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Manual Handling

Manual handling results in the largest number of injuries in the workplace.

Manual handling comprises the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force.

Most of the reported accidents result in back injury, although hands, arms and feet are also vulnerable.

Many manual handling injuries build up over a period rather than being caused by a single handling incident.

Employers should consider the risks, from manual handling, to the health and safety of their employees. These should include:

- avoidance of manual handling where possible; - assessment of the risk of injury from any manual handling that can’t be avoided; and

- reduction in the risk of injury from manual handling, where possible, by using mechanical handling aids e.g. sack trucks, trolleys, hoists, conveyors.

Persons who carry out handling or lifting operations should be properly trained.

Before lifting stop and think - plan the lift.

Flammable Liquids

Highly flammable liquids (HFL’s) have special requirements for storage and use.

Always refer to the appropriate data sheets for advice. Quantities of HFL’s between 5 and 50 litres must be kept in a half hour fire resistant cupboard or bin. Quantities over 50 litres must be stored in a one hour fire resistant store.

Only the amount needed for the work in hand should be removed from the store at any one time.

Arrangements should be made to ensure that there is adequate natural or mechanical ventilation where HFL's are dispensed.

The effects of spillages should be minimised by dispensing over a tray and having absorbent material to hand.

Containers should be fitted with a lid and kept closed when not in use. Ensure that there are no ignition sources in the area when using HFL's. Do not smoke.

Contaminated material should be placed in special waste bins and disposed of safely.

Special requirements are necessary when carrying out spraying using HFL's; seek further advice.

Ensure that there are suitable fire extinguishers available.

Gases

Store both full and empty cylinders in a secure outside compound where possible.

Store with valves uppermost, particularly where they contain acetylene.

Cylinders should not be stored below ground level or near drains or basements as many gases are heavier than air.

Protect cylinders from damage.

Use the correct hoses, clamps, couplers and regulators for the particular gas and appliance.

Turn off the cylinder valves at the end of each working day.

Change cylinders away from sources of ignition, in a well ventilated area.

Avoid welding flame ‘flash back’ by fitting non-return valves and flame arrestors: operators must be trained in correct lighting up procedures.

Ensure that gas manifold systems are periodically inspected and maintained.

When using portable LPG heaters, ensure that sufficient ventilation is provided and maintained.

Falls

Falls account for a significant number of injuries at work each year.

The ladder is one of the most commonly used pieces of access equipment. It is also probably one of the most misused.

A ladder should only be used at a working place when the nature of the work is light and generally speaking can be carried out with one hand, leaving the other free to hold on with.