Basic explanation of the 8 Principles of Manual Handling

1. THE PRINCIPLES
OF
MANUAL HANDLING

2. MANUAL HANDLING
TECHNIQUES
ARE DESIGNED TO
PROTECT THE SPINE
FROM INJURY

3. POINTS TO NOTE
• There are 33 Vertebrae (Discs) in the Spine
• The area of the Spine most likely to be damaged
through bad lifting techniques is The lower
back (Lumbar region)
• Both the Employer & the Employee are responsible
for the Employees safety and health

4. EMPLOYERS DUTIES
It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable the safety,
health and welfare at work of their employees”

5. EMPLOYERS DUTIES
Avoid manual handling
Where unavoidable take measures to reduce Risk
Assess manual handling risks
Provide Information and training
Carry out Risk assessments

6. EMPLOYEES DUTIES
Comply with relevant Statutory provisions
Take reasonable care for own safety & that of others
Ensure that he/she is not under the influence of an
‘intoxicant
Submit to appropriate & reasonable tests
Co-operate with employer

7. 8 STEPS TO LIFTING SAFELY
1. Assess the Task, the Area & the Load
2. Keep your feet flat on floor and maintain a
Broad Stable Base
3. Bend your knees
4. Keep your Back straight

8. CONTINUED
5. Get a Good Firm grip – (Palmer Grip)
6. Keep your Arms in line with your trunk
7. Hold the Weight close to your center of gravity
8. Turn feet in direction of movement

9. STEP 1 - ASSESS
• Assess The Task - What Has to be Done
• Assess the Area - Ensure it is passable and free
from Slip Trip or falling Hazards
• Assess The load - Assess the weight of the object to
be lifted

10. STEP 2–SOLID FOUNDATION
• Feet Flat on the Floor
• Hip distance apart
• Toes at a 45 degree angle pointing towards the
corners
• Like Charley Chaplin

11. STEP 3 –BEND THE KNEES
• Bend the knees when Lifting
• The legs provide the power for the lift
• The knees are the only body part that bends
when lifting

12. STEP 4 –BACK STRAIGHT
• Keep the back straight at all times
• Tilt at the Hips if necessary
• This takes practice
• Protect the spine at all times

13. STEP 5 – PALMER GRIP
• Get a good firm Grip on the object
• Use the Palms of your hands where possible –
(Palmer Grip
• One hand to front Top of the Object
• Other hand Bottom and rear of the Object

14. STEP 6 - ARMS
• Keep Arms in Line with the Trunk
• Close to the Body
• This aids to support the object
• Arms must travel between your legs

15. STEP – 7 GRAVITY
• Hold the item close to your body
• Towards the centre of Gravity
• Near the belly button

16. STEP 8 - FEET
• Never twist the body to place a load down
• Turn your feet in the direction
• Then place it down
• Always turn your feet in the direction of travel

17. REMEMBER THE 8 STEPS
Assess the Task, the Area & the Load
Feet flat on floor for a Broad Stable Base
Bend your Knees
Keep your Back Straight
Get a Good Firm grip – (Palmer Grip)
Keep your Arms in Line with your trunk
Weight held Close to your center of gravity
Turn feet in direction of movement