ISG-FM-HSE-WR-OP-006-Manual Handling Procedure

ISG FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
(HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT)

Document Name MANUAL HANDLING PROCEDURES
Document No. ISG-FM-HSE-WR-OP-006 REV: 00
Issue Date 8 October 2020 Page 1 of 19
1. PURPOSE
These procedures have been established to protect the people from the serious injuries that
could result from potential cave-ins or earth collapse when working in trenches and excavations
within ISG FM Scope of work.
2. SCOPE
These procedures apply to all ISG Facilities Management Projects and scope of services.
3. ABBREVIATIONS
3.1. ISG INITIAL SAUDI GROUP
3.2. FM FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
3.3. SOW SCOPE OF WORK
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1. DIRECTORS
4.1.1. Directors are responsible for ensuring managers carry out their roles and
responsibilities as laid out in this procedure, and that systems are in place to ensure:
4.1.2. Manual Handling Health and Safety Risks are identified and assessed.
4.1.3. Manual Handling risks are reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable.
4.1.4. Residual Manual Handling risks are managed.
4.1.5. Manual Handling risks are monitor and reviewed.
4.1.6. The effectiveness of this procedure is monitored and reviewed.
4.2. MANAGERS
4.2.1. Managers carry out their roles and responsibilities as laid out in this procedure.
4.2.2. Reviewing of Manual Handling risks that are being tolerated or accepted by
supervisors and intervening when not satisfied. In practice this can be achieved
through monitoring the health and safety register of risks.
4.2.3. Sufficient resources are available to manage risks.
4.2.4. A health and safety register of risks is in place for the prioritization of risk and the
implementation of health and safety risk controls. Those risks which cannot be
tolerated or accepted must be escalated to the Director for action.
4.2.5. Health and Safety is on management team agendas.
4.2.6. Staff are competent to carry out their roles through the provision of information
instruction and training.
4.2.7. The effectiveness of this procedures is monitored and reviewed.
4.3. SUPERVISOR
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring:
4.3.1. The need for staff/employees to carry out Manual Handling operations at work
which involve a risk of their being injured are avoided as far as is reasonably
practicable.
4.3.2. Where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid the need, manage manual handling
risk. See managing manual handling risks in eight steps below.
4.3.3. A suitable and sufficient Manual Handling health and safety risk assessment is
carried out by competent manual handling risk assessor (Note: risk assessors should
be local staff who have been trained up to be competent). Consideration must be
given to the task, the load, the working environment, the individual capability and
any other factors that might have an effect on the risk, such as protective clothing.
4.3.4. Risk assessments must be carried out in consultation with Union Safety
Representatives.
4.3.5. All significant Manual Handling health and safety risks are reduced to as low as is
reasonably practicable by the identification of additional hierarchy of risk control
measures.
4.3.6. All Manual Handling risk assessments are quality assured to ensure they are data
driven and not based on opinion.
4.3.7. Manual Handling Risk control action plans are implemented.
4.3.8. Manual Handling risk assessments are recorded and signed by them.
4.3.9. Manual Handling risk assessments are entered onto a health and safety register of
risks; and that Manual Handling risks that cannot be accepted or tolerated are
escalated to the managers for their action.
4.3.10. Manual Handling risk assessments are monitored and reviewed.
4.3.11. Staff and those affected by the Manual Handling risks from our undertakings are
provided with information/instruction and training of the outcomes of risk
assessments and the associated manual handling risk control measures with
particular regard to the load and its weight.
4.3.12. Staff are competent to carry out their duties.
4.3.13. Self-auditing for compliance against this procedure.
4.4. RISK ASSESSOR
Risk assessors should be ‘home grown’ staff who are familiar with the tasks. They must be
competent to carry out their role. able to demonstrate their competence through other
qualification. Where requested to provide training, they must have attended the manual
handling and lifting techniques course.
4.4.1. Carrying out/facilitate suitable and sufficient Manual Handling risk assessments on
tasks as directed by their line manager/supervisor, involving the work force and
consulting with union safety representatives.
4.4.2. Identifying and recommending additional health and safety risk control measures
required to reduce the manual handling risk to as low as is reasonably practicable
for the line manager.
4.4.3. Recommending the review period of the Manual Handling risk assessment to the
line manager.
4.4.4. Recording the Manual handling risk assessment in writing.
4.4.5. Understanding their own level of competence and knowing when to seek specialist
advice/assistance
4.4.6. Where requested and competent to do so, provide task specific information,
instruction and training on the risks, safe systems, equipment and lifting
techniques.
4.5. HSE DEPARTMENT

