Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
Guidance
Figure 21 Rocking a load to assess its ease of handling
Good handling technique
197 A good handling technique is no substitute for other risk-reduction steps,
such as provision of lifting aids, or improvements to the task, load or working
environment. Moving the load by rocking, pivoting, rolling or sliding is preferable
to lifting it in situations where scope for risk reduction is limited. However, good
handling technique forms a very valuable addition to other risk-control measures.
To be successful, good handling technique demands both training and practice.
The training should be carried out in conditions that are as realistic as possible,
emphasising its relevance to everyday handling operations.
198 There is no single correct way to lift and many different approaches are put
forward. Each has merits and advantages in particular situations or individual
circumstances. The content of training in good handling technique should be
tailored to the particular handling operations likely to be undertaken. It should
begin with relatively simple examples and progress to more specialised handling
operations as appropriate. The following list, based on research carried out for HSE
by the Institute of Occupational Medicine, 20 illustrates some important points which
are relevant to a two-handed symmetrical lift, ie a lift using both hands that takes
place in front of and close to the body:
4(3)(c)
(a) Think before handling/lifting. Plan the lift/handling
activity. Where is the load going to be placed? Use appropriate
handling aids where possible. Will help be needed with the
load? Remove obstructions, such as discarded wrapping
materials. For long lifts, such as from floor to shoulder height,
consider resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to
change grip.
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