CSCS Manual Handling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in the context of manual handling?
- A disorder of the nervous system
- An injury or disorder affecting the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves (Correct answer)
- A mental health condition
- A skin condition from handling chemicals
Correct answer: An injury or disorder affecting the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect the body's movement system — muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and spinal discs. Common examples include back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and work-related upper limb disorders.
Question 2: When should a manual handling risk assessment be reviewed?
- Only when an accident occurs
- When there is a significant change in the operation, or if the assessment is no longer valid (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
- Only when requested by the HSE
Correct answer: When there is a significant change in the operation, or if the assessment is no longer valid
Manual handling risk assessments should be reviewed when there is a significant change in the task, load, working conditions, or personnel, when an incident occurs, or when the assessment is no longer considered valid.
Question 3: What does the term 'kinetic lifting' refer to?
- Using machinery to lift
- A lifting technique that uses the body's momentum and strong leg muscles (Correct answer)
- Lifting whilst moving
- A type of crane operation
Correct answer: A lifting technique that uses the body's momentum and strong leg muscles
Kinetic lifting is a technique that uses the body's natural momentum and the strong muscles of the legs and thighs rather than the weaker back muscles. It involves a smooth, controlled movement with proper posture.
Question 4: What is the recommended approach when a load is too heavy for one person?
- Try harder and use more effort
- Use a team lift with coordination, or use mechanical aids (Correct answer)
- Ask someone else to do it alone
- Drag the load instead
Correct answer: Use a team lift with coordination, or use mechanical aids
When a load is too heavy for one person, options include using mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists, pallet trucks), organising a team lift with clear communication and coordination, or breaking the load into smaller parts.
Question 5: What is repetitive strain injury (RSI) and how does it relate to manual handling?
- An injury from a single heavy lift
- A group of conditions caused by repetitive movements, forceful exertions, or sustained awkward postures (Correct answer)
- A strain from running
- A skin condition from repeated handling
Correct answer: A group of conditions caused by repetitive movements, forceful exertions, or sustained awkward postures
RSI is a group of musculoskeletal conditions caused by repetitive tasks, forceful movements, or sustained awkward postures. In manual handling, repetitive lifting, carrying, or pushing can cause RSI in the back, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Question 6: Under UK law, what is the maximum weight a person can be required to lift at work?
- 25kg for men, 16kg for women
- 50kg
- There is no specific legal maximum weight limit (Correct answer)
- 30kg
Correct answer: There is no specific legal maximum weight limit
UK law does not set a specific maximum weight limit for manual handling. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess risks and reduce them so far as reasonably practicable. HSE guidelines are advisory, not legal limits.
CSCS Manual Handling 2
What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in the context of manual handling?