22/02/2016

NEBOSH International General

Certificate
Week 2 Element 3
Musculoskeletal Hazards &
Risk Control

Learning outcomes
3.1 Explain work processes and practices that may give rise to work-
related upper limb disorders and appropriate control measures
3.2 Explain the hazards and control measures which should be
considered when assessing risks from manual handling activities
3.3 Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in
the use of lifting and moving equipment with specific reference to
manually operated load moving equipment
3.4 Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in
the use of lifting equipment with specific reference to mechanically
operated load moving equipment

Definition
Ergonomics
Study of the relationship between a worker and the
working environment

or

The design of a task around the requirements of

individual human capability

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Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Ergonomic issues can lead to physical and psychological
disorders. Factors to consider in risk assessment
include:

Organisation Supervision, communication, monitoring, procedures, breaks, shift patterns

Equipment or Design around human limitations, analyse task, presentation of information,

Process correct tools/equipment and access

Physical and human capability, knowledge, attitude, experience, personality,

The Individual
fitness, training, skills, confidence, etc.

Environment Temperature, noise, space, lighting, humidity etc.

Work Related Upper Limb Disorders

(WRULD)

Examples of repetitive operations that

cause WRULDs
 Repetitive finger, hand, or arm movements -
assembly line work, key board operators, brick
laying
 Twisting movements - meat and poultry preparation
 Squeezing - using pliers, scissors
 Pushing, pulling, lifting or reaching movements -
assembling packing boxes.
 Work on a production line.

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Common Work Related Upper Limb Disorders

INJURY SYMPTOMS TYPICAL CAUSES
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (sack-like cavity) Pain and swelling at the site of the injury. Kneeling, pressure at the elbow, repetitive shoulder
between skin and bone, or bone and tendon. movements.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: pressure on the nerves, which Tingling, pain and numbness in the thumb and fingers, Repetitive work with a bent wrist. Use of vibrating tools.
pass up the wrist. especially at night. Sometimes follows tenosynovitis (see below).

Cellutitis: infection of the palm of the hand following
repeated bruising, called ‘beat hand’.
Tennis elbow: inflammation of the area where bone and
tendon are joined.
Osteo-arthritis: damage to the joints resulting in scarring
at the joint and the growth of excess bone.
Pain and swelling of the palm.
Pain and swelling at the site of the injury.
Stiffness and aching in the spine and neck, and other
joints.
Use of hand tools, like hammers and shovels, coupled
with abrasion from dust and dirt.
Repetitive work, often from strenuous jobs like joinery,
plastering, bricklaying.
Long-term overloading of the spine and other joints.

Tendonitis: inflammation of the area where muscle and Pain, swelling, tenderness and redness of hand, wrist, Repetitive movements.
tendon are joined. and / or forearm. Difficulty in using the hand.

Tension neck or shoulder: inflammation of the neck and Localised pain in the neck or shoulders. Having to maintain a rigid posture.
shoulder muscles and tendons.
Trigger finger: inflammation of tendons and / or tendon Inability to move fingers smoothly with or without pain. Repetitive movements. Having to grip too long, too
sheaths of the fingers. tightly, or too frequently.

WRULDs
Osteo- Trigger finger
Epicondylitis Tendonitis arthritis

Writer’s Carpal tunnel Tenosynovitis Tendonitis

cramp syndrome

Symptoms of WRULDs

 Numbness or tingling in fingers

 Pain
 Restriction in joint movement
 Soft tissue swelling

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Factors Giving Rise to Ill Health Conditions

(Task, Environment, Equipment)
The Task
Factors relating to the task should include:
 Strenuous pulling or pushing
 Repetitive handling
 Insufficient rest or recovery
 A work rate imposed by the process

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Factors Giving Rise to Ill Health Conditions

(Task, Environment, Equipment)
The Environment
Factors relating to the environment should include:
 Lighting
 Glare
 Ventilation
 Obstacles
 Height of work surfaces
 Temperature (Hot/Cold)
 Space available

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Factors Giving Rise to Ill Health Conditions

