Manual Handling and Lifting 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 and Lifting flashcards as text
When carrying out a team lift, what is the most important factor?
Answer: One person should coordinate the lift and give clear instructions
In a team lift, one person must act as the coordinator, giving clear verbal instructions (e.g., 'lift on three'). Without coordination, team members may lift at different times or speeds, causing uneven loading and increasing injury risk.
What should you do if a load is too heavy for you to lift safely on your own?
Answer: Use a mechanical aid or ask for help
If a load is too heavy to lift safely alone, you should use a mechanical aid (trolley, pallet truck, hoist) or arrange a team lift. Never attempt to lift beyond your capability — back support belts do not prevent injury from overloading.
What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)?
Answer: An injury or condition affecting muscles, joints, tendons, or the spine
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or spinal discs. They are the most common occupational health problem in the UK construction industry and are frequently caused by poor manual handling practices.
When carrying a load, where should you position it relative to your body?
Answer: As close to your body as possible
Keeping the load close to your body reduces the strain on your back and arms. The further a load is from your body, the greater the leverage effect on your spine, which dramatically increases the forces on your lower back.
Repetitive manual handling tasks can lead to which type of injury?
Answer: Repetitive strain injury (RSI) and cumulative trauma
Repetitive manual handling tasks can cause repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and cumulative trauma disorders affecting tendons, muscles, and nerves. These develop gradually over time and can become chronic if the repetitive activity continues without adequate rest or task variation.
What should be done about manual handling risks identified during a risk assessment?
Answer: Implement control measures to reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, identified risks must be controlled so far as is reasonably practicable. This might include mechanical aids, job rotation, training, redesigning the task, or reducing load weights.