CSCS Manual Handling 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What legislation specifically covers manual handling operations in the UK?
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) (Correct answer)
- COSHH Regulations 2002
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Correct answer: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002) specifically address manual handling. They require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where practicable, assess risks, and reduce the risk of injury.
Question 2: What is the recommended maximum weight for a male worker to lift at waist height close to the body?
- 50kg
- 25kg (Correct answer)
- 10kg
- 35kg
Correct answer: 25kg
HSE guidance suggests that 25kg is the guideline weight for a male worker lifting at waist height close to the body under ideal conditions. This reduces to lower values for lifts at different heights or distances from the body.
Question 3: What does the acronym TILE stand for in manual handling risk assessment?
- Tools, Instructions, Lifting, Equipment
- Task, Individual, Load, Environment (Correct answer)
- Training, Inspection, Lifting, Evaluation
- Time, Intensity, Load, Effort
Correct answer: Task, Individual, Load, Environment
TILE stands for Task, Individual, Load, and Environment. It is a structured approach to manual handling risk assessment recommended by HSE, helping assessors consider all relevant factors.
Question 4: Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, what is the employer's first duty?
- Provide manual handling training
- Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Supply lifting equipment
- Conduct annual assessments
Correct answer: Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable
The first duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 is to avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable, for example by redesigning the task or using mechanical aids.
Question 5: What is the recommended guideline weight for a female worker lifting at waist height close to the body?
- 25kg
- 16kg (Correct answer)
- 10kg
- 20kg
Correct answer: 16kg
HSE guidance suggests that approximately 16kg is the guideline weight for a female worker lifting at waist height close to the body under ideal conditions. These are guidelines, not legal limits, and individual capability varies.
Question 6: What is the correct lifting technique according to HSE guidance?
- Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
- Plan the lift, keep the load close to the body, bend the knees, and avoid twisting (Correct answer)
- Always use one hand for balance
- Lift as quickly as possible to reduce strain
Correct answer: Plan the lift, keep the load close to the body, bend the knees, and avoid twisting
HSE guidance recommends planning the lift, keeping the load close to the body, bending the knees (not the back), maintaining a stable base, avoiding twisting, and keeping the head up while lifting.
CSCS Manual Handling 1
What legislation specifically covers manual handling operations in the UK?