(Task, Environment, Equipment)
Equipment
 Introduce automation if possible to reduce the need for operators to perform
repetitive tasks
 Construct equipment to fit the capability of the operator eg: speed of conveyors
 Equipment to have adjustments to suit operator eg: height adjustment, tilt
adjustment
 Equipment to be capable of performing the task for which it was intended without
exertion
 Controls such as buttons, switches, levers should be within reach of the Operator

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WRULDS – Precautions or control measures

 Identify high risk jobs - frequent hand and arm movement
 Reduce the force, frequency and duration
 Design the task to minimise injury
 Design the equipment to minimise injury
 Design the work station to minimise injury
 Automate the process
 Job rotation
 Regular breaks
 Train employees to use tools correctly
 Medical surveillance
 Assess individuals for the task

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DSE
Display Screen Equipment

Health Effects of DSE

 Musculoskeletal disorders - hand, arm, shoulder and neck
 Eye and eyesight problems - temporary visual fatigue
 Fatigue and stress - high speed, insufficient breaks, lack of
social interaction
 Epilepsy - a common chronic neurological disorder
 Facial Dermatitis – facial skin itching / reddening

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Who are DSE Users?

You are a DSE user if you satisfy 7 criterias:

1. Uses DSE of an hour or more at a time

2. Uses DSE more or less daily

3. Require to transfer information quickly to or from DSE

4. Require to apply high levels of attention and concentration

5. Highly dependant on DSE

6. No choice in use or non use of DSE

7. Requires special training or skills in use of DSE

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DSE Risk Assessment

 Organisation:
Job rotation, breaks
 Equipment:
Height/position of keyboard and screen, seating
posture, design of chair, screen definition and colour,
adjustability of equipment
 Individual:
Physical characteristics, training
 Environmental:
Noise, lighting, glare, temperature, space, etc.

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DSE Workstation Requirements

 Good lighting
 Adequate contrast without glare or reflections
 Noise to a minimum
 Ample leg room to allow postural changes
 Windows covered to minimise glare
 Suitable software
 Screen suitable position
 Keyboard comfortable
 Ample work surfaces
 Chair stable & adjustable
 Footrest if necessary
 Suitable environment

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Other DSE Requirements

 Plan work to have breaks
 Conduct eye tests and provide spectacles if required
 Provide H&S training and information on DSE:
− Risks from DSE work
− Importance of good posture
 Laptops and their added risks:
− Risk of manual handling
− Theft
− Smaller screen and keyboard - difficult to get good posture
 The mouse – positioning, good posture and technique

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Workstations and Seating

A suitable chair for sedentary work should
have:
 Good lumbar support
 Fully adjustable seat
 The ability to swivel
 Foot and arm rests
 Suitable seat material for the environment
 Stable with 5 legs/wheels

Question
Identify the possible ill health effects to workers using
display screen equipment.
 Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder and
neck)
 Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue)
 Fatigue and stress (high speed, insufficient breaks,
lack of social interaction)
 Epilepsy ( a common chronic neurological disorder)

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Question
Identify the design features of a suitable chair for
use with display screen equipment (4)
 Adjustable height
 Adjustable lumbar support
 Comfortable cushion
 Ability to swivel
 5 castor wheels for mobility and stability

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Learning outcomes
3.1 Explain work processes and practices that may give rise to work-
related upper limb disorders and appropriate control measures
3.2 Explain the hazards and control measures which should be
considered when assessing risks from manual handling activities
3.3 Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in
the use of lifting and moving equipment with specific reference to
manually operated load moving equipment
3.4 Explain the hazards, precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in
the use of lifting equipment with specific reference to mechanically
operated load moving equipment

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MANUAL HANDLING
3.2 Manual Handling Hazards and
Control Measure

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Manual Handling Video

Manual Handling
DEFINITION: - Moving or supporting a load by hand or bodily force.
Includes - Lifting, Lowering, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
Internal Injuries:
Muscle and ligament strains and sprains
Hernias
Slipped discs
Fractures
Trapped nerve
External Injuries:
Cuts
Bruises
Crush injuries
Lacerations

The Spine
It has three main functions:
1. It is the “scaffolding” of the body supporting the
skull, and anchoring the ribs, pelvis and shoulder
bones
2. It provides points of attachment for the muscles,
tendons and ligaments that enable the body to
move
3. It contains the spinal cord, which carries
messages to the brain from all parts of the body

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The Intervertebral Disc

Vertebra
Intervertebral
Disc
Nucleus
Pulposus
Annulus
Fibrosis
 Act as a hydraulic shock absorber
 Strong connecting link between vertebrae
 Allow movement between each vertebra

Posture
Moving an object using poor posture greatly
increases the risk of manual handling injuries.

