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MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS
A TRAINING FOR THE
METALWORKING INDUSTRIES
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Table of Contents

Introduction

Risk management on manual handling

Hazards associated with manual handling

Common injuries & occupational diseases

Proper manual handling methodology

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Job design to prevent injuries

Case study
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Introduction
 Manual handling is a common activity in most workplaces
 It includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, carrying,
moving, holding or restraining an object
 Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders affect the back,
neck, shoulders, arms & hands
 It can be prevented through a systemic approach of
identification, assessment and control of risks associated
with manual handling
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Occupational Diseases in Singapore
Source: Ministry of Manpower
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Risk Management on Manual Handling

Required to manage risks under WSH (Risk
Management) regulations

Assess the risk

Take all reasonably practical steps

Eliminate any risks
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Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 1: Identification of hazard
Picture source: http://www.safetyworld.com/images/101.gif
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Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 2: Assess the risk
 Dependent on severity of risk and likelihood of hazards
occurring
 severity X likelihood = risk level
 Risk Level = Low, Moderate or High
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Risk Management on Manual Handling
Severity
Minor
Moderate
Major
Remote
Low
Low
Medium
Occasional
Low
Medium
High
Frequent
Medium
High
High
Likelihood
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Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 3: Select Measures to Control and Reduce Risk
 Based on hierarchy of hazards control
 1st – Remove the hazard
 2nd – Guard the remaining hazards
 3rd – Mitigate impact of hazard
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Risk Management on Manual Handling
HIERARCHY OF HAZARDS CONTROL
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy

Lifting over 25kg load can result in back injury
Picture source: http://www.masterlift.ie/images/HealthAndSaftey/HandS.jpg
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Sharp

Potential Cuts on the fingers
Picture source : http://www.prab.com
Picture source : http://www.offscreen.com/images/remote2.jpg
Picture source: http://www.whimsie.com/sheet%20metal%20rolls.jpg
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Odd shapes

Absence of grip to hold the load

Obstruction of walking view
Picture source: http://make-a-box.com
Picture source: http://www.fork-lift-trucks.info
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic
substances

Skin exposure to chemicals
Picture source: http://discountpowerparts.com
Coolant
Lubricants
Picture source: http://www.vacmagic.com/images/fixture%20macchining%20scene.jpg
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic
substances

Exposure to chemical dust, fumes & vapours
Picture source: http://www.railcamp.com
Picture source: http://www.airborncoatings.com/images/air3.gif
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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Neck Strain
Picture source: http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise2/neckspra.jpg
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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Wrist Sprains

Back Sprains
Picture source: http://athleticscholarships.net/back%20pain.jpg
Picture source: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/pictures/wrist.jpg
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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Shoulder pain

Upper back pain
Picture source: http://www.gotosee.co.uk
Picture source: http://medicineworld.org
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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Slips, trips and fall
Picture source: http://www.istockphoto.com
Picture source: http://www.greenbergmassarelli.com/Images/slip_fall.jpg
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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Cuts
Picture source : http://krismarkel.com/eclaircie/photos/uncategorized/ouch.JPG
Picture source: http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Boffer/Images/FA-MinorCut.jpg
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Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling

Skin dermatitis
Picture source: http://www.osh.govt.nz
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Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling

Skin dermatitis
Picture source: http://www.ascc.gov.au
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Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling

Occupational respiratory & lung diseases
Picture source: http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/images-image_popup-ww5r370.jpg
Picture source: http://myweb.lsbu.ac.uk/dirt/museum/simon/68-776-gse15.jpg
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Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling

Occupational eye diseases
Picture source: http://content.revolutionhealth.com/contentimages/images-image_popup-r7_conjunctivitis.jpg
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Proper Manual Handling - Individual
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING
Step 1: Hold the
load firmly
Step 2: Keep the
load close to you
Step 3: Lift the
load by pushing
up your leg
Step 4: Ensure your
legs are stable
before moving off
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Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
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Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
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Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
Source: CP 92 : 2002
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Proper Manual Handling – Team
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Team/buddy lifting
Picture source: www.fork-lift-trucks.info
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Proper Manual Handling – Team

Team/buddy lifting
Picture source: http://www.atlasstraps.com/example2.gif
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Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Are there any sharp or point edges?

Is it enough to prevent injuries or occupational diseases?

Does the PPE fit you correctly?

Does the PPE wear out easily?

Is it based on chemical properties of the substance?

Does it minimize contact with chemicals?

Is it easy to clean and maintain?
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Safety boots

Protective gloves

Helmets

Working apron or overalls

Goggles or safety glasses

Face mask or respirators
Picture source: http://www.osha.gov
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Safety boots
Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Picture source: http://www.veganline.com/safety-boot-big.jpg
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Protective gloves
Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Picture source: http://www.dkimages.com
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Helmets
Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Picture source: http://myweb.datahalland.se/w-15080/admin/picture/20050919154156.jpg
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling
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Working apron or safety overalls
Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Picture source: http://www.anzic-int.com
Picture source: http://www.dashackoutdoors.com
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Goggles or safety glasses
Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk
Picture source: http://teachertech.rice.edu
Picture source: http://www.wintex.ca/english/Images/PPE026b.gif
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Use of PPE for Manual Handling

Face mask or respirator
Picture source: http://www.ammex.com
Picture source: http://www.shingleberrysigns.com
Picture source: http://www.toolrage.com
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Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

Team handling for heavy or odd shape loads

Breaks to reduce muscular fatigue

Handlers job rotation between heavy and light activities

Rearrange workplace to reduce twisting, stretching &
stooping
Picture source : http://www.ilo.org
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Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

Keep heavy loads around waist level

Use of mechanical handling aid

Package heavy materials into smaller container
Picture source: http://www.osha.gov
Picture source: CP 92 : 2002
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Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

Provide handles, hand grips or indents for loads

Loads to be free from dust, oil, corrosive deposits, sharp
corners, jagged edges or rough surfaces
Indents & Handles
Picture source : http://www.saylorsfarm.com
Picture source : http://www.powerwheel-usa.com
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Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries

Provide secondary containment for chemicals
Picture source : http://www.smithsofthedean.co.uk
Picture source : http://www.fuelproof.co.uk
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Case Study
The Case of Peter
Peter injured his back while moving some large drums. He has previously
suffered from back problems but felt that it was under control. His doctor had
advised him not to lift anything above 20 kg but he had not passed this
information to his boss.
The injury was serious enough to land Peter in the hospital. Subsequently Peter
was diagnosed with a torn disk. Peter admitted the drums were heavy, but
wanted to have the job done.
What should Peter have done?
Picture source : http://education.qld.gov.au/health/injury/casestudy.html
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Summary of Key Points
Hazards from manual handling
Common injuries and occupational diseases
Proper manual handling methods
Use of PPE
Job designs to prevent manual handling injuries
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Musculoskeletal injuries and
Occupational diseases
is preventable
Be proactive: it is up to US to
prevent it
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Thank You
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References:
1.
CP 92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling
2.
Ministry of Manpower – Guidelines for Manual Handling
3.
SS 437 : 1999 Part 2 : Specification for personal eye-protectors
part 2 : selection, use and maintenance
4.
SS 513 : 2005 Part 1 : Personal protective equipment – footwear.
Part 1: Safety footwear
5.
CP 74 : 1998 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory
protection devices
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 1
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