MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING COURSE SYLLABUS - Basis

CONTENTS
Page
General Information
Introduction 3
Course aims & objectives 4
Assessment Guidelines/The Assessment 5
Your Questions Answered 6
Manual Handling Training Course Syllabus
Modules
1. The size of the problem 7
2. Introduction to legislation 8
3. Types of injuries/Vulnerable Groups/Cause of Injury 9
4. Anatomy 10
5. Elements of Human Movement 11
6. FLUENCY – Lifting Practical 12
7. Manual Handling Assessment – LITE 13
BASIS Contact Details 14
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INTRODUCTION
It is a requirement under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Manual Handling Regulations 1992 and
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to ensure, where Manual Handling in the workplace is
carried out, that we should where possible;
• Avoid Manual Handling.
• Carry out assessment if there is a significant risk.
• Reduce the risk – Training.
Manual Handling operations mean:
Any transport or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or
moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.
Good Health and Safety practices lead to many benefits for the employer:
• Legal Compliance; failure to address manual handling issues in line with the Manual Handling
Operations Regulations 1992 is a criminal offence.
• Social; around 5 million working days are lost each year due to back pain. This is the equivalent
of 20,000 people being off work for a year.
• Moral; workers should be able to return home in at least as good a state of health as they
went to work.
• Publicity; many customers and stake holders take an interest in Health & Safety performance.
• Financial; accidents and injuries cost money – a hot topic for compensation claims.
However, from an employee’s perspective, the main issue is the avoidance of pain and on-going problems –
i.e. maintaining a good quality of life; 80% of the UK population suffer from serious back pain at some point
in their life.
Manual Handling is an important Health & Safety issue within the UK. Handling will always be required, so
training and raising awareness are necessary to reduce the risks associated with this activity. This course is
designed to help companies train their employees in manual handling and help reduce instances of manual
handling injuries within the work place.
The BASIS Manual Handling Training Certificate meets the requirements of today’s legislation.
The training offered by BASIS for this certificate involves a half day training session and includes classroom
training and practical exercises. There will be a multiple choice assessment and a practical assessment of
lifting at the end of the session.
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COURSE AIMS & OBJECTIVES
By the end of the course, participants will;
• Have a basic knowledge of human anatomy.
• Appreciate manual handling legislation and risk assessment.
• Understand the principles of safe manual handling.
• Be able to apply these principles to their own work situations.
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ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES/THE ASSESSMENT
Assessments are conducted by the BASIS tutors following the running of courses for the BASIS Manual
Handling Certificate at various venues across the UK.
The assessment consists of 20 multi choice questions (relates to 60% of assessment marks) and a practical
assessment (relates to 40% of assessment marks) of which the pass mark for the complete assessment,
overall is 70 %.
The aim of the assessment is to determine whether candidates have understood the basic principles of
Manual Handling as detailed within the BASIS syllabus.
In the event that a candidate’s marks in the assessment fall short of the pass mark by up to 5 marks
(written paper only) he/she will be given the opportunity for an interview viva with the tutor. The purpose
of the viva will be to determine whether the candidate’s mark can be raised to the pass standard. It is
recognised that some candidates can be affected by the assessment process and particularly nervous
candidates may misread questions and therefore give the wrong answer, when in fact they did know the
correct response.
Whistle Blowing Policy
BASIS (Registration) Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. Therefore,
we expect employees, candidates and others who work with BASIS who have serious concerns about any
aspect of our work voice those concerns.
To this effect BASIS has a whistle Blowing Policy. This procedure is designed to allow concerns of a public
interest kind within BASIS to be raised, investigated and where appropriate, acted upon. Complaints may be
any member of staff, candidates or those contracted to provide services to BASIS.
To view the full Whistle Blowing Policy go to:
http://www.basis-reg.co.uk/media/documents/430/index.html
Dyslexia Policy
BASIS (Registration) Ltd allows students diagnosed with Dyslexia to request special examination
arrangements. Proof of dyslexia is required a minimum of 4 weeks before the exam date so that BASIS can
provide special examination arrangements if required.
For a full copy of our Dyslexia Policy please go to:
http://www.basis-reg.co.uk/media/documents/TM%2015%20BASIS%20Dyslexia%20Policy%20-
%20Sept%202011.pdf
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
• How can I obtain the BASIS Certificate in Manual Handling
You can obtain the BASIS Certificate by attending the half day training course and completing the practical
assessment.
• When and where are the courses held
They are held all year round at centres throughout the UK, according to demand. In–House company
courses can be scheduled on request, where there are viable numbers.
• Are the courses practical
The courses are practically based, writing is only required for personal note taking.
• What about the assessment
Your ability to understand and implement good Manual Handling practices will be assessed by the course
tutor and will be based on your success in the practical assessment.
• How do I apply to attend a training course
By completing and returning an application form to the BASIS office. You will be notified when a place is
available for you. Every effort is made to place you on a course in your area, although this is not always
possible.
