Safe Pass Manual Handling Ireland 3

Question 1

What regulation specifically covers manual handling in Irish workplaces?

Accepted Answer

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4

Answer

Manual handling is covered under Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

Question 2

What should an employer do if manual handling cannot be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Carry out a risk assessment and implement measures to reduce the risk of injury

Answer

If manual handling cannot be avoided, the employer must carry out a specific manual handling risk assessment and implement measures to reduce the risk as far as practicable.

Question 3

What is repetitive strain injury (RSI)?

Accepted Answer

Pain and damage caused by repetitive movements or sustained awkward postures

Answer

RSI covers a range of conditions caused by repetitive movements, excessive force, or sustained awkward postures, affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves, typically in the hands, wrists, and arms.

Question 4

Why is team lifting more hazardous than individual lifting?

Accepted Answer

Coordination is difficult and the load sharing is often unequal

Answer

Team lifting introduces coordination challenges — members may lift at different times, carry unequal shares of the load, or have different heights, increasing the overall risk.

Question 5

What is the recommended technique for pushing vs pulling a load?

Accepted Answer

Pushing is generally safer than pulling as you can use your body weight

Answer

Pushing is generally safer than pulling because you can use your body weight to assist, maintain better posture, and have better visibility of the path ahead.

Safe Pass Practice Test

Safe Pass Practice Test

Safe Pass Manual Handling Ireland 3