Are responsible for:
4.5.1. Providing competent advice to managers/staff/employees (where requested) on

the Manual Handling risk assessment process or the development of risk controls.
4.5.2. Communicating significant changes to health and safety legislation.
4.5.3. Facilitation of the health and safety manual handling risk assessment process
where it is reasonable to do so.
4.5.4. Monitoring the effectiveness of this procedure and reviewing its content annually
or sooner if there are changes to legislation or best practice.
4.5.5. Auditing all involved department against this procedure.
4.5.6. Developing training to meet the requirements of this procedure and providing it
where requested to do so.
4.5.7. Where health and safety risk assessments have identified risk controls not covered
by this procedure, developing procedure to meet those risks, where requested to
do so.
4.6. EMPLOYEES
Are responsible for:
4.6.1. Following safe systems of work identified by Manual Handling risk assessments.
4.6.2. Use appropriate equipment provided for them in accordance with their training and
the instructions of their managers.
4.6.3. Attending training provided to ensure they are competent to undertake their role
4.6.4. Notifying line managers of any hazards they have identified, or accidents, or near
misses.
4.6.5. Follow the requirements of this safe working procedure.
Note: Failure to do so will result in the appropriate SCC or establishment disciplinary procedure
being implemented.
5. PROCEDURES
5.1. MANAGING MANUAL HANDLING RISK IN EIGHT STEPS
5.1.1. STEP 1
Carry out a task analysis to identify tasks that require a risk assessment.
5.1.2. STEP 2
Decide if the manual handling element of the task can be eliminated so far as is
reasonable practicable.
5.1.3. STEP 3
Where manual handling cannot be eliminated and there is a possibility of injury,
 carry out a general risk assessment on the task or where there is a
significant manual handling risk.
 carry out a suitable and sufficient manual handling risk assessment
5.1.4. STEP 4
Decide if the risk is acceptable or tolerable by using the risk control plan as
guidance?
5.1.5. STEP 5
Where the risk is not acceptable or deemed tolerable until further improvements
can be made, plan and implement further controls on a hierarchical basis
summarized as follows:
5.1.5.1. Avoid the need of Manual Handling e.g.

If materials can be delivered directly to the site where they are to be used,
rather than to a depot for intermediate storage, several handling operations
will have been avoided.
5.1.5.2. Automate or Mechanize the Process

In the first example above could be done use trolley or hydraulic lifts.
5.1.5.3. Task
Improving task layout: improving task layout and/or work routine and
applying ergonomic conditions to the activity can lead to greater efficiency
as well as improved safety.
Using the body more efficiently: any change that allows the load to be held
closer to the body is likely to reduce the risk of injury. When lifting of loads
at or near floor level use of the strong leg muscles is preferable. Controlled
pushing or pulling is also preferable to lifting.
Improved work routine: minimizing the need for fixed postures dictated by
sustained holding or supporting of loads will reduce fatigue. Tasks should be
self-paced where possible, and job rotation can be particularly beneficial.
Avoid lifting loads if seated whenever possible. Team handling can also be
helpful although this may introduce additional hazards and needs careful
consideration. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may also be necessary
in some circumstances
5.1.5.4. Load
Making it lighter: reducing the weight of a load, for example, by obtaining

supplies in smaller packages, can be safer but requires liaison with
manufacturers and/or suppliers.
Making it smaller: making a load less bulky makes it easier to grasp and so
safer to handle.
Making it easier to grasp: the provision of handles, grips, indents or other

