor level or below and/or
3.1.2 below elbow height above elbow above head height
height
Hand distance from Close - upper arm Moderate - upper Far - upper arm angled
3.1.3 lower back when vertical/ trunk upright arm angled OR AND truck bent forward
carrying trunk bent forward
Trunk twisting Little or no twisting or Trunk twisting OR Trunk twisting AND
Sideward bending sideways bending Sideways bending Sideways bending
3.1.4 Postural constraints None Restricted posture Severe posture restrictions
Grip on the load Good – Reasonable – Poor –
handles fit for purpose poor handles or containers have poor
able to grip design, loose parts,
container securely irregular shapes,
underneath hot/cold or unstable loads
Floor Space Dry and in good Dry but poor Contaminated/ wet or steep
condition conditions or sloping or unstable footing
uneven
Environmental No contributory factors One present e.g. Two or more present
3.1.5
Factors poor lighting,
 Appendix 1
extremes of temp.,
outdoors etc.
 Appendix 1

Identify
GN Ref
Detail Green Amber Red Purple Risk Comments
No
Level
Asymmetrical Load symmetrical in Load and hands One handed to side or
3.1.6 trunk/load front/two hands asymmetrical, twisting/bent back
body upright
Obstacles on route No obstacles or flat Steep slope, trip Ladders
route hazards or steps
Carry Distance 2m-4m 4m-10m 10m or more

Personal Protective PPE is not required and Moderate Restricted movement and PPE required
Equipment (PPE) footwear is suitable, or restriction due to dexterity due to wearing but not provided
PPE is provided and wearing PPE PPE, or suitable PPE
3.1.7
worn and is suitable for provided but not worn
task, e.g. does not
restrict movement/grip
Training Suitable manual Initial Health and Health and Safety Services No training has
handling training course Safety Services, manual handling training been provided
e.g. Health and Safety and provided but no
Services and School/Service departmental on-the-job
3.1.8
School/Service on-the- training provided, training (or vice versa)
job training, including but some staff
refreshers overdue for
refresher training
Women of Child Non Employed Employed This task is unsuitable for new and
3.1.9
bearing Age expectant mothers.
Individual Procedure for Individuals Procedures for individual No procedure
capabilities identifying high risk identified and RAs but none completed or for identification
(See Guidance) groups and individual actions taken but actions not implemented, or of high risk
3.1.10
risk assessments (RAs) no documented task requires unusual groups and no
completed, where evidence available strength, height, etc individual RAs
appropriate completed.
Psychosocial factors Staff consulted Staff consulted No staff consultation or no
regarding work, rest regarding work, rest breaks or poor
breaks scheduled and rest breaks management
taken, good scheduled but not communication or frequent
communication with always taken. periods of high workload or
3.1.11 managers and sudden Good tight deadlines
changes in workload communication
well-managed with managers,
however,
infrequent periods
of high workload
 Appendix 1

Identify
GN Ref
Detail Green Amber Red Purple Risk Comments
No
Level
Pushing/Pulling of Minimal pushing or Minimal pushing of Awkward/heavy/bulky load Awkward/heavy/
load e.g. using pulling of LIGHT MEDIUM LOADS or medium weight load over bulky load over
trolleys, or LOADS on flat level on flat, level slope/rough ground/trolley slope/rough
rolling/sliding on surface, with suitable surface with in poor ground/trolley
floor (complete if trolley in good condition suitable trolley in condition/inappropriate poor*
applicable) over a distance of no good condition, or trolley or distance moved is
3.1.12
more than 20m light loads but over 20m*
trolley in poor
condition. In both
cases distance
travelled less than
20m
* will require a detailed pushing/pulling will risk assessment – see Section 2
TEAM HANDLING (Complete If Applicable):

Load Weight 2 person <35kg 2 person 35-50kg 2 person 51-85kg 2p. > 85kg
3 person<40kg 3 person 40 - 75kg 3 person 76-125kg 3p. > 125kg
3.1.13
4 person 40-100kg 4 person 101-170kg 4p. > 170kg

