< 0cm 0cm 0pt"><B><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Manual Handling<p></p></FONT></FONT></B></P>< 0cm 0cm 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <p></p></FONT></FONT></P>< 0cm 0cm 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>rior to any manual handling task a hazard assessment shall be conducted to determine:</FONT></P><OL 0cm" type=1><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Does the load need to be moved?</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Can it be handled by one person or is help required?</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Can mechanical lifting aids be used?</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Is the route and destination clear?</FONT></LI></OL>< 0cm 0cm 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <p></p></FONT></FONT></P>< 0cm 0cm 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Wherever possible mechanical lifting aids shall be considered as the first option in moving any load. When the load must be lifted manually, the principles are as follows:</FONT></P><OL 0cm" type=1><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Stand close to and facing the load.</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Squat keeping back straight and inclined to ensure balance.</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Bend at the knees to maintain balance.</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Look straight ahead and test the weight of the object and get a firm grip on it.</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Using the legs, lifting the object, keeping the load close to the body (do not twist).</FONT></LI><LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Turn and face the direction of travel; and </FONT></LI></OL>To place the object down, keep the back straight and inclined to maintain balance, and bend the knees to lower the object to the level required.