features can greatly assist in handling, especially where the nature of the
load or surface texture makes it difficult to grasp.
Making it more stable and less damaging to hold: if lacking in rigidity, slings
or other aids may assist control during handling. When handling liquids or
powders, containers should be well filled, reducing the potential movement
of contents. Loads should be free from dust, oil, etc. to reduce risks. Sharp
or jagged edges, rough surfaces, etc should be avoided but, where this is not
possible, handling aids or PPE will be necessary.
Providing additional information: the Regulations require employers to give
employees required to undertake manual handling general indications (or
preferably precise information) on the weight of each load and the heaviest
side of any load whose centre of gravity is not positioned centrally. For
much Local Authority work (e.g. handling refuse sacks, moving
wheelbarrows full of soil, erection of play equipment, etc.) the weight will
not be known. In such circumstances it may be possible to ascertain the
likely weight range, which should form part of the information and training
given to employees. In some circumstances the weight can be obtained
from suppliers, and should be marked on the load where practicable.
5.1.5.5. Work Environment
Removing space constraints: work areas should allow room for maneuver
for manual handling, and good housekeeping standards are important.
Floors and working at different levels: floors should be flat, well maintained
and free from spillages - slip resistant surfaces are important if floors can
become wet. Whenever possible, manual handling activity should be carried
out on one level - if not possible, transition should be by gentle slopes, or
proper steps.
Temperature, ventilation and lighting: wherever possible, extremes of

temperature, humidity and poor ventilation should be avoided. For manual
handling carried out outside in extreme weather (as can be the case for
some Local Authority work activities) then PPE should be used,
remembering that it needs to be well designed, well-fitting and to restrict
movement as little as possible.
Individual Capability - It is recognized that within any organization there is

usually a wide range of individual physical capability (even amongst those fit
and healthy enough to be at work).
Health surveillance: where manual handling forms an intrinsic part of the

task/job a pre-employment lifting and handling physical assessment is
required to establish the presence of any muscular-skeletal disorders
Personal considerations: particular consideration should be given to

employees who are or have recently been pregnant, or who are known to
have a history of back trouble, hernia or other health problems which could
affect their manual handling capability.
Information and training- The provision of information and training alone

will NOT ensure safe manual handling. Training has a key role to play in
promoting safe manual handling operations, but as a complement to a safe
system of work, not a replacement for it. Training programs should be
developed in conjunction with safety representatives and their effectiveness
monitored. The Health and Safety Dept. can provide the appropriate
training (which is usually better provided on-site) in line with the
recommendations of the Health and Safety Manager.
5.1.6. STEP 6
Document the risk assessment and set the Review Date.
5.1.7. STEP 7
Enter the details of the manual handling risk assessment onto the health and safety
register of risks.
5.1.8. STEP 8
Carry out a review of the risk assessment.
5.2. MANUAL HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT IN SIX STEPS
5.2.1. STEP 1
Identify the Hazards associated with the Scope of work
 The Task
 The Individual Capabilities

 The Load
 The Working Environmental
5.2.2. STEP 2
Consider the factors that affect the likelihood or probability of the hazard being
realized and detail to what extent each of the consideration, i.e. how much holding
of the load, for how long, how heavy (Kgs). Detail what the existing controls are that
are in place (do they work?).
Other factors to consider are;

 Frequency of task
 Who is exposed and numbers of those exposed
 Pattern of exposure in time
 Existing controls in place, do they work
 Environmental factors, i.e. wet, cold night day, windy, road traffic
 Competency
 Previous incidents
5.2.3. STEP 3
Using the risk Matrix in 5.3.3. Health and Safety Matrix multiply the Hazard and
likelihood scores together to assess the risk Very High, High, Medium or Low
5.2.4. STEP 4
Once the line manager has evaluated the risk and decided if the risk is acceptable,
tolerable or not acceptable (5.3.4. Risk Control Plan) identify any deficiencies in the
process and make additional risk control recommendations necessary to reduce the
risk to as low as is reasonably practicable. See Remedial Measures in Section 5
(5.1.5. step 5)
5.2.5. STEP 5
Once the line manager has agreed to the assessment, and the additional controls if
identified have been implemented, recommend the review period (5.5 Review
Period) and document the residual risk rating
5.2.6. STEP 6
Complete the manual handling form, the line manager must sign the form,
communicate the findings, and file.
5.3. CALCULATING THE RISK

In order to calculate the risk, you must first rate the hazard on a scale of 1-5 then rate the
likelihood on a scale of 1-5 and multiply the two scores together to end up with a risk score
See sections 5.3.1 below
5.3.1. MANUAL HANDLING HAZARD SCORING AND DESCRIPTORS