• Do I have to have practical experience before attending a course
As part of our everyday life we lift items, therefore every candidate will have enough experience to relate
to the subject matter.
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Module 1 – The Size of the Problem
1.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the effects on the workplace and personal life of poor
Manual Handling practices.
1.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the effects that poor Manual Handling practices can have on the
work place.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the effects that poor Manual Handling practices can have on an
individual’s private life.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the effects that poor Manual Handling practices can have on the
NHS and the employees private life.
1.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the effects on the work place of poor manual handling practices.
• Describe the effects on the individuals private life of poor manual handling practices.
• Describe the effects on the NHS of poor manual handling practices.
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Module 2 – Introduction to Legislation
2.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the main areas of Legislation which apply to Manual
Handling Operations within the workplace.
2.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the relevant statutory Codes of Practice.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of the relevant legislation.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the relevant enforcement authorities for Manual Handling
Operations.
2.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the main aims of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Describe the main aims of the Manual Handling Regulations 1992.
• Describe the main aims of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
• Explain how Legislation is enforced and by whom.
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Module 3 – Types of Injuries/Vulnerable Groups/Cause of Injury
3.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the type of injuries that can occur through poor Manual
Handling practices. To identify vulnerable groups of people and to identify injury causation.
3.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the types of injuries that may occur due to poor Manual
Handling practices.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the vulnerable groups that are at risk of Manual Handling
Injuries.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the cause of injuries that may occur due to poor Manual
Handling practices.
3.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the main types of injuries that may occur due to poor Manual Handling procedures.
• Describe the vulnerable groups and give reasons to why they may have a higher risk of Manual
Handling Injuries.
• Describe the main causes of Manual Handling injuries within the workplace.
• Describe the benefits of a good Manual Handling culture within the work place.
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Module 4 – Anatomy
4.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the Human Anatomy in relation to Manual Handling
Operations.
4.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the spine (skeletal structure).
• Demonstrate a knowledge of spinal discs and their function within the human back.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the spinal cord and its importance.
4.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the main function of the human spine.
• Describe the makeup of the human spine.
• Describe the different sections of the spine.
• Describe the function of the discs within the human back.
• Describe the function of the spinal cord.
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Module 5 – Element of Human Movement
5.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the elements of human movement in relation to Manual
Handling Operations within the workplace.
5.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the range of movement required during Manual Handling
Operations.
• Demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of the body’s centre of gravity.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of how weight and compensatory tension act on the spine during
lifting.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the HSE guidance on weights to be lifted by either male or
female workers.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of team lifting and communication.
5.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the main muscle areas used for a range of Manual Handling Operations.
• Describe the conditions required with regard to the human body for safe Manual Handling
Operations.
• Describe the effects that the weight lifting guidance may have on the work place.
• Describe the essential elements required for safe team lifting.
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Module 6 – FLUENCY – Lifting Practical
6.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of the mnemonic FLUENCY and to implement FLUENCY into a
good Manual Handling Lifting technique.
6.2. Performance criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate knowledge of a good lifting technique.
• Demonstrate knowledge of FLUENCY.
• Demonstrate good lifting technique in practice.
6.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the principles of a good lifting technique.
• Describe the main principles of FLUENCY.
• Carry out a Manual Handling Practical using a good lifting technique and using FLUENCY.
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Module 7 – Element of Human Movement
7.1. Competence
To develop a knowledge and understanding of how to carry out a Manual Handling Assessment using the
mnemonic LITE.
7.2. Performance Criteria
Candidates must be able to;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the need for Manual Handling Assessment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of when to carry out a Manual Handling Assessment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of who should carry out a Manual Handling Assessment.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of LITE and how this forms part of the Manual
Handling Assessment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how a Manual Handling Assessment may affect the work place.
7.3. Essential Knowledge and Skills
• Describe the main aims of a Manual Handling Assessment.
• Describe when a Manual Handling Assessment is required.
• Describe LITE as part of a Manual Handling Assessment.
• Describe the effects on the work place of a Manual Handling Assessment.
• Describe the benefits in the workplace of a Manual Handling Assessment.
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BASIS CONTACT DETAILS
BASIS ® (Registration) Ltd
St Monica’s House Business Centre
(37-39) Windmill Lane
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 1EY
Contact: Stephanie Hickling-Mace
Tel: 01335 340858
Fax 01335 301205
E-mail: stephanie@basis-reg.co.uk
Web: www.basis-reg.co.uk
BASIS is an independent, self-regulatory registration, standards and certification scheme serving the
pesticide, fertiliser and allied organisations and interests. It works with Government to set high standards
and check that they are being met. It was one of the world’s first standard setters for pesticide suppliers
and has also been called upon to assist in establishing similar systems in other parts of the world.
Other activities of BASIS include the annual assessment of pesticide supply stores under the Code of
Practice for The Food & Environment Protection Act 1985 and Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986,
including the examination of training courses for industry staff and administration of Statutory Certificates
of Competence.
July 2013
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