Manual Handling

If there is a risk of injury from lifting loads, what should you think about first?

• A: Whether the load needs to be lifted at all.

• What the weight of the load is.

• Where to hold the load when lifting.

• How to lift the load.

Answer explanation

If possible, it is best to avoid the risks from lifting altogether. This is the preferred requirement laid down in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Which is the part of the body MOST LIKELY to be injured during a manual handling activity which involves moving a heavy load?

• A: Knees

• B: Forearms

• C: Chest

• D: Back

When moving a load fitted with wheels, which of the following is generally true?

• Pushing and pulling are equally risky.

• Pulling is preferable to pushing.

• Pushing is preferable to pulling.

• It is safer to pick it up and carry it.

Answer explanation

The operator should try to push rather than pull when moving a load, provided they can see over it and control steering and stopping.

What is the recommended limit for a compact load that can be safely carried by a fit, male worker?

• A: 50kg

• B: 40kg

• 20kg

• 25kg

Answer explanation

This is a recommendation in HSE guidance.

What is the correct way to lift a load?

• A: Squat near the load, bend back and use leg muscles.

• B: Squat near to the load, keeping the back as straight as possible and using leg muscles.

• C: Keep feet apart and bend back.

• D: Keep feet together and bend back.

Answer explanation

Handling techniques which allow the use of relatively strong leg muscles rather than those of the back are preferable.

If the load has an uneven centre of gravity, how should you lift it?

• A: Keep the heaviest side of the load away from you.

• B: Keep the heaviest side of the load on the strongest arm.

• C: Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you.

• Keep the heaviest side of the load on the weakest arm.

Answer explanation

There is less risk of injury if a weight's centre of gravity is near the torso.

In manual handling, which of the following general statements is true?

• A: You should keep your back bent when lifting.

• B: Anyone can carry a load as long as they are strong enough.

• C: Large loads should be broken down into smaller loads where possible.

• D: Loads should be held at arm's length while carrying.

Answer explanation

This is a recommendation in HSE guidance.

Where a load has to be lifted manually, what is the employer required to do by law?

• A: Calculate the cost of the exercise.

• B: Determine the number of people required.

• C: Assess the risk of the task.

• Assess the time the job will take.

Answer explanation

This is a specific requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.