Table 1 below gives the rating scores to be used to quantify the hazards and their
severity. Assessors should also include a description of the reasonably foreseeable
injury as indicated by the descriptors.
Table 1
Rating score Description
1. No Harm
Minor Harm - where first aid is required or up to 3 days off work (i.e. cut fingers, bruising,
2.
aches and pains)
Serious Harm - Muscular Skeletal Disorder to the lower back, pulled ligaments muscle
3.
strain, resulting in loss time over 3 days but less than 21
Major Harm - Significant muscular skeletal disorder to the back i.e. slip disc, torn ligaments,
4.
long term absence which requires medical interventions) resulting in over 21 days lost time
Catastrophic Harm –permanent disability, or multiple injuries, or injuries affecting more
5.
than one person, probable termination of employment on medical grounds.
5.3.2. LIKELIHOOD OR PROBABILITY SCORING AND DESCRIPTORS
Table 2 below gives the rating score to be used to quantify the likelihood or probability of
the hazard being realized based on a range of factors including.
 Frequency of task
 Who is exposed and numbers of those exposed
 Pattern of exposure in time
 Existing controls in place, do they work
 Environmental factors, i.e. wet, cold night day, windy, road traffic
 Competency
 Previous incidents
 Etc.
Table 2
Rating score Description
1. Unlikely
2. Remote
3. Occasional
4. Moderate
5. Frequent
5.3.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK MATRIX

Once the Hazard and likelihood scores have been identified, the scores can be
multiplied together to help evaluate the risk using the matrix below.
Table 3
SEVERITY
2 2 1 1
FREQUENT 5
5 0 5 0
2 1 1
MODERATE 8 4
0 6 2
OCCASIONA 1 1
9 6 3
LIKELIHOOD
L 5 2
1
REMOTE 8 6 4 2
0
UNLIKELY 5 4 3 2 1
Hazard Severity x Likelihood = RISK
Risk Level (For an explanation of Severity/Likelihood and Risk

Low 1-6 level descriptors click below)
Med 8-10 Table 1 Hazard Severity Table 2 Likelihood
High 12-15
V High 16-25
5.3.4. RISK CONTROL PLAN
Using the guide in Table 4, evaluate the risk and decide if the risk is Acceptable no
further action, Tolerable continue with the task but plan for improvement or
Unacceptable and stop the task until further controls can be implemented.
Risk level Tolerability: guidance on necessary action and timescale

Low These risks are considered acceptable. No further action is necessary other than to
1–6 ensure that the controls are maintained.
No additional controls are required unless they can be implemented at very low cost
(in terms of time, money and effort). Actions to further reduce these risks are
assigned low priority. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are
maintained.
Medium Consideration should be given as to whether the risks can be lowered, where
8 – 10 applicable, to a tolerable level, and preferably to an acceptable level, but the cost of
additional risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time
period. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls are maintained,
particularly if the risk levels are associated with harmful consequences.
High Substantial efforts should be made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction measures should
12 - 15 be implemented urgently within a defined time period and it might be necessary to
consider suspending or restricting the activity, or to apply interim control measures,
until this has been completed. Considerable resources might have to be allocated to
additional control measures. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the
controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels are associated with extremely
harmful consequences and very harmful consequences.
Very High These risks are unacceptable. Substantial improvements in risk controls are necessary,
16-25 so that the risk is reduced to a tolerable or acceptable level. The activity should be
halted until risk controls are implemented that reduces the risk so that it is no longer
very high. If it is not possible to reduce risk the work should remain prohibited.
5.4. WHO SHOULD CARRY OUT A MANUAL HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT
Manual handling risk assessment should be undertaken by competent manual handling risk
assessors, preferably staff who have experience and knowledge of the tasks being assessed.
They should be of a suitable caliber to understand the risk assessment process and where
and how to find suitable control measures to advise managers. An acceptable route to
ensure manual handling risk assessors are competent is to ensure they have attended the
Risk Assessment course and the Manual Handling Risk Assessment.
In order to undertake the assessment, the assessor should use a variety of techniques,
including:
 Observing the work activity;

 Obtaining information from suppliers, manufacturers of items to be handled (such as
the weight of the item, specific characteristics, etc.); checking accident/ ill health
records, past incidents, etc.;
 Discussing the activity with the employees undertaking it, and their safety
 Representatives, where applicable.
5.5. REVIEW PERIOD
Manual Handling risk assessments must be reviewed;

