Manual Handling Ireland Flashcards

How does fatigue affect manual handling safety?

Answer: It reduces concentration, coordination, and physical strength, increasing injury risk

Fatigue reduces a worker's physical strength, coordination, concentration, and reaction times, all of which increase the risk of manual handling injuries.

What should be done if the load has no handles or handholds?

Answer: Use gloves for better grip and consider re-packaging or using lifting aids

Loads without adequate handholds should be re-packaged if possible, or lifting aids used. If manual handling is necessary, gloves can improve grip and protect hands.

What is the risk of carrying a load that blocks your view?

Answer: You cannot see obstacles, steps, or other hazards in your path

Carrying a load that blocks your view prevents you from seeing hazards such as obstacles, steps, uneven surfaces, or other workers, increasing trip and collision risks.

What is the correct way to set down a heavy load?

Answer: Reverse the lifting procedure: bend knees, keep back straight, lower gradually

Setting down a load should mirror the lifting technique in reverse — bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lower the load gradually using leg muscles.

Why should loads be stored at waist height where possible?

Answer: It minimises bending and stretching, reducing the strain on the body

Storing loads at waist height eliminates the need to bend or stretch when picking them up, reducing strain on the back, shoulders, and knees.

What is kinetic handling?

Answer: A manual handling technique that uses momentum and body movement to assist lifting

Kinetic handling is a technique that uses the body's natural momentum and movement to assist with lifting, reducing the static muscular effort required.