NEBOSH CC Manual Handling & Musculoskeletal Disorders 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the significance of 'cumulative loading' in manual handling?
- Repeated handling of loads throughout a shift can accumulate stress on the body, increasing injury risk even if each individual lift is within guidelines (Correct answer)
- Each manual handling operation should only be assessed in isolation
- Cumulative loading refers only to the total weight of loads moved in a week
- Cumulative loading only matters for very heavy loads above 25kg
Correct answer: Repeated handling of loads throughout a shift can accumulate stress on the body, increasing injury risk even if each individual lift is within guidelines
Cumulative loading refers to the total physical stress imposed on the body by repeated handling operations throughout a shift or over time. Even loads within guideline weights can cause injury if handled repeatedly, as the body has insufficient recovery time.
Question 2: What does the 'I' in TILE stand for in manual handling risk assessment?
- Individual (Correct answer)
- Injury
- Inspection
- Implementation
Correct answer: Individual
The 'I' in TILE stands for Individual — the characteristics of the worker undertaking the task, including their physical capability, health status, pregnancy, fitness level and any previous musculoskeletal conditions that may increase their risk.
Question 3: Which construction task commonly causes hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?
- Using vibrating tools such as breakers, grinders and compactors (Correct answer)
- Manual lifting of heavy loads
- Working in stooped positions for prolonged periods
- Carrying loads over long distances
Correct answer: Using vibrating tools such as breakers, grinders and compactors
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by regular use of vibrating hand-held tools such as jackhammers, angle grinders, disc cutters and compactors. It damages the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hands and arms.
Question 4: What symptoms characterise the early stages of hand-arm vibration syndrome?
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers, especially after using vibrating tools (Correct answer)
- Swelling and redness of the hands
- Loss of grip strength only
- Blistering of the skin on the palms
Correct answer: Tingling and numbness in the fingers, especially after using vibrating tools
Early symptoms of HAVS include tingling and numbness in the fingers (often more noticeable after using vibrating tools or in cold conditions), followed later by blanching (whitening) of the fingers, known as vibration white finger.
Question 5: What is the Exposure Action Value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005?
- 2.5 m/s² A(8) (Correct answer)
- 5 m/s² A(8)
- 1.0 m/s² A(8)
- 10 m/s² A(8)
Correct answer: 2.5 m/s² A(8)
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set an Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8) for hand-arm vibration. Above this level, employers must take action to reduce exposure. The Exposure Limit Value (ELV) is 5 m/s² A(8).
Question 6: What is the key control for reducing the risk of HAVS from vibrating tools?
- Limiting exposure time, selecting low-vibration tools, and health surveillance (Correct answer)
- Wearing thick gloves at all times
- Only allowing experienced workers to use vibrating tools
- Using ear defenders while operating vibrating tools
Correct answer: Limiting exposure time, selecting low-vibration tools, and health surveillance
The key controls for HAVS include selecting tools with the lowest practicable vibration level, limiting daily exposure time, rotating workers to reduce individual exposure, maintaining tools to minimise vibration, and carrying out health surveillance to detect early symptoms.
NEBOSH CC Manual Handling & Musculoskeletal Disorders 4
What is the significance of 'cumulative loading' in manual handling?