 At least every 3 years or
 Following an incident or
 If there is a significant change the Task/Individual/Load/Environment or
 At the review point set at the time of the assessment dependant on the level of risk
or reliability on the controls to keep the risk to as low as is reasonably
practicable.
5.6. TRAINING
Staff must be competent to perform their tasks safely so as not to pose a risk to themselves
or others and this includes working remotely.
It is mandatory that all staff including new starters must attend manual handling and kinetic
lifting techniques training.
Where the level of risk dictates and staff are exposed to significant manual handling
activities.
To ensure staff competency, they must have knowledge, training and experience of the
tasks in order to undertake them safely. They need to be able to carry out an on the job
assessment of the risks particularly in emergency situations. Where the risk picture changes
(dynamic risk), they need to know what to do if they find themselves in a position where
they are performing a task which they believe to be unsafe and pose an unacceptable risk.
In order to be competent, staff need to have been provided with:
Trainers - It is expected for local bespoke on the job training to be carried out by local
‘home grown’ trainers. Typically, these will be staff who have the ability to provide training
to small groups of people. The best person to carry out this type of training is the local
manual handling risk assessor. To ensure the competence to carry out training they must
attend a manual handling ‘train the trainer’ course.
Records must be kept for manual handling training for at least 3 years after an employee
leaves the organization.
Refresher training – Staff should receive refresher training periodically to maintain their
competency levels, frequency should be based on risk assessment (but at least every 5
years). In office based environments this can take the form of e-learning where appropriate
to remind staff of how poor manual handling techniques can affect the body. However, in
other areas where manual handling forms a significant part of the work it will be more
appropriate to have practical sessions to prevent poor techniques creeping in such as in
Highways or Waste and Refuse where the refresher training should be carried out annually.
APPENDIX-1
PROCESS FLOW CHART
Does the work involve manual handling

operations? No
Yes
Is there a risk of injury? No
Yes/Possibly
Is it reasonably practicable to avoid

moving the loads? Yes
No
Is it reasonably practicable to automate

or mechanize the operations?
Yes
Does some risk of manual handling No

injury remain?
No
Yes/Possibly
Carry out manual handling

assessments.
Determine measures to reduce risk of

injury to the lowest level reasonably
practicable.
Evaluate the effects. Are the risks
controlled as planned?
No End ofHinitial exercise.
Document Name MANUAL ANDLING PROCEDURES
Review if conditions change
significantly.
APPENDIX-2
The Manual Handling Regulations set no specific requirements such as weight limits. Instead, they
focus on the needs of the individual and set out a hierarchy of measures for safety during manual
handling operations, i.e.:
 Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;

 Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that
cannot be avoided; and
 Reduce the risk of injury from those operations so far as is reasonably practicable.
GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING
The guidelines for lifting and lowering operations assume that the load is easy to grasp with both
hands and that the operation takes place in reasonable working conditions with the handler in a
stable body position. They take into consideration the vertical and horizontal position of the hands
as they move the load during the handling operation, as well as the height and reach of the
individual handler. For example, if a load is held at arm's length or the hands pass above shoulder
height, the capability to lift or lower is reduced significantly.
Figure 1 Lifting and lowering diagram

The basic guideline Figures for identifying
when manual lifting and lowering
operations may not need a detailed
assessment are set out in the diagram
overleaf. If the handler's hands enter
more than one of the box zones during
the operation, the smallest weight
Figures apply. It is important to
remember, however, that the transition from one box zone to another is not abrupt; an
intermediate Figure may be chosen where the handler's hands are close to a boundary. Where
lifting or lowering with the hands beyond the box zones is unavoidable, a more detailed assessment
should always be made.
These basic guideline Figures for lifting and lowering are for relatively infrequent operations - up to
approximately 30 operations per hour. The guideline Figures will have to be reduced if the
operation is repeated more often. As a rough guide, the Figures should be reduced by 30% where
the operation is repeated once or twice per minute, by 50% where the operation is repeated around
five to eight times per minute and by 80% where the operation is repeated more than about twelve
times per minute.
Even if the above conditions are satisfied, a more detailed risk assessment should be made where:
 The worker does not control the pace of work;

