ADNOC HSE STANDARDS TRAINING

MANUAL HANDLING STANDARD

HSE-OS-ST17

ABU DHABI NATIONAL OIL COMPANY

 INTRODUCTION

 ADNOC Manual Handling (HSE-OS-ST17)

 New Standard (No legacy CoP)

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 PURPOSE

• To provide standard requirements on identifying hazards and assessing risks

associated with manual handling activities in ADNOC operations

• To recommend controls for reducing risk of potential injuries to personnel, for tasks,
individuals’ capability, load, environment and other factors

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 SCOPE

The Standard stipulates the mandatory requirements applicable to ADNOC Group

(Directorates & Functions at HQ, Group Companies and Affiliates) and its Contractors.

ADNOC Group and Contractors shall ensure that all expectations listed herein are fully
understood, implemented and thoroughly monitored.

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 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Standard specifies the roles and responsibilities for the following:

• ADNOC Directorates

• ADNOC Group Companies

• ADNOC HSE Function

• Group Company HSE Function

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Section 6 in the Standard shall be referred for responsibilities of the above-mentioned Roles
 KEY CONTENTS

 Hazardous Manual Handling – Refer Section 7.1 of the Standard

 Types of Manual Handling Injuries – Refer Section 7.2 of the Standard

 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls – Refer Section 7.3 of the Standard

 Training and Competency – Refer Section 7.4 of the Standard

 Key Performance Indicators – Refer Section 8.1 of the Standard

 Links to ADNOC Standards – Refer Section 9 of the Standard

 Appendices – Refer Section 10 of the Standard

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 MANUAL HANDLING

 Manual Handling is defined as transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force

Section 7.1 in the Standard shall be referred for Manual Handling

 HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING
 Manual Handling can be hazardous and leads to minor injuries and/or Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD).
 Activities typically require a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain an object, load or a
person and may involve one or more of the following:
 Repetitive or sustained force
 High or sudden force
 Repetitive movement
 Sustained or awkward posture

Section 7.1 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazardous Manual Handling
 TYPES OF MANUAL HANDLING INJURIES
 Manual handling can result in fatigue and injuries of back, neck, arms, shoulders and other body parts
participating in manual handling task
 Following are the two (02) categories of injuries that can result from manual handling:
 Minor Injuries
1. Cuts, bruises and abrasions, mostly involving the upper body and limbs;
2. Fractures, either as a result of falls or dropping heavy objects onto the
body
 Strains and muscle
Musculoskeletal
3. injuries(MSD)
Disorder involving the
- spine
damage to the
musculoskeletal system of the body including muscles, tendons,
ligaments, bones, joints, bursa, blood vessels and nerves, due to
gradual and cumulative wear and tear through repetitive manual
handling. MSDs can be divided into three (03) types:
1. Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs)
2. Lower Limb Disorders (LLDs)
3. Back pain and back injuries
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Section 7.2 in the Standard shall be referred for Types of Manual Handling Injuries
 TYPES OF MANUAL HANDLING INJURIES
 Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs)
 Affect the arms, from fingers to shoulder, and neck. They are
often called Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Cumulative Trauma
Disorder (CTD) or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)

 Lower Limb Disorders (LLDs)

 Affect the hips, knees and legs and usually happen because of
overuse and workers may report lower limb pain, aching and
numbness without a specific disease being identified

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Section 7.2 in the Standard shall be referred for Types of Manual Handling Injuries
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
 Hazard Identification - shall account for the factors involving Task, Individual, Load, Environment
and Other factors (TILEO):
 Type of manual handling tasks to be performed
 Individual capabilities
 Loads to be handled
 Environment in which the task will be carried out
 Other factors
 Risk Assessment - the key steps are,
 Identify the hazards associated with TILEO factors and assess the risks
 Identify the control measures that are currently in place
 Implement additional controls to manage the risk

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Assessment Types
 Qualitative Assessment
 Qualitative risk assessment shall be conducted to assess whether
the forces, movements and postures are undertaken in such a
way that they give rise to the risk of MSD
Note: Refer Appendix 1 in standard for typical Qualitative assessment

 Quantitative Assessment
 Manual handling tasks with High-Medium or High risk shall be
further assessed quantitatively using NIOSH Lifting Equation
 NIOSH app ‘NLE Calc’ can be used to quickly evaluate the
Recommended Weight Limit (RWL) and Load Index (LI)
Note: Refer Appendix 2 in standard for NIOSH Lifting Equation

