Rank: Forum user 
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Is manual handling one of the hardest regulations to comply with?
The reason I say this is that from my understanding of the regulations an employer has to undertake a manual handling risk assessment by means of a TILE Assessment for each significant manual handling task.
But the problem is where does it end, I must say that I'm struggling to understand how an employer can comply with the statute duty unless they have objects that are the same at all times.
An example would be a window manufacturer of even just a small service and maintenance company that handles hundreds of items per year of all different sizes, shapes and weights.
I would be grateful if you could advise how you control the manual handling hazards within your workplace including how you manage the risk assessment process.
Best Regards
Barney#1
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Are you baulking at a perceived enormous and complex task of risk assessment, or do you consider that you have unacceptable levels of risk?
Note the duplication element in Regulations. Many simple manual handling tasks can be incorporated within a risk assessment satisfying the more general requirements of assessing the overall task in the context of the Management Regulations. We do not always need separate bit of paper because there is a manual handling element, use of a chemical, potential exposure to a zoonotic etc.
H&S is not a paper chase.
Are you doing enough to reduce or eliminate the amount of manual handling or is there more you could do? (most employers could, and so could employees with a bit if a culture shift!).
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Ron is right, do you know exactly what you are trying to ccontrol? If the majority of what you do is move klarge objects the most important thing you need to cover is manaual handling. If however you are say in the office environment then manual handling will take a much smaller amount of time to be legally complient. Please remember you need to risk assess the main threats to your organisation, there is no point in doing things that don't affect you.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Barney
I believe you are correct in that MHO regulations are one of the most difficult to fully comply with along with noise and vibration regs. If your staff have a variety of MH tasks, I suggest a MH training course is the first option. Furthermore, through the RA process you need to assess who may be at risk and control measures to reduce those risks. Control measures could be as simple as ensuring no weights over 25kg are lifted by an individual, team work and good supervision would also help, as would using mechanical equipment for lifting where practical. The law requires 'reasonably practical' means for controlling hazards.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Barney
yes they are a nightmare, but they are aimed at the individual not the process. If you question the individual on the task they are doing then the assessment will fall into place, don't be deceived by the old tale of only lift 25kg; as it states individual capabilities, you are in the industry that has suffered the most. As previously stated "reasonably practicable"
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Rank: Forum user
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Part of our operations is to install granite worktops, usually in to end users homes, every type of assessment tells you it shouldn't be done but there's no other way of doing it but to put as many men on as possible with as much planning and team work as possible.
If anyone out there in a similar industry would like to swap ideas then please let me know.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Replacing/ refitting gas boilers (they are HEAVY) on the wall inside cupboards where's there only room for one person and the boiler (just) - any takers for practical solutions to reducing these risks?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Ron,
Could you use a small genie hoist (similar to those used for mounting ceiling AHUs)?
Obviously risks still remain, however, placement and positioning should be easier!
Simon
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Rank: Super forum user
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Cheers for that. Yes, have been looking at Genie Products.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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ron hunter wrote:Replacing/ refitting gas boilers (they are HEAVY) on the wall inside cupboards where's there only room for one person and the boiler (just) - any takers for practical solutions to reducing these risks?
Ron, that question has been asked here at least twice by me and I'm still waiting for someone to come up with a workable solution.
To add to Ron's first post and to assist Barney#1, I am responsible for a supply store which serves internal customers with a wide range of construction and janitorial products. We have just a handful of manual handling assessments as we took the approach of breaking down those into elements. For example, we have a MHA for the hard landscaping products (bricks, blocks, slabs, etc) which we hold in an external compound; we handle those all in the same or similar manner, loading on/off vehicles with a forklift. We did the same for the main stores building and how we deal with goods-in and specifics like gas cylinders.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thank you for the replies, I've had a read through the ACOP L23 but I'm still wondering how a company could comply.
My thoughts up to now are:
New control measures
1, Undertake a review of objects to be handled
2, Make a register of objects and weights
3, Ensure operatives are trained and competent in safe manual handling techniques
4, Implement a system to identify weight's, such as green, Amber and Red stickers
5, Weight of object to be identified on sticker.
I must admit that this is one section of legislation that I'm struggling to get to grips with.
Barney#1
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Rank: Super forum user
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Barney#1,
'I must admit that this is one section of legislation that I'm struggling to get to grips with.'
Excuse the pun!
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