QQI Manual Handling flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

The primary Irish occupational safety legislation. It sets out general duties for employers, employees, designers, manufacturers and suppliers, and provides for enforcement by the Health and Safety Authority.

General Application Regulations 2007 Part 4

The part of the 2007 Regulations dealing with manual handling of loads. It requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling, assess remaining risks, and provide information and training.

Regulation 68 avoidance duty

Employers must avoid manual handling operations that involve a risk of injury, particularly to the back, so far as is reasonably practicable. Avoidance is the first step before assessment.

Schedule 6 risk factors

The statutory list of factors to consider in a manual handling assessment: characteristics of the load, physical effort required, working environment, individual capability, and other relevant factors such as clothing.

Reasonably practicable

A legal test balancing the likelihood and severity of harm against the cost, time and difficulty of the measures needed to prevent it. It is not a simple cost-benefit exercise.

Employer duty under section 8

Employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees at work, including safe systems of work, equipment, training and supervision.

Employee duty under section 13

Employees must take reasonable care for their own and others' safety, cooperate with statutory requirements, and not be under the influence of intoxicants at work.

Competent person

A person with sufficient training, experience and knowledge to perform a task safely or to assess risk. Manual handling training should be delivered by a competent person.

TILEO assessment framework

A memory aid for manual handling assessment: Task, Individual, Load, Environment, and Other factors. Each element is evaluated and controls are identified for the significant risks.

Hierarchy of control

The order of risk control measures: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, apply engineering controls, then administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment as a last resort.

Safety statement contents

A written document identifying hazards, assessing risks, and specifying controls and responsibilities. It must be specific to the workplace, reviewed regularly and brought to employees' attention.

Risk assessment review triggers

Events that require reassessment: new equipment, changed work methods, reported injury or near miss, a new or returning employee, or a significant change in the workplace.

Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus

The two components of an intervertebral disc. The gel-like nucleus pulposus absorbs compressive load, while the fibrous annulus fibrosus contains it and resists shear and rotation.

Load moment

The turning effect of a load, calculated as load force multiplied by the horizontal distance from the spine. Holding a load further from the body greatly increases lumbar compressive force.

Neutral spine

A spinal position maintaining the natural curves, particularly lumbar lordosis. It distributes compressive load more evenly across discs and is the basis of safe lifting technique.

Spinal flexion with rotation

A combined movement of bending forward and twisting the trunk. It produces high shear and compressive forces on the discs and is a recognised high-risk mechanism for back injury.

Off-centre centre of gravity

A load whose mass is unevenly distributed, causing it to tilt or rotate when lifted. It increases the effective load moment and requires a secure grip and closer hold.

Repetitive handling risk

Repeated lifting, lowering or carrying without adequate recovery. Cumulative exposure can cause greater injury risk than a single heavier lift, even when each load is light.

Environmental handling hazards

Workplace conditions that increase handling risk, including uneven or slippery floors, poor lighting, confined spaces, stairs, slopes, and extremes of temperature or humidity.

Individual capability

The physical and psychological capacity of the person to perform the handling task. It varies with fitness, prior injury, pregnancy, age and training, and must be assessed rather than assumed.

Plan the lift

The first step in safe handling: assess the load, route and destination, check for obstructions, and decide whether a mechanical aid or team lift is needed before starting.

Squat lifting technique

Bending the knees and hips while keeping the back neutral and the load close to the body. Leg muscles take the load, reducing compressive force on the lumbar spine.

Move feet to turn

A technique rule for carrying loads: change direction by stepping with the feet rather than twisting the trunk, which reduces shear forces on the lumbar discs.

Secure grip principle

Holding the load with the whole hand where possible, keeping it close to the trunk. Finger-only grips reduce control and increase the risk of dropping or sudden loading.

Mechanical aid selection

Choosing equipment based on load weight and shape, route and surface, frequency, available space and operator training. Aids should be used before manual technique where practicable.

Pre-use equipment check

Inspection before each use for damage, correct functioning of brakes and guards, and confirmation that the safe working load is not exceeded. Defects must be reported and the equipment taken out of use.

Safe working load

The maximum load a piece of handling equipment is designed and rated to carry safely. Exceeding it risks equipment failure and serious injury to the operator and others.

Team lifting leader

The nominated person who plans the lift, gives audible commands for lift, move, lower and stop, and controls the pace so all members move together.

Countdown command

A synchronisation technique such as ready, steady, lift, so team members take the load simultaneously. It prevents uneven loading and sudden strain on individual members.

Ergonomic work height

The principle that work should be arranged around elbow height for heavy or precise tasks, and within easy reach, to reduce bending, reaching and sustained awkward postures.

Static posture risk

Holding one position for a prolonged period, which reduces blood flow and causes fatigue. Regular changes of position, footrests and anti-fatigue mats reduce the risk.

Accident record contents

The documented details of an incident: date, time, location, person involved, task, nature of injury, cause, witnesses and corrective action taken. Records support investigation and prevention.