Poor posture examples include:

 Lifting with the spine
 Twisting
 Over stretching
 Lifting while seated

Manual Handling Risk Assessment

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Guideline Filter
There is no such thing as a completely ‘safe’ manual handling operation.
But working within the following guidelines will cut the risk and reduce the
need for a more detailed assessment.

Manual Handling Risk Assessment

Load
Individual
Task
Environment
Remember: LITE

1) The Load
 Weight - heavy
 Size - bulky
 Shape - difficult to grasp
 Rigidity - contents liable to shift
 Outside surfaces - sharp
 Stability of contents - unstable
 Other hazards – hot, cold

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2) The Individual
 Gender
 Physical strength
 Stature - physique; height, etc.
 State of health
 Level of training
 Hazards to pregnant women
 Person’s perception of their ability
 Age

3) The Task
 Holding loads away from trunk
 Twisting, stooping, reaching
 Large vertical movements
 Distances involved
 Strenuous pulling and pushing
 Repetitive handling
 Unpredictable movement of load
 Sufficient rest or recovery period
 A work rate imposed by the process

4) The Environment
 Lighting
 Ventilation
 Obstacles
 Height of work
surfaces
 Temperature
 Floor conditions
 Space available

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How Detailed Should The Assessment Be?

When undertaking the risk assessment we should

first consider those that are exceeding the guidelines
filters.

It should consider all of the manual handling risks

present in these operations and measures to deal
with them

Who Should Carry Out The Assessment?

 A Competent Person is defined as someone who has a
combination of training, knowledge, experience and personal
qualities and also knowledge of their own limitations. Manual
assessments should be carried out by a person or persons who
have a thorough understanding of the processes and
procedures involved. Also the manual handling assessor should
have good communication skills.
 They should have a basic understanding of human capabilities,
of manual handling assessment form and the ability to provide
practical measure to reduce the risk

Who Should Carry Out The Assessment?

 Manual assessments should be carried out by a
person or persons who are competent and have a
thorough understanding of the processes and
procedures involved and have good
communication skills.
 They should have a basic understanding of human
capabilities, of manual handling assessment form
and the ability to provide practical measure to
reduce the risk

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Carry Out The Assessment

 Involving the Workforce

 Recording Assessments
 Review

Practical Measures To Reduce Manual Handling

Injuries
 Avoid manual handling
 Reduce risk
 Automation and mechanisation
 Team handling
 Training If load is too heavy get HELP!!!
 Smaller, lighter loads
 Selection of individuals
 Good environmental conditions - space; floors clear of
obstructions; temperature; light
 Job rotation

ITIS - Information, Training, Instruction

and Supervision
Manual Handling training for employees should
include:

 Information on the task, load and environment

 Manual handling risk assessment
 Level of risk and potential dangers
 Correct manual handling technique

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 Cont.
 Use of mechanical aids
 Load assessment – too heavy, hazardous
 How to deal with unfamiliar loads
 Importance of good housekeeping
 Correct use of PPE
 Factors that could affect individual’s capability

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Correct Lifting Technique

 Appropriate clothing  Lift using the thigh muscles

 Stop, think and assess  Keep load close to body - avoid
 Place feet apart twisting body, avoid jerking
 Adopt good posture  Move feet, avoid twisting
 Grip the load firmly  Set down load

Manual Handling Risk Assessor

Assessor should have:
 Basic understanding of human capabilities
 Understanding the nature of handling operation
 The capability to identify high risk activities
 Knowledge to apply practical steps to reduce risk

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Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components
onto metal shelves.
Identify four types of injury that the worker could suffer
while carrying out this activity (4)

 Cuts from sharp metal shelves, muscle strain from lifting

of boxes, crushing injury from dropping boxes onto foot,
hernia from lifting heavy boxes, slip disc from incorrect
lifting technique.

Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto
metal shelves.
Identify factors in relation to the task that could increase
the risk of injury (4).

 The amount of lifting, twisting, turning, reaching and

bending, the rate of work
 Distances involved
 Strenuous pulling and pushing of load
 Repetitive handling
 Sufficient rest or recovery period

Question
Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities
in relation to:
(a) The Load (b) The individual
 Physical weight - heavy  Gender
 Size - bulky  Physical strength
 Shape - difficult to grasp  Stature - physique; height, etc.
 Rigidity - contents liable to shift  State of health
 Outside surfaces - sharp  Level of training
 Stability of contents - unstable  Hazards to pregnant women
 Other hazards - hot/cold  Person’s perception of their ability
 Age

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Manual Handling Aids

Suction pads

Panel lifter Paving slab lifter

Manhole lifter

Manual Handling Aids - Trolley

Conventional trolley

Hydraulic trolley
Stair climber trolley

Manual Handling Aids - Trucks

Pallet truck Platform truck

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Manual Handling Aids

Manual Handling Aids

Panel Lifter Hoists Hoist and Roll

Manual Handling Aids

Lifting Devices

Floor crane Mobile gantry

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Mechanical Handling Aids

Manually Operated Load Handling Aids

And Equipment are useful but produce their own
hazards:

The benefits of using lifting and handling aids are:

 Improved/maintained productivity
 Reduction in retraining costs
 Limiting compensation claims
 Reduction of injury/ill health to employees

Manually Operated Load Handling Aids

And Equipment are useful but produce their own
hazards:
They may create hazards such as:

 Equipment running over feet of handler

 Poor maintenance
 Not designed for the working condition and environment
 Not user friendly: difficult to operate
 Poor design

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Factors to consider when selecting lifting and handling aids:
 Involve employees and safety representatives during
assessment and when considering possible solutions, so that
you can be sure what you propose will work in practice and
won’t introduce any new hazards.
 Seek advice from suppliers on the suitability of new lifting and
handling aid equipment for your business.
 Check equipment is CE-marked and within the safe working
load.

 Cont…
 Consider what maintenance will be required.
 Consider whether the equipment will suit the area it
will be used in, eg is there enough room to manoeuvre
or enough headroom?
 Check that the equipment is suitable for the floor
area in terms of stability and ground surface.
 Consider other factors associated with introducing
lifting and handling aids, eg site safety, training,
information and support.

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Trucks and Trolleys
Hazards from Trucks and Trolleys:
 Trolleys can be difficult to manoeuvre;
 Overloading of trolleys and trucks making them too heavy to
move
 Surfaces over which trolleys are pushed are uneven or
mismatched;
 Trolleys with poor design - difficult to grip due to poor location
of handles;
 The person pushing the trolley is unable to see over the load

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Precautions or control measures when using
trucks and trolleys:
 Ensure wheel size and type are suitable for the job
 Provide wheel tracking mechanisms
 Reduce the weight of the truck / trolley
 Reduce the weight of the load placed on the
truck/trolley
 It is safer to push rather than pull

 Cont…
 Provide brakes to prevent truck/trolley running away
while being moved
 Provide an appropriate handle design
 Locate handles at a height which suits the worker
 Restrict the maximum stacking heights to improve
visibility, weight and posture for users
 Ensure regular pre-planned maintenance
 Provide low gradient ramps
 Provide automatically opening doors

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Pallets Trucks
These are small trucks with two forks and are use to move pallets. It is
operated by one person.
Hazards from Pallets Trucks:

 People can be injured by material falling from the truck

 Overloading causing instability and loss of load
 Electric hazards
 People may be trapped between load and truck
 People may trip over forks of truck
 Manual handling injury of manual operated trucks
 Crush by load or truck

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Precautions or control measures when using pallets trucks:
Conduct risk assessment prior to lifting
 Pre-use check to ensure truck is in good condition and fit for
purpose
 Check the wheels to ensure they are not worn out and no
cracks are present
 Plan the lift and the journey making sure the route is clear and
free from hazards and uneven surface
 Ensure sufficient space to operate truck

