Manual Handling and Construction Safety Flashcards

What factors are assessed in a manual handling risk assessment using the TILEO framework?

Answer: Task (actions involved), Individual (worker capability, health), Load (weight, size, stability, temperature), Environment (space, floor, temperature), Other (PPE, training)

The TILEO framework systematically assesses manual handling risks: Task (twisting, repetitive, reach), Individual (pregnant, young, medical conditions, training), Load (heavy, bulky, sharp, hot, unpredictable), Environment (confined, wet floor, temperature extremes, stairs, lighting), Other factors (PPE restricting movement, training adequacy). All five must be assessed for any significant manual handling task.

What is the correct manual handling technique for lifting a heavy box from floor level?

Answer: Plan the lift, close to the body, feet shoulder-width apart, bend knees (not back), straight back, smooth controlled movement, avoid twisting — turn feet not back

Safe manual handling: 1) Assess the load and plan, 2) Position feet shoulder-width apart beside the load, 3) Bend at the knees (not the waist), 4) Maintain natural spinal curves (don't flex the lumbar spine), 5) Grip firmly, 6) Lift by straightening legs with load close to the body, 7) Move feet to change direction — don't twist the spine.

What is 'team lifting' and when is it required?

Answer: Coordinated lifting by two or more workers when a load is too heavy or awkward for safe solo lifting — requires a designated leader, synchronized movement, and all participants of sufficient height/strength

Team lifting is used when loads exceed individual capacity or handling solo creates excessive postural stress. Requirements: designate one person to direct, agree a plan before lifting, matched height and capability of all participants, synchronized initiation and movement, and adequate space for all handlers. Team lifting has limitations — communication failure and mismatched heights create risks.

What are the main causes of fatal accidents in Gulf construction?

Answer: Falls from height, struck by vehicle or plant, collapse of excavations or structures, electrical contact, and crane/lifting equipment failures — accounting for the majority of construction fatalities

Gulf construction fatal accident causes (consistent with ILO and regional data): falls from height (scaffolding, roof edges, fragile surfaces, openings), struck by plant (mobile cranes, excavators, delivery vehicles), excavation collapse, electrical contact (overhead lines, temporary wiring), and lifting equipment failure. These are the 'Fatal Four' with the addition of crane incidents.

What is required before work begins below overhead power lines on a Gulf construction site?

Answer: Identify line voltage, establish statutory minimum clearance distances, use goal posts or barriers to prevent over-height plant access, consider diversion or de-energization, and brief all site personnel

Overhead power line contact is an immediate electrocution hazard for construction plant operators. Requirements: survey and mark all OHPLs, establish safe clearance distances (for 33kV: 3m minimum, for 11kV: 2m, for 400kV: greater distances — contact utility for specific voltage data), erect goal posts (height restrictors) on approach routes, consider requesting line diversion or temporary de-energization for work directly beneath.

What is 'CDM' (Construction Design and Management) regulation and how does it apply in the Gulf context?

Answer: CDM places duties on clients, designers, and contractors to consider H&S at every stage of a project — from design through construction to maintenance. Gulf countries have equivalent project safety regulations requiring pre-construction safety planning.

UK CDM 2015 requires: clients to appoint competent principal designers and contractors, designers to eliminate hazards through design, principal contractors to produce a Construction Phase Plan, and all parties to cooperate. Gulf equivalents (Qatar ASHGHAL, Dubai CDA, Abu Dhabi CDA H&S requirements, Saudi MOL regulations) impose analogous duties at project planning, design, construction, and handover stages.