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Updated 28.08.2003 ©2002. Disclaimer

Welcome Introduction Lifting Operations Carrying Operations

Team handling

Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) Tool

The MAC tool has been developed to help the user identify high risk workplace manual handling activities.

The tool can be used to assess the risks posed by lifting, carrying and team manual handling activities. It is designed to help you understand, interpret and categorise the level of risk of the various known risk factors associated with manual handling activities. The MAC incorporates a numerical and a colour coding score system to highlight high risk manual handling tasks.

Site Summary

This website provides information and assistance regarding the use of the MAC, when assessing the risks associated with manual handling.

It outlines why the MAC was developed, how the MAC works and how to use it. General information is provided on the risks associated with manual handling and on an employers duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (as amended)1992 (MHOR).

You can download and print a copy of the MAC (you will be able to do this on the next page) and then use it to rate six manual handling videos presented on the website. Following your assessment of the task you can then compare your scores against those of an expert. Finally you can view a number of general solutions that you may be able to apply to your workplace which may reduce the overall level of risk.

Prevalence and Costs of MSDs

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are the most common cause of occupational ill health in Great Britain, currently affecting 1.1 million people a year and costing society £5.7 billion. MSDs affect the muscles, joints, tendons and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

It is important to understand the risks associated with manual handling and take appropriate measures to assess and ultimately reduce these risks, so the likelihood of suffering from MSDs such as back pain are reduced.

Manual Handling

According to the MHOR - Manual Handling is defined as:

"...any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force"

The MHOR 1992 establish a clear hierarchy of measures for dealing with risks from manual handling, these are:

● avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;● assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and● reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.

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HSE Topic

A detailed assessment of every manual handling operation could be a major undertaking and might involve wasted effort. Many handling operations, for example the occasional lifting of a small light weight object, will involve negligible handling risk. To help identify situations where a more detailed risk assessment in necessary, HSE has developed a filter to screen out straightforward cases.

Using the MAC will help with the initial screening of possible high risk manual handling activities within the workplace. However, the MAC is NOT appropriate for all manual handing operations, and does NOT comprise a full risk assessment . Therefore it is unlikely to be acceptable if relied upon alone. To be "suitable and sufficient", a risk assessment will normally need to take account of additional information such as individual capabilities (factors), and should conform to the requirements in the MHOR 1992 (available from HSE Books). Persons with knowledge and experience of the handling operations, industry specific guidance, and specialist advice, may be of assistance. Remember, consult and involve employees and safety reps.

The next page will:

● Introduce the MAC; ● Its development; ● How the MAC works and ● How to use the MAC

●

Next Page

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MAC Tool - Introduction to the MAC tool


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Welcome

Introduction

FAQs

MAC leaflet

Case studies

Lifting

Carrying

Team handling



Team handling

Introduction to the MAC Tool

This page explains how the MAC Tool was developed, how it works, and how to begin to use it.

The development of the MAC

The MAC was designed to help HSE and Local Authority (LA) inspectors assess manual handling risks in the

workplace and secure compliance in line with HSE's Enforcement Management Model framework , Much of the data is based on a set of guidelines developed from published scientific literature.

How it works

The MAC uses a numerical score and a traffic light approach to indicate the level of risk. For example: green and a score of 0 for good; amber and a score of 1-4 for reasonable and red or purple and a score of 2-10 for poor.

The MAC considers manual handling as three types of distinct operation:

● Single Lifting operation ● Single Carrying operation ● Team Handling operation

These operations are divided into the different manual handling factors and presented as a flow chart. The flow chart leads you, step-by-step, through each factor of the manual handling operation, enabling you to evaluate and grade the degree of risk. Each operation is supported by an assessment guide or aide memoire. These discuss each factor of the flow chart giving helpful pointers to help you to score the task you are observing. To enable you to calculate the risk for the load and frequency of a lifting/carrying operation a graph is supplied with the flowchart.