 Cont…
 Never exceed the advised capacity
 Ensure load is stable and secured
 Regular maintenance
 Use proper lifting techniques when loading/unloading
 Move the load slowly
 When operating manual truck, push the load (never
pull the load)
 When going down on an incline go in reverse
 Allocate designated area for storing truck to avoid
tripping hazard

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
People Handling Hoists
 Hazards from people handling hoists
 Selection of the wrong size sling – which can result in
discomfort if the sling is too small, and/or the person slipping
through if it is too large. Staff should be aware that sling sizes
and coding vary between manufacturers
 Wrong type of hoist or sling for the individual, or task – which
can lead to inadequate support and a risk of falling. For
example, toileting slings give a great degree of access, but
little support

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 Cont…
 Incompatibility of hoist and sling can result in insecure
attachment between the two.
 Failure of equipment due to lack of maintenance/inspection
 Leaving a vulnerable person unattended in a hoist; or in a
position where they might be at risk of falling
 Overturning of the hoist due to difficult surfaces, transporting
an individual over a long distance on a hoist, or not following the
manufacturer’s instructions
 Failure to use a safety harness, belt or attachment
appropriately
 Instability when moving someone on a mobile hoist –
resulting in them striking objects

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Precautions or control measures when using people handling
hoists:
 Before hoisting, undertake an assessment of the risks, taking
account of the individual’s handling plan, and put in place actions to
reduce the risk of injury
 use of correct type and size of sling and any configurations of loops
or leg attachments
 Ensure the sling is compatible with the hoist
 use of any additional safety devices such as safety belts
 Check there is a sufficient number of handlers to carry out the task
safely in accordance with the handling plan

 Cont…
 Consider all other relevant information specific to the person being
hoisted
 Ensure the sling and attachments are not caught stuck on any
equipment when starting the lift.
 Ensure there are adequate systems in place for maintenance and
inspection of hoists and slings in line with the manufacturer’s
instructions
 Ensure manufacturer information is provided with suitable
instructions for use, including compatibility information and guidance
on the checks you should carry out before each use
 Lifting equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person
make sure that floors and traffic routes are maintained in good
condition and free from obstructions, and that there is suitable lighting
and ventilation in the workplace

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 Cont…
 Review the person’s condition prior to each transfer to ensure
continued suitability for hoisting and the use of the equipment.
 Ensure the person’s weight does not exceed the SWL of both the
hoist and sling
 Do not permit untrained staff to use the hoist/sling unless they
have had the necessary training
 Hoists and slings must not be adapted or misused
 Slings - ensure there are no signs of fraying, tears or deterioration
etc; all stitching is present and intact
 Ensure the environment is free from obstacles and the floor free of
slip and trip risks
 Ensure the support surface is ready and safe to receive the person
 Do not leave the person unattended in a hoist

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
People Handling Aids
Compare with the use of manual transfer, the use of appropriate people
handling aids to transfer people lessens the forces required for moving
and handling people and can reduce the risk of manual handling
injuries.

Examples of some people handling aids include:

 Slide sheets – low friction material placed under patient to allow
easy repositioning in bed

 Cont..
 Electric profiling beds – electrically operated bed
which allows adjustment using hand control set
 Slings – a support used for carrying a client while
being moved with a hoist
 Stretchers – a rigid frame use to transport patient
between locations
 Wheelchairs – a mobile chair use to transport person in a
sitting position

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Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Hazards from People Handling Aids:
 Selection of the wrong size equipment
 Failure of equipment due to lack of maintenance/inspection
 Instability when moving someone resulting in them falling
 Electric beds can be large limiting manoeuvrability around narrow
corridors and hospital lifts
 May not be compatible with other equipment
 Some aids eg. mobile hoists can be heavy and need strength and
effort to move
 Misuse of equipment leading to injury

Manually Operated Load Handling Aids And

Equipment are useful but produce their own hazards:
Precautions or control measures when using
people handling aids:
 Conduct a risk assessment prior to moving person
 Assessment of pain management
 Pre-use check to ensure equipment is undamaged
and fit for purpose
 Users need to be trained in proper and safe use

