The RCT Source

Yes – there is the manual handling assessment chart (MAC) produced by the Health and Safety Executive to assist with three types of manual handling assessments, i.e.:

• lifting operations;
• carrying operations;
• team handling operations.

No.

If practicable, avoid a person having to lift a load in the first place, and if it can’t be avoided, do a manual handling assessment – the safe weight will depend on a number of factors, such as:

• the distance/number of times the load has to be handled;
• the individual’s capability/physical fitness;
• if there is a secure handhold, etc.

1. avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;
2. assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and
3. reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.

• the task, e.g. the distance/number of times a load has to be carried;
• the load, e.g. the weight, is there a secure handhold?;
• the working environment, e.g. trip hazards, lighting;
• individual capability, e.g. physical fitness;
• other factors, e.g. wearing PPE may restrict movement.

A manual handling operation is defined in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations as “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force”.

“Load” includes any person and any animal.

• the Council’s Heddfan Training Unit, Rhydyfelin;
• current accepted external training providers, a list of which should be available from Procurement.