CSCS Manual Handling 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the main risk factors in the 'Task' element of a TILE assessment?
- The worker's age and fitness
- Twisting, stooping, reaching, carrying distance, pushing/pulling, repetition (Correct answer)
- The weight of the load only
- The weather conditions
Correct answer: Twisting, stooping, reaching, carrying distance, pushing/pulling, repetition
The Task element considers the physical demands: Does it involve twisting, stooping, or reaching? What is the carrying distance? Is there pushing or pulling? How often is the task repeated? These all influence injury risk.
Question 2: What PPE might be required for manual handling tasks on a construction site?
- Safety glasses only
- Safety boots with steel toe caps, gloves, and high-visibility clothing (Correct answer)
- A dust mask
- Ear defenders only
Correct answer: Safety boots with steel toe caps, gloves, and high-visibility clothing
Manual handling on construction sites typically requires safety boots (protecting feet from dropped loads), appropriate gloves (improving grip and protecting hands), and high-visibility clothing (ensuring the handler is seen by plant operators).
Question 3: What is the significance of the 'Individual' factor in a TILE assessment?
- It only considers the worker's height
- It considers the worker's capability, health conditions, pregnancy, age, and training level (Correct answer)
- It is about individual preference only
- It only applies to new workers
Correct answer: It considers the worker's capability, health conditions, pregnancy, age, and training level
The Individual factor considers the worker's physical capability, any pre-existing health conditions, pregnancy, age, strength, fitness, and level of training. A task safe for one person may be hazardous for another.
Question 4: What is the correct procedure for a team lift?
- Everyone lifts at different times
- One person takes charge, gives clear commands, and all team members lift and lower together (Correct answer)
- The strongest person does most of the lifting
- No coordination is needed
Correct answer: One person takes charge, gives clear commands, and all team members lift and lower together
In a team lift, one person must take charge and coordinate the lift. Clear verbal commands ensure all team members lift, carry, and lower the load together. Team members should be of similar height and capability where possible.
Question 5: Why is twisting while lifting particularly dangerous?
- It makes you dizzy
- It places asymmetric loads on the spinal discs, increasing the risk of disc herniation (Correct answer)
- It is only dangerous if the load is heavy
- It is not considered dangerous
Correct answer: It places asymmetric loads on the spinal discs, increasing the risk of disc herniation
Twisting while lifting places asymmetric, shearing forces on the intervertebral discs of the spine, significantly increasing the risk of disc herniation (slipped disc) and other spinal injuries. The feet should be moved instead of twisting.
Question 6: What is the employer's duty regarding manual handling training under UK regulations?
- Training is optional
- Employers must provide appropriate training and information on manual handling risks and safe techniques (Correct answer)
- Only supervisors need training
- Training is only required after an injury
Correct answer: Employers must provide appropriate training and information on manual handling risks and safe techniques
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and HSWA 1974, employers must provide adequate training and information to employees who carry out manual handling tasks, including proper techniques and awareness of risks.
CSCS Manual Handling 4
What are the main risk factors in the 'Task' element of a TILE assessment?