 Cont…
 Ensure the person’s weight does not exceed the
SWL
 Slings - ensure there are no signs of fraying, tears or
deterioration etc; all stitching is present and intact
 Ensure the environment is free from obstacles
 Ensure there are adequate systems in place for
maintenance and inspection
 Ensure each piece of equipment is correctly labelled

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Effectiveness of Mechanical Aids

To be effective, mechanical aids must:
 Be easy to use and not obstruct employees’ work
 Be designed to suit the load and the task
 Have adequate space for use and storage when not in use
 Be readily available when required
 Be used by employees who have been trained in how to use
them
 Not create a risk of musculoskeletal disorder through their use
 Be used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
 Be well maintained and serviced regularly

3.4 Powered Load Handling

Equipment

3.4 Powered Load Handling Equipment

When considering the use of fork trucks there are
some hazards particularly relevant to drivers such as:
Fumes (diesel/petrol)
 Fire and explosion
 Collisions with buildings
 Manual handling
 Falling objects
 Noise
 Vibration
 Ergonomics

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3.4 Powered Load Handling Equipment

Pre-Use Checklist
Many organisations will require drivers to inspect their
fork trucks every day prior to use and the checklist
should include:

 Condition and pressure of tyres

 Functioning of lights, horns, brakes
 Warning devices working
 Suitable mirrors

 Cont…
 Engine for oil leaks
 Water leaks
 Seat securely fixed and suitable restraints where
fitted
 Signs of damage to bodywork and lifting
mechanisms
 Security of equipment fitted i.e. LPG tank

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3.4 Powered Load Handling Equipment

Parking of Fork-Lift Trucks

The precautions when parking fork-lift trucks should

include:
 Designated parking area
 Applying brakes
 Controls in neutral position
 Engine switch off

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 Removing key and returning to responsible

person
 Forks resting on floor
 Mast tilted slightly forward
 Not obstructing walkways
 Not obstructing fire exits/fire points

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3.4 Powered Load Handling Equipment

So in summary the main hazards associated with lift
truck operations are:

 Overturning
 Overloading
 Loss of load
 Collision with people and objects
 Machine failure
 Falling from loading bays

 Cont…
 Explosions and fire – Fuel leaks/battery
charging/electrical arcing
 Exhaust fume emission
 Passengers
 Inappropriate parking – Blocking entrances/exits
 Manual Handling – Adjusting forks/changing batteries
 Vibration – Travelling over uneven ground
 Noise
 Silent running

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3.4 Powered Load Handling Equipment

To ensure the safety of Fork Trucks it is suggested that
they inspected:
 Before its first use
 Daily by the driver
 At 12 monthly intervals (Or 6 months if lifting persons) by a
competent person
 Complying with examination schedule in national legislation
 Following any circumstances that may endanger the safety
of the truck

Lifts
Lifts can be categorised in to the following groups:
 Electric.
 Hydraulic, direct or indirect; and
 Manual service type.

Safety requirements include:

 Precautions to prevent the car from falling e.g. double suspension
ropes, provision of arrestor system and support for the car in the
event of power failure.
 Ensuring that controls are clearly legible and reachable by disabled
persons.

 Cont…
 Incorporation of an interlock mechanism whereby the car cannot
move whilst the doors are open and that the doors are only
openable when the car is at a landing.
 Adequate lighting within the car.
 Means of access for rescue purposes
 Communication systems to contact the emergency services.
 Adequate provision for ventilation, given the number of persons in
the car; and
 Notice stating the maximum number of passengers allowed
 Access to the lift shaft must be available only for maintenance
purposes and controls in place to prevent crushing at the extremes
of travel of the car

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Lifts
Main Hazards

The hazards associated with hoists and lifts are similar to those
encountered in any lifting operation, namely:

 Overturning or collapse of the lift structure.

 Collision of the lifting car with other obstructions or persons in the
vicinity.
 Failure of the support mechanism i.e. ropes, chains or hydraulic.
 Loss of the load; and
 Power failure or mechanical failure leading to the need to rescue
persons trapped.

