Lifting, carrying and team handling of objects β Reference Guide
Scope: objects only. This guidance covers the handling of inanimate objects, materials and loads.
Object lifting and carrying require task-specific assessment and agreed controls. There is no universal kilogram limit that makes a solo move safe. Two people do not provide double capacity, and adding a colleague does not automatically make a hazardous task acceptable.
Before a suitable assessed move
- Confirm the need, load information, route, destination, suitable aid and whether help is required. Clear obstructions and check the set-down space.
- Take a stable position and a secure hold. Keep the load close where practicable and its heaviest side towards you.
- For an appropriate basic two-hand front lift, use slight bending of the back, hips and knees rather than a rigid-back or deep-squat rule. Do not let the back bend further as the legs straighten.
- Move smoothly. Turn by moving your feet rather than twisting with planted feet. Look ahead once the load is securely held.
- Put the object down before making precise positional adjustments. For a long lift, an assessed intermediate surface may allow a safe change of grip.
These adaptable principles supplement task redesign and suitable aids. See HSE handling technique.
When team handling is selected
Agree a lead, route, grip and clear start, stop and set-down cues; reassess when conditions change.Check that team handling is suitable for the object and that everyone can use the agreed plan. Agree a lead, route, handling height, grips, destination and simple start, stop and set-down commands before movement. Coordinate the start and controlled set-down. Check clearances and somewhere safe to pause. If timing, grip or communication changes, stop and make safe rather than trying to recover by force. See HSE team handling assessment example.
Related Topics
Further Information
Google Reviews
“Highly recommend. Sarah was lovely and delivered the course perfectly!”
Adele Collier“Great experience and very happy with the corse. Sarah delivered all aspects of the couse clearly and professionally. Loo…”
Phil Lawson“The course was extremely interesting and delivered perfectly”
Ryan Garrick“Sarah delivered the course to a high standard. Good interaction with the class and very good practical provisions.”
Neil Lefley“Couldn't of been better”
Shaun pearsall“I went onto the first aid at work course for 3 days something I was very sceptical about but right from the start Sarah …”
Daniel Connolly“Wonderful experience and met a great bunch of people. Learnt a lot and can now go ahead and put it into practice if ever…”
Spannerman“Great 3 days training from Sarah, thanks!”
Ric Smith (UK JL fan)“This was a very informative and comprehensive course. Sarah was brilliant and explained everything in laymanβs terms as …”
Tracey Goodwin“The course was delivered and set at a pace that was suitable for beginners and experienced first aiders. Sarah was a rel…”
Joe Carter“Well planned, well presented, enjoyable. Sarah made me feel relaxed to engage in the course. Very informative and enjoya…”
Maria Clarke“Olly was amazing in making sure we understood everything and made sure we were all very involved”
Jackson“Great training by Olly”
Adam Hardcastle“Great session Olly was fantastic.”
Liam Duckworth“Olly was great, really informative”
Ella Souter (BR_Killjoy)“Olly”
Martin Clegg“olly was great!!!!!!!”
Emily Vidler“Olly was a fantastic trainer. He made the course fun and easy to understand. I really enjoyed the practical parts of the…”
claire thomas“Olly White was a great trainer, clear and engaging. Involved all the participants and answered all questions. Thanks”
T