 Pauses for rest are inadequate or there is no change of activity which provides an opportunity to
use different muscles;
 The handler must support the load for any length of time.
GUIDELINES FOR CARRYING
Similar guideline Figures apply to carrying operations where the load is held against the body and is
carried no further than about 10 m without resting. If the load is carried over a longer distance
without resting or the hands are below knuckle height (see diagram above) then a more detailed risk
assessment should be made.
Where the load can be carried securely on the shoulder without first having to be lifted (as for
example when unloading sacks from a lorry) the guideline Figures can be applied to carrying
distances in excess of 10 m.
GUIDELINES FOR PUSHING AND PULLING
For pushing and pulling operations (whether the load is slid, rolled or supported on wheels) the
guideline Figures assume the force is applied with the hands between knuckle and shoulder height.
The guideline Figure for starting or stopping the load is a force of about 25 kg (i.e. about 250
Newton) for men and about 16 kg (i.e. about 160 Newton) for women. The guideline Figure for
keeping the load in motion is a force of about 10 kg (i.e. about 100 Newton) for men and about 7 kg
(i.e. about 70 Newton) for women.
There is no specific limit to the distance over which the load is pushed or pulled provided there are
adequate opportunities for rest or recovery.
PULLING OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: TWISTING

Figure 2 Assessing Twist
In many cases, manual handling operations will involve some
twisting (see Figure 2) and this will increase the risk of injury.
Where the handling task involves twisting and turning,
therefore, a detailed risk assessment should normally be made
in such cases, the basic guideline Figures shown above should
be reduced if the handler twists to the side during the
operation. As a rough guide, the Figures should be reduced by
about 10% where the handler twists through 45° and by about
20% where the handler twists through 90°.
GUIDELINES FOR HANDING WHILE SEATED
The basic guideline Figure for handling operations carried out while seated, shown in the Figure
below, is 5 kg for men and 3 kg for women. These guidelines only apply when the hands are within
the box zone indicated. If handling beyond the box zone is un-avoidable, a more detailed
assessment should be made.
Figure 3 Handling while seated
Remember: The use of these guidelines does not affect the employer's duty to avoid or reduce
risk of injury where this is reasonably practicable. The guideline Figures, therefore, should not be
regarded as weight limits for safe lifting. They are an aid to highlight where detailed risk
assessments are most needed. Where doubt remains, a more detailed risk assessment should
always be made.
Even for a minority of fit, well-trained individuals working under favorable conditions, operations
which exceed the guideline Figures by more than a factor of about two may represent a serious risk
of injury. Such operations should come under very close scrutiny.
APPENDIX-3
MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE
Mechanical assistance involves the use of handling aids - some manual handling is retained but
bodily forces are applied more efficiently, reducing the risk of injury.
There are many examples:
 A simple lever can reduce the risk of injury by decreasing the bodily force required to move a
load, or by removing fingers from a potentially damaging trap;
 A hoist, either powered or hand-operated, can support the weight of a load and leave the
handler free to control its position;
 A trolley, sack truck or roller conveyor can greatly reduce the effort required to move a load
horizontally;
 Chutes are a convenient way of using gravity to move loads from one place to another;
 Handling devices such as hand-held hooks or suction pads can simplify the problem of handling a
load that is difficult to grasp.
Examples of some common handling aids are illustrated in Figures 4- 13 below
Figure 4 Small hand- Figure 5 Roller Figure 6 Moving large Figure 7 Small hydraulic Figure 8 Patient standing
powered hydraulic conveyors sheet material lorry loading crane hoist
hoist
Figure 9 The simple, Figure 10 Powered Figure11 Electric hoist Figure 12 Truck with Figure 13 Mobile welding
low-tech sack trolley vacuum lifter on mobile gantry hydraulic lifting set
mechanism
All equipment provided for use during manual handling, including handling aids and personal
protective equipment (PPE), should be included in a planned preventive maintenance programed
which should include a defect reporting and correction system. Equipment should be readily
accessible for the tasks it is to be used for. Handling aids and PPE that are not readily accessible are
less likely to be used.
INVOLVING THE WORKFORCE
Employees, their safety representatives and safety committees should be involved in any redesign of
the system of work and encouraged to report any defects. They should also be involved in the
development of good handling practice.
Industry-specific guidance
The development of industry-specific guidance within the framework established by the Regulations
and this general guidance will provide a valuable source of information on preventive action that has
been found effective for particular activities or types of work. This guidance is increasingly becoming
available on HSE's website www.hse.gov.uk.
APPROPRIATE STEPS
Above all, the steps taken to reduce the risk of injury should be 'appropriate'. They should address
the problem in a practical and effective manner and their effectiveness should be monitored. This
can be done by observing the effect of the changes made, and discussing these changes with the
handlers or, less directly, by checking accident statistics regularly. If they do not have the desired
effect the situation should be reappraised.
APPENDIX-4
ISG GENERAL MANUAL HANDLING RULES

