Posted By Geoff Burt Could you point us in the direction of this information?

Posted By Nicola Henderson Geoff, The information was advertised in a training companies course directory. I called them to confirm this was essential, as I had been providing Manual Handling training without a licence and was unaware that a licence was required. The company confirmed that it was required and the licence lasted for a period of two years. Nobody else I have spoken to has been able to confirm this is this case. Regards, Nicola.

Posted By Andy Maguire It may well have been a RoSPA advertisement as they issue a manual handling instrucors certificate which they state is valid for 2 years. They state that you are required to undergoe refresher training if you want to continue to use the instruction materials provided and advertise yourself as "RoSPA trained". Unless someone re invents the base movement or there are significant changes in the Manual Handling Regs i cannot see what the benefit of refresher training every 2 years is, apart from lining the pockets of RoSPA.

Posted By JamesK Speaking of Manual handling and trainers etc. I have come across a manual handling instructor that gives this training outside his place of work. He is a safety officer/advisor full time. I was wondering if there were any imlpications to an instructor giving this training to someone outside his place of works? Jim

Posted By Benedict Thierry Dear Nicola, When I was asked by a previous employer to provide Manual Handling training to our staff I checked with the HSE about how they would imterpret "competence" to give this type of training in the light of the new (then) MHO regs. I spoke with a principal inspector and an EMAS representative and both, separately, indicated that before going ahead with this training I too should attend some kind of recognised course of training. When I pushed further, the course that seemed to be most highly thought of is the Manual Handling Instructor and Assesssors course run by RoSPA. I attended this course and a subsequent refresher. The course was excellent, the refresher was very useful as it introduced small variations introduced from records and trends and acted as a check that you yourself were not picking up bad practice due to complacency or for other reasons. When I had to answer insurance investigators or attend tribunals the fact that I could say I was A RoSPA registered manual handling instructor I found helpful to me. Also, when I faced the inevitable question in training - who are you to come and tell us how to lift etc it was useful to be able to show the doubting Thomas evidence of external recognition for me being there . My registration is lapsed at the moment - but my present employer asked me yesterday if I could give manual handling training. I answered -Yes - but not until I had attended the RoSPA course and been re-registered. It helps demonstrate competence - how else will you be able to demonstrate competence. Are you trained in an appropriate medical field, physiotherapy, sports medicine or ????? Also, the courses I was at the other delgates came from diverse industry backgrounds and being able to look at the limitations of the base movement in different settings is a very useful exercise - mines & quarries, paint factory, goods delivery, emergency services and so on - enlightening. Benedict