Using the MAC Tool to score the video case studies

The MAC was originally designed for inspectors. For this reason we believe that the best way to learn how to use the MAC tool is to practice applying it to the six video case studies we have included on the website.

You can view and print out the complete MAC tool leaflet [473kb] . A paper copy of the MAC leaflet is also available from HSE books.

It is advisable to read the assessment guide for each manual handling operation, before using the MAC tool to score the video case study. This way you can become familiar with the correct assessment procedure. We also recommend that you view the entire task before commencing your assessment. This will allow you to get a ‘feel’ for the whole task.

When you are assessing each risk factor always consider the ‘worst case scenario’. An example of this would be assessing an operative lifting from a pallet which is placed on the floor surface. At the time you do the assessment the pallet may be half full and the operative may be lifting from waist height. Remember at some point the operative will be lifting from floor level and therefore are at greater risk.

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MAC Tool - Introduction to the MAC tool

To view and try the case studies please select from the following:

● Assessing Lifting Operations.● Assessing Carrying Operations.● Assessing Team handling Operation.

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MANUAL HANDLINGASSESSMENTCHARTS

INTRODUCTIONWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including manual handlinginjuries, are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK and theirprevention is a priority for HSC/E. It is important to remember that:

■ things can be done to prevent MSDs;

■ preventative measures are cost-effective;

■ all MSDs cannot be prevented; so early reporting of symptoms, proper

treatment and suitable rehabilitation is essential.

The steps to followThe Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) establish a clearhierarchy of measures for dealing with risks from manual handling. These are:

■ avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as reasonably practicable;

■ assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and

■ reduce the risk of injury so far as reasonably practicable.

The MACThe Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) is a new tool designed to helphealth and safety inspectors assess the most common risk factors in lifting (andlowering), carrying and team handling operations. Employers, safety officers,safety representatives and others may also find the MAC useful to identify high-risk manual handling operations and help them complete their risk assessments.

Structure of the MAC There are three types of assessment that can be carried out with the MAC:

■ lifting operations pages 1-4;

■ carrying operations pages 5-8;

■ team handling operations pages 9-11.

For each type of assessment there is an assessment guide and a flow chart. There is a score sheet to complete on page 12.

Note:The MAC is not appropriate for some manual handling operations, for examplethose that involve pushing and pulling. Its use does not comprise a full riskassessment (see Manual handling, ‘Further reading’). You must considerindividual and psychosocial issues when completing the score sheet. Also, theMAC is not designed to assess risks from workplace upper limb disorders (seeUpper limb disorders in the workplace, see ‘Further reading’).

How to complete a MAC assessment■ Spend some time observing the task to ensure that what you are seeing is representative of

normal working procedures. Consult employees and safety representatives during theassessment process. Where several people do the same task, make sure you have someinsight into the demands of the job from all workers’ perspective. It may help to videotapethe task so you can view it over again, away from the workplace, if necessary.

■ Select the appropriate type of assessment (ie lifting, carrying or team handling). If a taskinvolves lifting and carrying, consider both.

■ Ensure you read the assessment guide before you make your assessment.■ Follow the appropriate assessment guide and flow chart to determine the level of risk for

each risk factor. Information on risk reduction can be found on the website (see addressbelow). The levels of risk are classified below:

G = GREEN - Low level of riskThe vulnerability of special risk groups (eg pregnant women, young workers etc) shouldbe considered where appropriate.

A = AMBER - Medium level of risk - Examine tasks closely

R = RED - High level of risk - Prompt action neededThis may expose a significant proportion of the working population to risk ofinjury.

P = PURPLE - Very high level of riskSuch operations may represent a serious risk of injury and should come underclose scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is supported byone person.

■ Enter the colour band and corresponding numerical score on the score sheet on page 12.The colour bands help determine which elements of the task require attention.

■ Add up the total score. The total scores help prioritise those tasks that need most urgentattention and help check the effectiveness of those improvements.

