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Invictus  
#1 Posted : 07 October 2015 14:35:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

I work in a low risk environment, but manual handling is something that is covered by 2 assessments 1. Lifting heavy objects on site and the other is handling service users.

I have looked and there are a lot of tasks that require manual handling, even looking at laundry etc.

I am not going to the extremes of carrying a tray of tea, laptop or a file, but how far do you go.

I was just going to add manual handling to the task assessment, but remeber being audited some years ago and they wanted to see it separate.
Jimothy999  
#2 Posted : 07 October 2015 14:59:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Jimothy999

Check INDG 143. From page 8 it gives some good advice on making general assessments for manual handling that can cover most light activities. I have adopted this into a procedure that acts as the general risk assessment, with weights above these level being specifically assessed. This works in conjunction with our manual handling training that includes how to dynamically assess loads.
O'Donnell54548  
#3 Posted : 07 October 2015 15:33:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
O'Donnell54548

I do not know what type of work you are involved in, but in my experience manual handling involving service users is seldom low risk.
Invictus  
#4 Posted : 07 October 2015 15:38:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

It's low risk because we tend not to do it a lot. We have adifferent assessment for this and it is carried out by the manager of the residential establishment, they have the experience in this field.
IanDakin  
#5 Posted : 09 October 2015 11:18:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
IanDakin

Have you tried running the tasks through a quick MAC to see if any need a proper risk assessment?
Invictus  
#6 Posted : 09 October 2015 11:26:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Ian,

yes I have and I have decided to just add it to the task risk assessment instead of doing something long winded that is not warrented.

Thanks for the responses.
toe  
#7 Posted : 09 October 2015 17:58:10(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
toe

My view would be to do general manual handling risk assessments for the following types of tasks, laundry tasks, shopping, pushing/pulling wheelchairs, moving furniture, moving a portable hoist, water bottles, lifting a wheelchair in/out of a vehicle, stationary deliveries etc...

I would then conduct separate handling assessment for the use of equipment with the service users, such as fixed and portable hoists, stand aids, elk, etc… This is our approach to MH risk assessments. On a personal note, I am not a fan of the MAC tool, I think it’s too overcomplicated.

Note: Staff should not lift or load bear another persons weight. Also manual handling in the health and social care sector is not low risk. Apologies in advanced if I am making an assumption that this is the industry you are in.
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