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Hierarchy of Controls:
A systematic approach for managing safety in
the workplace by providing a structure to select
the most effective control measures to eliminate
or reduce the risk of certain hazards that have
been identified, as being caused by the activity.
 Elimination: includes removing the hazard
from the workplace.
 Substitution: Minimize the risk by substituting
or replacing a hazard or hazardous work
practice with a safer one
 Isolate/Separate: Minimize the risk by
isolating or separating the hazard or
hazardous work practice from personnel
 Engineer: Includes engineering the control
measures to minimize risk
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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
 Organization: Includes organization of
personnel trainings and improving
competencies
 Procedures: This includes identification and
implementation of documented procedures
designed to conduct the activity in safe
manner
 PPE: The last wall of defense in the overall
hierarchy of controls. PPE be used as per
ADNOC Personal Protective Equipment
Standard, HSE-OS-ST20
Note: Refer Appendix 3 in standard for HSE
UK Guidelines on safe manual lifting
technique

Note: Refer Appendix 4 in standard for Good handling technique for pushing and pulling
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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Tasks and Controls
 Large Vertical Movement of Load

 Lifting or lowering a load above or below waist requires

greater physical effort and increases the risk of injury
 Typical control measures include but not limited to the
following:
1. Avoid significant variation in the height of storage or
working surfaces
2. Dedicated storage areas for easier movement of
loads
3. Storage of heavier objects around waist height
4. Hold the load closer to body where lifting of loads
from floor level is unavoidable, to allow the stronger
leg muscles to be used in lifting instead of back.
5. Team lifting, if necessary, to place heavier items into
their storage location
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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Tasks and Controls
 Holding Object at Distance
 Stress on the lower back increases substantially by 5 times the stress in hand, when

load is held away from the body

 Greater risk of injury when load is handled while reaching upwards for prolonged and

repetitive manner
 Control measure – To hold the load closer to body

 Twisting and Bending

 Bending the back, or by leaning forward with the back straight

while carrying the load increases the force on the lower back.
Typical control measures include,
1. Avoid lifting loads from the floor when seated and use swivel
chair to avoid twisting
2. Planning the position of storage space and using moving
chair for handling loads

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Tasks and Controls
 Repetitive Movements
 Frequent or prolonged physical effort can give rise to injury,

even if the load itself is not particularly heavy

 Repetitive movements are combined with twisting or stooping

which increases the risk of injury

 Control measure – Possible short breaks and flexible work

approach of timing of work

 Long Carrying Distances

 Effort involved in carrying the load is more that of lifting it, if the

load is carried for more than 10 meters

 Place the handler at risk of injury if it is carried below knuckle

height and above shoulder height

 Control Measures – Usage of transport aids such as trolleys or

barrows with appropriate height

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Individual Capacity and Controls
 Job Requiring Physical Capability or Strength
 Nature of the job carried out by the employee shall also be

considered before manual handling. i.e. Office worker wont suit

for heavy lifting activities
 Control Measures – Considering age requirements and usage of

mechanical aids

 Individuals with Health Issues

 Individual with health issues will increase the risk associated

with manual handling work

 Control Measures – Relocation of concerned individual to

appropriate works
 Considering the suitability of clothing or PPE being worn by the

person i.e. Loose clothing will not be hindrance to work

 Usage of Mechanical aids

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Load and Controls

 Heavy Load
 Weight of a load presents a significant risk of injury

 Control Measures – Breaking down in smaller loads considering frequency of

handling
 Mechanical Assistance

 Bulky Load
 Increased risk of dropping if load is awkward to handle

 Control Measures – Breaking down in smaller loads and order material in

suitable way

Note: Refer Appendix 5 in standard for Load limitations for men and women with
regards to safe manual lifting
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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Load and Controls

 Difficulty in Grasp
 Difficulty in grasping because they are wet, slippery or rounded, which

can pose the risk of dropping the load and associated risks
 Control Measures - Placing the load in a container or sling to alleviate

the problem
 Usage of suitable PPE such as gloves or handling aids

 Unstable loads and Shifting Contents

 Loads which are not rigid, or because the contents are movable and

alter the center of gravity

 Control measures - Effective packaging of objects to minimize the free

space
 Usage of specialized handling aids, combined with effective training

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Load and Controls

 Intrinsically Harmful Loads

 Loads having sharp edges, rough, hot or cold surfaces etc.

 Control Measures – Effective packing

 Packing in insulated container

 Usage of appropriate PPEs

Risk Associated with Environment and Controls

 Insufficient Space
 Uneven, Slippery or Unstable Floor
 Variation in Level
 Extreme Working Conditions
 Poor Lighting

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Environment and Controls
Insufficient Space
 Constraints (such as, restricted head room) and other obstructions that hinder an efficient working

posture during manual handling

 Typical control measures include but not limited to the following

 Ensure that the immediate working space and the route to be used during movement of the load is

clear when planning manual handling

 Maintain a good standard of housekeeping to limit the insufficient space related risks.

