Manual Handling Flashcards
6 cards from real CITB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Manual Handling flashcards as text
What does team lifting require in addition to physical assistance?
Answer: One designated leader to coordinate the lift with clear communication about when to lift, move, and set down
Team lifts need one person to give instructions so everyone lifts, moves, and lowers simultaneously, preventing twisting, uneven loading, and dropped loads.
What is 'repetitive strain injury' (RSI) in the context of manual handling?
Answer: A cumulative musculoskeletal disorder caused by repeated use of the same muscles, tendons, or nerves over time
RSI develops gradually through repeated, often low-force movements that overload muscles and tendons over time.
Which practice best reduces the risk of injury when pushing a load on a wheeled trolley?
Answer: Keeping the load height manageable, using smooth floors, and pushing rather than pulling where possible
Pushing is generally safer than pulling because posture is better aligned; smooth, level surfaces reduce effort, and appropriate load heights prevent awkward postures.
An employee reports back pain related to a manual handling task. What action should the supervisor take first?
Answer: Stop the task, review the risk assessment, and seek medical advice for the employee
Reported pain signals that the current system of work has a problem; the supervisor must stop the task, review the risk assessment, and arrange medical attention for the employee.
What does 'load coupling' refer to in a manual handling assessment?
Answer: How easy or difficult it is for the handler to grip and hold the load securely
Coupling refers to the interface between the handler and the load — good coupling such as handles reduces risk; poor coupling such as slippery surfaces significantly increases injury risk.
The guideline weights published by the HSE for manual lifting are:
Answer: Reference values that may be exceeded only where a full risk assessment justifies it and risk is controlled
HSE guideline weights are benchmarks, not legal limits — exceeding them increases injury risk and should trigger a more detailed risk assessment and additional control measures.