Communication, Good Reasonable Poor

3.1.14 coordination and
control

ACTION REQUIRED

Action Date action

Actions required to reduce the level of risk Priority Who is to take action? Completion date and signature
No required by
1

7
8
Appendix 1
 Appendix 1
Section 2: Additional assessment for Pushing and Pulling (this is in addition to the Manual Handling Assessment in Section 1)
Identify
Question Green Amber Red Risk Comments
Level
Does the task involve:
Initial force to get the load
Moves freely Small amount High amount
moving?
Force to keep the load in
Moves freely Small amount High amount
motion?
Sudden movements to start,
No Small amount High amount
stop or manoeuvre the load?
Twisting / manoeuvring of the Limited
None Generally
load into position or around amount
required
obstacles? involved
One handed operations? None Occasionally Frequently
Hand below the waist or above
standard height e.g. Pallet No Occasionally Frequently
truck?
Movement over long Occasionally over Frequently over
Less than 20 metres
distances? 20 metres 20 metres
Frequency of pushing/pulling
Once Several times Frequently
activities (per work day)
Equipment on wheels
Suitability for load type Suitable Poor Unsuitable
Suitability for the
Suitable Poor Unsuitable
load/surface/work environment
Steering Good Poor Difficult to steer
Brakes With brakes, but brakes
Not required/Good
Brakes not fully poor, defective or
condition operating
functioning (if required) requires brake but not
effectively
provided
Maintenance and planned
inspection regime (see Good - all criteria met Infrequent/insufficient Not undertaken
guidance 3.2.1)

ACTION REQUIRED

Action Actions required to reduce the level of risk Priority Date action Who is to take action? Completion date and signature
No required by
1

3
 Appendix 1
4
 Appendix 2
Manual handling techniques

Semi-squat technique

This semi-squat technique may be useful for people who you cannot achieve the leg
lift technique, for example, if knee problems mean they are unable to flex their knees
sufficiently to complete the lift.

Consequently the technique may be suitable for people with knee problems,
depending on the extent of their injury. It may also be useful for lifting crates, trays or
boxes with higher handles.

Follow the seven key points below:

Assess the load to determine its weight, shape, stability

Assess etc. Also assess the task, environment and individual
capability.

Take a wide, slightly asymmetric stance near to the object.

Feet
(Feet should be slightly wider than in the leg lift).
Relaxed and flexed but not beyond 90°.
Knees
Keep the heels on the ground.
Straight but no longer upright. The back should be tilting
Back forward slightly from the hip joints. (Posture should be
similar to a weight lifter, using legs to lift.)

Neck and head In a comfortable position. Avoid looking down during lift.

Grip Use a comfortable palm and whole finger grip.

Keep load close At all times

Standing up Use leg muscles to stand up. Keep back straight.

 Appendix 2
Manual handling techniques

Leg lift technique

Assess the load

Assess the load’s weight, shape, stability etc.

Also assess the task, environment and
individual capability

Lifting technique

Knees - bend both

Feet position
- 2 o’clock or 10 o’clock.
- Just wider than shoulder width
- Forward foot close to load
Back - straight and upright
Grip - asymmetric
(High knee, high hand, far corner)
(Low knee, low hand, near corner)
Keep arms inside legs and forward
foot flat on floor

Lifting manoeuvre

Keep load close

Carrying
Neck/head - keep head up, look ahead
Keep load close to body
Standing up – use leg muscles to stand up
Avoid carrying over excessive distances
Back - keep straight

Recovery time

If lifting for a prolonged period of time,

allow time for muscles to recover
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Small light loads (one person lift)

o Stand face on to the bench

o One foot slightly in front of the other
o Test the weight by lifting slightly at one edge
o Grasp at opposite diagonals
o Move the load towards the body

o Turn the body by moving the back foot and then the
front foot until pointing in the direction of travel.
o Move off

o Transfer the load to a bench or trolley.

o Flex the knees, not the back, when lifting and lowering.
o Do not lift and twist
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Small moderately heavy loads (one person lift)

o Disconnect any leads or pipes.

o Stand face on to the bench with feet astride and one foot
slightly in front of the other and the knees slightly flexed.
o Test the weight by lifting slightly at one edge.
o Grasp the underside edges at opposite diagonals.
o Move the instrument towards the edge of the bench.
o Move the legs back slightly with the feet still astride.
o Turn one edge of the load so that it protrudes slightly from the
bench.

o Pull towards the body grasping the load on opposite diagonals.

o Readjust the feet position so still astride but at an angle to the
bench.
o With the trunk facing the load, lift of slide the load along the
bench.
o Readjust feet position so pointing in the direction of travel and
then move off.

