CSCS Revision – Manual handling

These CSCS revision notes cover everything you will need to know to ace the manual handling questions in your real CSCS test.

There are 16 factual statements, followed by a key point. The key point is a summary of the answers to the real questions, so pay close attention to these.

CSCS Revision – Manual Handling

1. Lifting and carrying items on a building site is unavoidable. If you have to carry a load down a steep hill you should always stop and assess if it’s safe to do so.

  • Key point: Always stop and assess if it’s safe to carry a load down a steep hill

2. Back braces are great for helping to reduce the risk of injury, but wearing a back brace does not eliminate all risk of injury, and they are not designed to increase the amount of weight you can carry.

  • Key point: Back braces do not eliminate all risk of injury and they cannot be used as a tool to lift more weight

3. Everyone is different, and the maximum amount of weight you can carry should only be decided by you.

  • Key point: only you can determine the maximum amount of weight you can carry

4. If you have to move heavy items, it’s always advisable to divide the load into smaller, manageable loads, or use lifting equipment if there are any available.

  • Key point: Using lifting equipment to move heavy loads should always be your first option, if this is not available the next best option would be to divide the load into smaller, more manageable loads.

5. if you’re using a trolley and one of the wheels falls off, do not drag the trolley to your destination, instead, you should get another trolley or find another safe way to move the load.

  • Key point: If a wheel falls off your trolley, find another safe way to move the load to its destination

6. Sometimes you will have to move large and awkwardly shaped items, like a large box for example. If you have to move a load which blocks your front view, you should ask a colleague to help you carry the load and ensure you both can see ahead of you.

  • Key point: Always make sure you can see ahead of you when carrying a load

7. If you have to lift and carry heavy items at work, your employer has a legal responsibility to carry out a risk assessment of the tasks to ensure you have a safe way of carrying out those tasks.

  • Key point: If you have to lift heavy loads at work, your employer must complete a risk assessment

8. If you have to use a wheelbarrow to move heavy items, this is also considered manual handling.

  • Key point: Using a wheelbarrow to move a load is still considered manual handling because you are still physically moving the load.

9. Things can change fast on a work site, if you discover a better/safer way of lifting a load than the method currently in place, you should speak to your supervisor and share your ideas.

  • Key point: Speak to your supervisor and inform him/her about your ideas

10. According to manual handling regulations, it’s an employee’s duty to always follow the safe system of work put in place by their employer.

  • Key point: Employees should always follow the safe system of work implemented by their employer

11. Lifting heavy loads can lead to various injuries, the most common injury most people face is back injury.

  • Key point: You’re most likely to have back injuries from lifting heavy loads

12. Adopting a correct lifting technique is vital for preventing injuries. The safest way to lift a load is by placing your feet slightly apart, one leg slightly forward, and bending your knees slightly.

  • Key point: When lifting a load, you should place your feet slightly apart, place one leg slightly in front of the other and bend your knees slightly.

13. If you have to pick up a load that is heavier on one side, it’s best to place the heaviest side towards you.

  • Key point: Always place the heaviest side of a load towards you.

14. Whenever you need to carry a load, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your safety. Consider the weight and dimensions of the load, the distance you have to travel and whether or not the path you have to take is clear and hazard free.

  • Key point: Always consider the weight and dimensions of the load, the distance you have to travel and whether or not the path you have to take is clear and hazard-free before carrying a load.

15. It’s not advisable to move heavy objects while sitting, but if you need to move a load while sitting, you should keep in mind that you are likely to move less weight compared to when you are standing.

  • Key point: You will normally lift or move less weight while sitting

16. Unfortunately, back injuries are quite common in the construction industry. If you have a previous back injury and it’s affecting your current job, you should tell your supervisor before starting work.

  • Key point: Tell your supervisor if you have a previous back injury which you think might affect your work

There you have it, 16 CSCS revision notes on manual handling. Remember, the key points are the answers to the real CSCS test questions, so pay extra attention to these. Good luck!

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