Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
Guidance
Thermal environment and ventilation
Are there extremes of temperature, high humidity or gusts of wind that may
affect handling?
166 The risk of injury during manual handling will be increased by extreme thermal
conditions. For example, high temperatures or humidity can cause rapid fatigue
and perspiration on the hands may reduce grip. Work at low temperatures may
impair dexterity. Any gloves and other protective clothing which may be necessary
may also hinder movement, impair dexterity and reduce grip. The influence of
air movement on working temperatures – the wind chill factor – should also be
considered.
167 To provide a comfortable work environment for manual handling, extremes
of temperature, excessive humidity and poor ventilation should be avoided where
possible. This can be done either by improving environmental control or relocating
the work.
168 Where these conditions cannot be changed, for example when manual
handling has to be done out of doors in extreme weather, or close to a very hot
process, or in a refrigerated storage area, the use of PPE will be necessary. The
advice given in paragraphs 183-185 should be followed.
Strong air movements and gusts of wind
169 Inadequate ventilation can hasten fatigue, increasing the risk of injury. Sudden
air movements, whether caused by a ventilation system or the wind, can make
large loads more difficult to manage safely.
Lighting
Are there poor lighting conditions?
170 Poor lighting conditions can increase the risk of injury. Dimness or glare may
cause poor posture, for example by encouraging stooping. Contrast between areas
of bright light and deep shadow can aggravate tripping hazards and hinder the
accurate judgement of height and distance.
4(1)(b)(i) and (ii)
Guidance
171 There should be sufficient well-directed light to enable handlers to see clearly
what they are doing and the layout of the workplace, and to make accurate
judgements of distance and position.
Information on the load
172 Regulation 4(1)(b)(iii) can be complied with in a variety of ways, depending on
the circumstances.
173 The requirement to provide ‘general indications’ of the weight and nature of
the loads to be handled should form part of any basic training, so that employees
have sufficient information to carry out the operations they are likely to be asked to
do.
4(1)(b)(iii)
174 Where it is reasonably practicable, employers should give precise information.
For employers whose businesses originate loads (manufacturers, packers etc) the
simplest way of providing this information is by marking it on the loads.
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