1. The term manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing,
pulling, carrying and moving. If any of these tasks are not carried out appropriately there is a risk
of injury.
Following are general rules related to Manual Handling:
1.1. Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries. These includes work related
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) such as pain and injuries to arm, legs and joints.
1.2. Light loads can still be a problem if, for example they are lifted incorrectly or if they are
lifted in an environment that is unsafe.
1.3. Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load
going to be placed? Will help be needed with the load?
1.4. Remove obstructions. Such as discarded wrapping materials. For a long lift, consider resting
the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.
1.5. Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain
balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground). Be prepared to move your feet during
the lift to maintain your stability. Avoid tight clothing or unsuitable footwear, which may
make this difficult.
1.6. Start in a good posture. At the start of lifting, bend on the knees not the hips or back.
Bending your knees allows you to lift with your legs and not your back.
1.7. Get a good hold. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the
body. Before lifting, ensure you have a good handgrip. If the load does start slip, let it go, as
catching it will put an enormous strain on your back.
1.8. Don’t flex the back any further while lifting. This can happen if the legs begin to straighten
before starting to raise the load.
1.9. Keep the load close to the waist. Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible
while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the
load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.
1.10. Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent. Shoulders
should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the
feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.
1.11. Keep the head up when handling. Look ahead, not down at the load, once it has been held
securely.
1.12. Move smoothly. The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to
keep control and can increase the risk of injury.
1.13. Don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed. There is a difference between what
people can lift and what they can safely lift. If in doubt, seek advice or get help.
1.14. Put down, and then adjust. When lowering the load, again bend the knees. Otherwise you
can put unnecessary strain on your back. If repositioning of the load is necessary, put it
down first, and then slide it into the desired position.
PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY: APPROVED & AUTHORIZED BY:
JULIO GREGORIO AHMED AL-MALKI MOHAMMED MOUSA

QHSE OFFICER HSE MANAGER COO

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ISG FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

(HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT)

4.4. RISK ASSESSOR

4.5. HSE DEPARTMENT

4.5.1. Providing competent advice to managers/staff/employees (where requested) on

5.1.5.1. Avoid the need of Manual Handling e.g.

5.1.5.2. Automate or Mechanize the Process

Making it lighter: reducing the weight of a load, for example, by obtaining

Making it easier to grasp: the provision of handles, grips, indents or other

5.1.5.5. Work Environment

Temperature, ventilation and lighting: wherever possible, extremes of

Individual Capability - It is recognized that within any organization there is

Health surveillance: where manual handling forms an intrinsic part of the

Personal considerations: particular consideration should be given to

Information and training- The provision of information and training alone

5.2. MANUAL HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT IN SIX STEPS

 The Individual Capabilities

Other factors to consider are;

5.3. CALCULATING THE RISK

5.3.1. MANUAL HANDLING HAZARD SCORING AND DESCRIPTORS

5.3.2. LIKELIHOOD OR PROBABILITY SCORING AND DESCRIPTORS

5.3.3. HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK MATRIX

Risk Level (For an explanation of Severity/Likelihood and Risk

5.3.4. RISK CONTROL PLAN

Risk level Tolerability: guidance on necessary action and timescale

5.4. WHO SHOULD CARRY OUT A MANUAL HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT

 Observing the work activity;

5.5. REVIEW PERIOD

Manual Handling risk assessments must be reviewed;

In order to be competent, staff need to have been provided with:

Does the work involve manual handling

Is there a risk of injury? No

Is it reasonably practicable to avoid

Is it reasonably practicable to automate

Does some risk of manual handling No

Carry out manual handling

Determine measures to reduce risk of

 Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;

GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING

Figure 1 Lifting and lowering diagram

 The worker does not control the pace of work;

GUIDELINES FOR CARRYING

GUIDELINES FOR PUSHING AND PULLING

PULLING OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: TWISTING

GUIDELINES FOR HANDING WHILE SEATED

Figure 3 Handling while seated

There are many examples:

Examples of some common handling aids are illustrated in Figures 4- 13 below

ISG GENERAL MANUAL HANDLING RULES

Following are general rules related to Manual Handling:

PREPARED BY: REVIEWED BY: APPROVED & AUTHORIZED BY:

JULIO GREGORIO AHMED AL-MALKI MOHAMMED MOUSA

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