Posted By Bob Youel If its RP to mechanise a manual handling operation we should mechanise it - using risk assessments to simply justify options is not really acceptable

Posted By anon1234 Surely risk assessment is just that - assessing the risk if the risk can be shown to be low then why should you spend additional on mechanical means that can only have marginal benefit and may in some cases introduce other hazards. Note I am not commenting on whether the practice of using 3 peope to lift a 70kg concrete post is acceptable merely that we should be using risk assessment as a tool in our decison making process -- if the reduction in risk is minimal by using mechanical means then there may be a case for not using it.

Posted By DaveW The HSE Guidance Leaflet on MAC and Manual Handling clearly states: The steps to follow The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) establish a clear hierarchy of measures for dealing with risks from manual handling. These are: ¦ avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as reasonably practicable; ¦ assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and ¦ reduce the risk of injury so far as reasonably practicable. It may be that only you and the individuals involved in making the lift, in this instance, know what is practicable and what is not. Using the MAC system; as you go through the charts you will be referencing the colour codes on the actual charts; Green, Amber, Red, Purple. Whilst your final "score" of twelve might represent no specific quantification of risk (intentionally so) the colour codes that you work from to reach this score do give a clear indication of risk level. Bear in mind: G = GREEN - Low level of risk The vulnerability of special risk groups (eg pregnant women, young workers etc) should be considered where appropriate. A = AMBER - Medium level of risk - Examine tasks closely R = RED - High level of risk - Prompt action needed. This may expose a significant proportion of the working population to risk of injury. P = PURPLE - Very high level of risk Such operations may represent a serious risk of injury and should come under close scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is supported by one person. I've discussed this lack of quantification with HSE Inspectors. The reason given for the lack of quantification is that the "score" is not to be used as a green light to go or a red light to stop but rather to ecourage the assessor to implement new controls, re-evaluate using the MAC (again) and thereby see a clear indication of either reduction or increase in risk subsequent to application of control measures. I think that this has to a brutally honest assessment, not intended to enable a justification and continuation of the current method but rather; to prevent Joe Bloggs from acquiring a prolapsed disk.

Posted By peter gotch Hi Judy, Given the guideline weights in Figure 23 of HSE Guidance Book L23 [2004 edition]I think the answer is a pretty resounding NO unless you can come up with a very coherent explanation as to why some other solution is not reasonably practicable or with aids to manual handling. Assuming team all males, then L23 guidelines for waist height 25Kg close to body 15Kg at about arm to elbow length. For team handling you would not multiply these by three, whilst at least one of the team would be very unlikely to be able to keep load close to body. Six person lift? Make sure they have protection for when it is so awkward that they drop the load! Regards, Peter