When putting back on to a bench or trolley

o Don’t put straight on but put on a slight angle.
o Keeping close to the body, push the load around into position.
o The body position should be at an angle to the bench with the
inside foot leading as lowering the load.

o When the load is lowered, readjust so that both feet are facing
the bench before pushing.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Bulky light loads (one person lift)

o Stand on to the load with knees slightly bent and

one foot slightly in front of the other
o Test the weight by lifting slightly at one edge
o Grasp either end for a wide load or opposite
diagonals for a thin high load.
o Lift to clear to a comfortable height.

o Step back so that the feet are astride with one foot
slightly in front of the other.
o Turn the body by moving the back foot and then
the front foot until pointing in the direction of travel.
o Move off.

o Position the load where required.

o Remember to flex the knees, not the back, whilst
lowering the load.
o Adopt the same procedure if placing the load on a
trolley: where fitted, ensure wheel brakes are
locked on the trolley.
o Avoid twisting and turning.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Heavy / moderately heavy loads (two person lift)

o Slide the load to the centre of the bench.

o Stand side on the bench with the inside foot slightly
forward.
o Reach over and slide the load, from one edge, then the
other, unit it is at the front of the bench.
o Slide the load forward until the front edge of the load
slightly overhangs the bench.
o Grip the load at each corner.

o Pull towards the body grasping the load on opposite

diagonals.
o Readjust the feet position so still astride but at an angle
to the bench.
o With the trunk facing the load, lift of slide the load along
the bench.
o Readjust feet position so pointing in the direction of
travel and then move off.

When putting back on to a bench or trolley.

o One person to synchronise the lift by counting 1, 2, 3,
Lift.
o Lift the load and transfer it to the centre of the body
allowing the weight to be transferred from the inside leg
o If placing the load on a trolley, ensure the trolley wheels
are locked.
o Move the feet sideways and shift the weight to the
outside leg.
o One person to synchronise the lift by counting to three.
o Transfer to the bench or trolley directly or by putting the
front edge of the load down first and pushing the load
onto the surface.
Do not swing, however slowly, through the central position as this puts undue strain on
the back.
If moving to another location move the feet slowly and coordinate the movement with
your lifting partner
Don’t lift directly from the bench position as this puts undue strain on the inside leg
and back.
Minor variations may be necessary depending on trolley design or whether it is at or
below bench height. Wherever possible trolleys that are the same height as the bench
should be used so the load can be slid rather than lifted from bench to trolley This
places considerably less strain on the back.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Moving very large items (two person lift)

eg. Refrigerators, filing cabinets, drying cabinets.

o Empty the cabinet and remove any moveably trays,

shelves or drawers.
o Move slightly forwards away from the wall.
o The other operator then moves the other edge out.
o Where access is difficult it may be necessary to pull
out from the front on one or both sides.
o Do this from a crouched position, because it is
awkward it is important to take your time.

o When the unit is out of its normal location crouch

with one foot slightly forward of the other.
o Push the load to raise it slightly at the front using
the hand on the same side as the forward foot so
the stress is on the outside of the body.
o Use the other hand to grasp the load from
underneath and continue to raise it slightly.

o The second operator should then position the forks

of a sack trolley in the gap, position the sack trolley
in the centre of the load.
o Allow the load to drop back gently onto the sack
trolley while the second operator has a foot on the
axle of the trolley.
o Gently ease back the load while the second
operator still has a foot on the axle until the load is
balanced.
o The fist operator should then assist in pushing off
the load and ensuring the load is stable.
o Secure the load to the trolley.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Moving under-bench cupboards

o Face on to the cupboard with knees slightly flexed

and one foot in front of the other.
o Open the top drawer and insert the hands palm
upwards.
o Grasp the front edge of the cupboard and pull one
edge outwards (towards the back foot).

