Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
M/617/5678
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Aim

The aim of this unit is to provide learners with a developed understanding of ways in which to handle and move goods by hand in a safe and controlled way where learners will focus on different types of goods to help ensure the correct use of techniques will help to avoid risks and injury.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand manually moving and handling of goods.

  • Factors
    Individual capability, the type of good; working environmental; level of training; availability of protective equipment; location of good (high up, low down); weight; gender; distance to move
  • Safe techniques
    Lifting; pushing; pulling; carrying; holding; throwing.
  • Importance
    Prevent injury to people; prevent accidents prevent damage to goods; prevent loss of production; reduce sickness rate; reduce costs (compensation, training, investment).
  • MHOR
    Aim is to reduce incidents of musculoskeletal disorders; places duties on employers; applies to the majority of work activities; establishes measures related to hazardous goods (avoid hazardous manual handling, assess hazardous manual handling operations, reduce the risk of injury as far as possible).

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the factors which need to be considered when manually moving and handling goods.

  • 1.2

    Describe safe techniques used to manually move and handle goods.

  • 1.3

    Explain why using safe techniques for manually moving and handling goods is important to the individual and the organisation.

  • 1.4

    State the key features of the Manual Handling Operations Regulation (MHOR).


2

Know about the hazards and risks associated with manually moving and handling goods.

  • Hazards
    Applicable to conventional, oversized, overweight and hazardous goods - slippery surfaces; seasonal trip hazards; poor lighting; working at heights; blocked aisles; poor technique; lack of correct signage; falling from vehicle; incorrect use of personal protective equipment; unmanaged traffic flow.
    Applicable to;
    - Oversized and overweight goods – lack of vision; loss of control; cannot follow basic manual handling rules; difficult to grasp; unbalanced and unstable; difficult to reach.
    - Hazardous goods – burns; poisoning, skin rashes, lung disorders, damage to nervous system; damage to eyes; headaches; vomiting.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Describe the hazards and risks associated with manually moving and handling

    • conventional goods
    • oversized and overweight goods
    • hazardous goods

3

Understand risk assessments when manually moving and handling goods.

  • Risk assessment process
    Identify the hazards – determine who could be harmed – evaluate risks – determine control measures – record findings – implement finding – review and update
  • Factors
    The task which is to be performed; the individual(s) who will carry out the task; the goods which are to be moved or handled; the environment in which the task takes place.
  • Preventing injuries
    Risk assessment identify if adequately training is in place; if correct protective equipment is made available; if correct manual handling techniques are being used; if individuals are complying with relevant organisational policies and procedures; if the work space is clean and tidy; if individuals consider their own.
  • Reduce hazards and risks
    Employers and employees can take precautions to prevent damage, harm or loss; risks will be monitored; could encourage the redesign tasks; will ensure adequate supervision of staff; encourage adjustment to storage areas to minimise manual handling; establish if it is necessary to provide materials handling equipment; introduce adequate control measures and protocols.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Outline the process for conducting a risk assessment.

  • 3.2

    Explain the factors which need to be considered when conducting a risk assessment.

  • 3.3

    Explain how a risk assessment could be used to help prevent injuries and reduce hazards and risks associated with manually moving and handling goods.


4

Be able to manually move and handle goods safely and effectively 

  • Preparing to handle or move goods
    Step 1 – assess the risks in the area of work
    Step 2 – ensure the working area and/or route is clear of risks and hazards
    Step 3 – understand the characteristics of the good (e.g. size, weight, content)
    Step 4 – select, obtain and use correct protective equipment
    Step 5 – select the most appropriate and safest technique to use
    Step 6 – use specialist equipment if available
    Step 7 – seek assistance if required
  • Handling and moving goods
    Refer to other learning outcomes. Learners are to consolidate their prior learning for the two remaining assessment criteria.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Show how to prepare for manually moving and handling goods.

  • 4.2

    Show how to move goods safely and effectively.

  • 4.3

    Show how to handle goods safely and effectively.