Uneven, Slippery or Unstable Floor

 Uneven floors will increase the risk of tripping as well as increasing the risk of slipping while pushing or

pulling and associated risk of injury. Torn or damaged floor coverings can produce similar risks.
 Typical control measures include but not limited to the following:

 Keep the ground surface even and firm where routine handling of loads is to be carried out

 Clear up the spillages of water, oil, soap, food scraps or other materials immediately

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Environment and Controls
Variation in Level
 Movement of materials among different levels within a building which increases the risk of injury in

manual handling
 Handling of loads on a ladder is particularly hazardous, since the need to maintain a good hold on the

ladder may impair proper grip of the load

 Typical control measures include but not limited to the following:

 Teamwork shall be acquired where heavy or difficult loads are required to be moved among different

levels and a good lift is not possible

 Slide a load rather than lifting it where possible

Poor Lighting
 Poor lighting can increase the risks of tripping and bumping against unseen obstructions. Poor posture

may need to be adopted when lifting, as an individual tries to guard against these perceived dangers
 A good standard of lighting shall help handlers to accurately judge distance and position

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Risk Associated with Environment and Controls
Extreme Working Conditions
 Working in extreme working conditions (high/low temperatures, humidity, high wind, dust etc.) can

increase the risk of injury through rapid fatigue, loss of manual dexterity and impairment of grip through
perspiration on the hands.
 Sudden gusts of wind can make large loads difficult to handle safely, particularly if they are light in

weight
 Typical control measures include but not limited to the following:

 Consider discontinuing the work if weather conditions become unsuitable where work is performed

externally
 Maintain comfortable working environments where possible

 Take into account the factors of heat/cold, humidity, wind and dust while planning for manual handling

 Use handling aids or team handling to reduce the risks

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Other Factors and Controls

 Pregnant Women
 Pregnancy has significant implications and manual handling can pose

greater risk
 Shall not be allowed for manual handling

 Manual handling activity plan shall identify the factors such as

magnitude of the load, distance to be travelled and physical fitness of

the pregnant woman

 Team Lifting/Handling
 Too large or heavy objects safe handling be accomplished by two or

more people working together

 Control measures – Close Coordination

 Nomination of one person to direct task

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Other Factors and Controls

 Handling Aids and Equipment

 Can cause additional risks if those are inappropriate for the job, not in a

good working condition or lack the safety features. Typical control

measure as follows,
1. Identify and use the correct type of equipment
2. Provide equipment that is more suitable for the task
3. Ensure that planned preventive maintenance has been carried out
4. Consider changing the wheels/tyres and flooring etc. if those are not
smoothly rolling
5. Ensure handles are in good working condition and provide firm grip
6. Ensure that brakes are easier to use, reliable and effective.

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND
CONTROLS
Other Factors and Controls

 Work Organization Factors

 Work organization factor can also influence adversely the conduct of manual handling tasks. e.g.

repetitive, boring, workload, deadlines, miscommunication. Following are control measures,

1. Change the task to reduce monotony;
2. Match the task to worker’s capability and skill;
3. Make more achievable workloads and deadlines;
4. Ensure good communication and teamwork;
5. Involve workers in decision making while planning the task; and
6. Ensure training and competency of the worker.

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Section 7.3 in the Standard shall be referred for Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Controls
 TRAINING AND COMPETENCY
Appropriate training program shall be provided to ensure that all persons involved in handling loads
manually acquire the understanding the risk, basic information and the basic principles safe manual
handling techniques.
All staff shall be made aware of the following points:
 How to recognize potentially hazardous manual handling operations
 How to deal with unfamiliar handling operations
 The proper use of manual handling aids
 PPE required for manual handling tasks
 The importance of good housekeeping
 Features of the working environment that contribute to safety
 Factors affecting individual capability
 Good manual handling techniques
 Practical examples

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Section 7.4 in the Standard shall be referred for Training and Competency
 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

KPI Target

Compliance with requirements of this standard 100% compliance

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 LINKS TO ADNOC STANDARDS

 ADNOC Occupational Health Hazards Standard, HSE-OH-ST02

 ADNOC HSE Risk Management System Standard, HSE-RM-
ST01

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 APPENDICES

1. Typical Example for Qualitative Manual Handling Assessment Checklist

2. Quantitative Manual Handling Assessment by NIOSH Lifting Equation
3. Safe Manual Handling/Lifting Technique
4. Good Handling Technique For Pushing and Pulling
5. Load Limitations for Safe Manual Lifting

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Section 10 in the Standard shall be referred for Appendices
 THANK YOU
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ABU DHABI NATIONAL OIL COMPANY