o Move the other foot back and repeat the process with
the other edge.
o Carry on repeating this process with alternate sides
gradually easing the cabinet out of its position until
clear of the bench.
o With the trunk facing the load, lift of slide the load
along the bench.
o Readjust feet position with each pull.
o When clear of the bench the cabinet may then be slid
onto a sack trolley.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Long narrow loads (one person lift)

o Place a strong box or low platform at the far end of the load.
o Crouch with one foot in front of the other and grasp the load
at the near end.
o Raise the load to a vertical position.

o Readjust your grip using the near hand to support the load
approximately three quarters the way up its height.

o Using the other hand, lift the load from underneath and lift it
on to the platform.

o Readjust your stance.

o Keeping the back straight, and knees flexed lift the load to a
vertical position.
o Lift with your legs, not your back.

o Adjust your body position to an upright stance holding the

load as close to your body as possible.
o Move off.
o For replacing the load repeat the above steps in the
opposite order.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Feed sacks (one person lift)

o A lifting platform, a little less than waist height is required.

o Crouch with one foot in front of the other and grasp the sack
from underneath and towards the top.

o Lift the sack onto the platform keeping the back straight and
using the legs for the lift.

o Crouch slightly in front of the platform with the back straight

and one foot in front of the other.
o Place the hand by the front foot under the load and the other
hand approximately one quarter of the way up the sack.
o Swing the sack on to your shoulder.

o Stand up using your legs for power and keeping your back
straight (do not twist your trunk).
o Adjust the load so that its centre of gravity is comfortably over
your shoulder allowing you to balance the load with minimal
effort from the arms.
o Move off.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Awkward loads e.g. 5 leg chairs (one person lift)

o Flex the knees slightly.

o Grasp the back rest and the front
edge of the seat, or the seat base
with both hands using the elbow
against the back rest for support
during movement.
o Lift using the legs for thrust.
o Rest against the near hip so that the
chair base is pointing away from you.
o Move off.
o When lowering, do so gently and
bend the knees not the back.
 Safe working procedures for Appendix 3
offices, general tasks and laboratories

Gas cylinders (one person)

Gas cylinders are designed to withstand high pressure, consequently they are
extremely heavy and are always unstable when un-supported.
Transport of gas cylinders is probably the most potentially dangerous of all routine
laboratory manual handling tasks.
Cylinder must always be transported in a purpose designed trolley.
Never attempt to move a cylinder with a neck higher than your shoulder.
Undergraduate / postgraduate students and trainee technicians must never transport
gas cylinders or refit regulators unless under the direct supervision of an experienced
person until such time as a senior technician agrees that they are competent.
Steel toe capped shoes and industrial quality gloves should be worn when moving
large numbers of cylinders, eg. when accepting a delivery or during an empty
collection from a bulk store.

o Undo the securing bars on the trolley and slide place it near
the cylinder rack.
o Unhook the chain from the rack and place the palm of your
hand on top of the cylinder neck.
o Tilt the cylinder slightly forward so it rests on the rim of the
base and use the other hand to rotate the cylinder “milk
churning” it from the rack to the trolley.

o Fasten the securing bars on the trolley.

o Place one foot on the axle and tilt the trolley back so it
balances comfortably on the wheels.
o Move off and set the trolley down in front of the wall rack or
bench clamp in the laboratory.
o Remove the cylinder from the trolley, milk churning it into its
new position.

o Make sure that the cylinder is secured to the wall rack or

bench clamp in the laboratory.
o Never stand a cylinder – even a small one – on its base
un-supported.
o Never transport cylinders with regulators or equipment
attached.

When replacing regulators it is important that the screws are not over tightened, this
can strain the screw threads resulting in leaks.
After replacing a regulator it is important to leak test the screw threads with soap
solution or a proprietary leak testing spray. This is essential where flammable gases,
oxygen, nitrous oxide or toxic gases such as chlorine are involved.

Flammable gas cylinders may only be used in laboratories with an outside window.
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4
Safe working procedures for catering Appendix 4