CITB Manual Handling and Lifting — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, what is the first step an employer should take regarding manual handling tasks?
- Provide back support belts to all workers
- Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Train all workers in correct lifting techniques
- Limit all loads to 25 kg maximum
Correct answer: Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 follow a hierarchy: first avoid the hazardous manual handling operation altogether (e.g., by using mechanical aids). Only if avoidance is not reasonably practicable should you then assess and reduce the risk.
Question 2: What is the HSE guideline maximum weight that an adult male should lift at waist height under ideal conditions?
- 50 kg
- 25 kg (Correct answer)
- 35 kg
- 15 kg
Correct answer: 25 kg
The HSE Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) suggest a guideline weight of 25 kg for an adult male lifting at waist height close to the body under ideal conditions. This is a guideline, not a legal limit — individual capability and other risk factors must be considered.
Question 3: When lifting a heavy object from the ground, which part of your body should you primarily use?
- Your back muscles
- Your arms and shoulders
- Your leg muscles (Correct answer)
- Your stomach muscles
Correct answer: Your leg muscles
When lifting from ground level, you should bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use the strong muscles of your legs to power the lift. Using your back to lift places excessive strain on the spine and can cause serious injury.
Question 4: What does the acronym TILE stand for in manual handling risk assessment?
- Time, Instruction, Load, Equipment
- Task, Individual, Load, Environment (Correct answer)
- Training, Inspection, Lifting, Ergonomics
- Task, Injury, Limitation, Exposure
Correct answer: Task, Individual, Load, Environment
TILE stands for Task (what does the activity involve?), Individual (who is doing it?), Load (what is being moved?), and Environment (where is it being done?). These are the four key factors to assess when evaluating manual handling risk.
Question 5: Before lifting a load, what should you do first?
- Ask a colleague to help immediately
- Plan the lift — assess the load, route, and destination (Correct answer)
- Put on gloves and a back brace
- Lift one corner to test the weight
Correct answer: Plan the lift — assess the load, route, and destination
Before any manual lift, you should plan the operation: assess the weight and stability of the load, check the route is clear of obstacles, identify the destination, and determine whether mechanical aids or assistance are needed. Planning prevents injuries.
Question 6: Which of the following increases the risk of injury during a manual handling task?
- Keeping the load close to your body
- Twisting your body while carrying a heavy load (Correct answer)
- Using a mechanical aid for heavy items
- Taking rest breaks during repetitive lifting
Correct answer: Twisting your body while carrying a heavy load
Twisting the spine while carrying a load significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal injury, particularly to the lower back. You should move your feet to turn rather than twisting your torso while holding a load.
CITB Manual Handling and Lifting
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, what is the first step an employer should take regarding manual handling tasks?