HOIST

Passenger and Goods Lifts

Hoists
Hoists are used extensively in the workplace and vary from the basic chain hoist
often known as a block and tackle to construction hoists used to carry material and
people. There are also hoists which are designed to lift people in hospitals etc.

The hazards of hoists are:

 Failure of the chains, slings etc.
 Being struck by moving parts of the hoist
 Being hit by materials falling from the platforms
 Falling down the hoist way from a platform
 Striking against landing levels riding goods hoists

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Passenger and Goods Lifts

Hoists
Precautions when using hoists:

 Controls only operated from one position

 Clear visibility of landings
 Clear signals
 Secure objects being carried on goods hoists
 Do not overfill items being carried on goods lifts
 Do not carry loose items on goods lifts

 Cont…
 No passengers on goods lifts
 Safe working load clearly marked
 Hoist properly examined and tested
 Suitable fencing and gates at all levels
 Training in use of hoists

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Conveyors

Belt Screw Roller

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Conveyors
Hazards of Conveyors
 Trapping limbs can be drawn into in-running nips
 Contact with moving parts, for example, drive elements, screw
conveyors
 Entanglement with roller, drive mechanisms
 Striking materials falling from heights, incorrectly handled
 Impact – e.g. striking head
 Items falling off
 Slips – fall into rollers
 Manual handling
 Noise

Conveyors
Control Measures
 Fixed guards on drums
 Enclosure of conveyed items by side guards
 Trip wires, if necessary, along the full length of the conveyor
 Emergency stop buttons
 Safe access at regular intervals
 Avoid loose clothing
 Restrict access
 Wearing head protection
 Regular maintenance by competent people

Mobile Crane

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Mobile Cranes Safety

• Crane Suitability
• Ground Conditions
• Use of Outriggers
• Avoidance of obstructions
• Overhead Power Lines
• Designated protected Area
• Suitable and tested lifting tackle
• Correct Slinging techniques
• Competence of personnel
• Load near ground if travelling
• Good Visibility and Communications
• Monitoring wind speed

Main Hazards Associated with mobile Cranes?

• Overturning - weak support, operating outside the machine’s
capabilities, by striking obstructions
• Overloading - exceeding the operating capacity, failure of safety
devices
• Collision - with other cranes, overhead cables or structures
• Failure of support – siting over cellars & drains, outriggers not
extended or not sited on solid ground
• Loss of load - failure of lifting tackle or slinging procedure
• Failure of load bearing part
• High winds - affect the stability of outdoor lifting operations

Crane Accidents (Tower)

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Crane Accidents (Mobile)

Crane Accidents (Mobile)

Crane Accidents Videos

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Factors to Consider in Crane Operation Assessment

 Position of crane - overhead obstructions, designated area,
restricted access by others, flight path
 Erecting/dismantling - use of other cranes
 Ground conditions - level, underground voids
 Load: too heavy, secure, load near ground if travelling
 Weather condition - rain, wind, hot/cold
 Workers - banksmen, training, fitness, familiar with equipment
 Equipment - inspected, tested, pre-use check

Safety Measures Using Cranes

 Pre-use check
 Safe working load – clearly marked
 Load indicators:
− Rated capacity - automatic safe load indicator / visual/audible alarm
− Load radius indicator – this shows the crane radius
 Controls – returns to neutral / stop operating if no operator contact
 Over travel switches – prevents hook wound up onto cable drum
 Safe Access – during maintenance / emergencies / inspections
 Operating position – controls within easy reach / hook and load visible
 No passengers
 Lifting attachments – should be tested/examined

Operating area and operator training

Operating Area: All nearby hazards, including overhead cables and
bared power supply conductors, should be identified and removed
or covered by safe working procedures such as locking-off and
permit systems. Solid support should be available and on new
installations the dimensions and strength of support required
should be specified. The possibility of striking other cranes or
structures should be examined.

Operator Training: Crane operators and slingers should be fit and

strong enough for the work. Training should be provided for the
safe operation of the particular equipment.

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Employee Safety During Lifting

 Safe working load not exceeded
 Competent personnel
 Good communication
 Properly maintained equipment
 Equipment 3rd party certified
 Lifting accessories free from defects
 Load secured
 Cont……

Employee safety during lifting

 Warning of lift taking place
 Path free from obstacles
 Avoid overhead power lines
 All personnel clear of load
 Lift load vertically
 Lift load to correct height
 Move at appropriate speed
 Put down in safe position and
release tension
 Safety Helmets
 Adequate supervision

Lifting Accessories (Lifting Tackle)

 Beams
 Pulley blocks
 Chain slings
 Rope slings
 Textile slings
 Hooks
 Rings
 Shackles
 Eyebolts

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Hazards - Lifting Accessories (Tackle)

 Overloading
 Makeshift attachments
 Incorrect slinging arrangements
 Damage to accessories during use
 Damaged accessories :
− Textile slings – damaged, cut, abraded or
stretched
 Chains – deformed, cracked or stretched links
 Wire Ropes - Broken wires or kinks
 No examination or pre-use inspection
 Lack of training (competence)

Precautions when using lifting accessories

 All accessories properly certificated and tested
 Properly inspected by a competent person at regular
intervals
 Safe Working Load (SWL) clearly marked
 Inspection prior to use
 No repair to accessories on site
 Not used be used purposes not intended
 Packing between accessory and load
 Properly stored after use
 Training provide for staff in safe use

Lifting Accident

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Planning Lifting Operations

 The precautions for safety in lifting operations include:
 Lifting equipment is positioned or installed in such a way as to
prevent the risk of injury from the equipment or the load falling
or striking people or from the load drifting, falling freely or being
released unintentionally
 Loads are not carried or suspended over areas occupied by
persons. Where this is not possible a safe system of work
should be established to minimise the risks to persons who
may need to be below the load;
 Where it is necessary to leave loads suspended, access to the
danger zone is prevented, ensuring that the load has been
secured properly;

 If the operator of lifting equipment cannot observe the full path

of the load, either directly or by means of auxiliary devices it
should be ensured that a responsible person has appropriate
means of communication to guide the operator. Measure
should be taken to prevent the load striking anything or any
person
 All lifting accessories used for securing the load are
compatible with the load taking into account the attachment
points on the load.
 Suitable measures should be taken to minimize the risks from
lifting equipment due to its proximity to other objects.
 Where necessary the safe working load of the lifting
equipment may have to be reduced to take into account the
environmental conditions and how it is being used

Forklift Trucks (FLT)

FLT are useful but produce their own hazards:
 Loss of load caused by:
Collisions with:
 Pot holes (poor surface conditions)
 Pedestrians
 Forks not fully under load
 Other vehicles
 Turning too quickly
 Building
 Overturning caused by:
 Stock
 Driving on slopes
 Uneven ground
 Failure caused by:
 Driving with load raised
 Poor maintenance
 Driving too fast
 Overloading

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Cranes

Types of Crane

Overhead Mobile

Gantry
Tower

Overhead Travelling Cranes

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Gantry Crane

Tower Cranes

Hoists

People hoist Chain hoist Goods hoist Patient hoist

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QUESTIONS ?

Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto
metal shelves.
Identify four types of injury that the worker could suffer while
carrying out this activity (4)

 Cuts from sharp metal shelves, muscle strain from lifting of

boxes, crushing injury from dropping boxes onto foot, hernia
from lifting heavy boxes, slip disc from incorrect lifting
technique.

Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto
metal shelves.
Identify factors in relation to the task that could increase
the risk of injury (4).

 The amount of lifting, twisting, turning, reaching and

bending, the rate of work
 Distances involved
 Strenuous pulling and pushing of load
 Repetitive handling
 Sufficient rest or recovery period

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Question
Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities
in relation to:
(b) The individual
(a) The Load  Gender
 Physical weight - heavy  Physical strength
 Size - bulky
 Stature - physique; height, etc.
 Shape - difficult to grasp
 State of health
 Rigidity - contents liable to shift
 Level of training
 Outside surfaces - sharp
 Hazards to pregnant women
 Stability of contents - unstable
 Person’s perception of their ability
 Other hazards - hot/cold
 Age

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