■ Enter the remaining task information asked for on the score sheet.

Further information on the MAC, including on-line training, can be found atwww.hse.gov.uk/msd

Remember:The purpose of the assessment is to identify and then reduce the

overall level of risk of the task.

1

ASSESSMENT GUIDE FOR LIFTING OPERATIONS

A Load weight/frequencyNote the weight of the load and the repetition rate of the lifting operation. Read offthe risk banding on the graph on page 4 and enter the colour band and numerical scoreon the score sheet. If the colour band is purple the task should be examined veryclosely, such operations may represent a serious risk of injury and should come underclose scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is supported by oneperson. Note: High frequency handling operations of light weights will fall within theGREEN zone, but may be associated with upper limb problems. Please refer toUpper limb disorders in the workplace (see ‘Further reading’) for advice on furtherassessment.

B Hand distance from the lower backObserve the task and examine the horizontal distance between the operative's handsand their lower back. Always assess the ‘worst case scenario’. Use the following toguide your assessment:

CLOSE: Upper armsaligned verticallyand upright trunk G/0

MODERATE: Upperarms angled awayfrom body

A/3

MODERATE:Trunk bentforward

A/3

FAR: Upper armsangled away frombody and trunk bent forward R/6

C Vertical lift regionObserve the position of the operative’s hands at the start of the lift and as the lift progresses.Always assess the ‘worst case scenario’. Use the following illustrations as a guide:

Above knee and/or below elbow height

G/0

Below knee and/orabove elbow height

A/1

Floor level or below

At head heightor above

R/3

L I F T I N G O P E R A T I O N

Containers with well-designed handles orhandholds, fit for purpose

Containers with poorhandles or handholds

Containers of poor design.Loose parts, irregularobjects, bulky or difficultto handle

Loose parts enablingcomfortable grip

Fingers to be clamped at90 degrees under thecontainer

Non-rigid sacks orunpredictable loads

D Trunk twisting and sideways bendingObserve the operative's trunk as the load is lifted. If the trunk twists in relation tothe hips and thighs or the operative leans to one side as the load is lifted, the colourband is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the trunk both twists AND bends to theside as the load is lifted the colour band is red and the numerical score is 2.

E Postural constraintsIf the movements of the operative are unhindered, the colour band is green and thenumerical score is 0. If the operative adopts restricted postures during the lift becauseof the space available (eg a narrow gap between pallet load and hopper) or theworkstation design (eg an excessively high monorail conveyor), the colour band is amberand the numerical score is 1. If the posture is severely restricted, the colour band is redand the numerical score is 3 (eg work in confined areas such as baggage holds).

F Grip on the load

G Floor surface

H Other environmental factorsObserve the work environment and score if the lifting operation takes place: inextremes of temperature; with strong air movements; or in extreme lighting conditions(dark, bright or poor contrast). If one of the risk factors are present score 1, if two ormore of the risk factors are present score 2.

GOODG/0

REASONABLEA/1

POORR/2

Dry and clean floor ingood condition

G/0

Dry floor but in poorcondition, worn oruneven

A/1

Contaminated/wet orsteep sloping floor orunstable footing

R/2

L I F T I N G O P E R A T I O NL I F T I N G O P E R A T I O N 2

3

Trunk twisting ANDsideways bending 2

R

Trunk twisting ORsideways bending 1

A

Little or no twistingor sidewaysbending 0

G

Trunk twisting/

sideways

bending

D

SEVERELYRESTRICTED

3

R

RESTRICTED

1

A

NONE

0

G

Postural

constraints

E

Floor level or belowand/or abovehead height 3

R

Below knee and/or above elbow height 1

A

Above knee and/or below elbowheight 0

G

Vertical lift

region

C

POOR

2

R

REASONABLE

1

A

GOOD

0

G

Grip on

the load

F

FAR: upper armangled and trunkbent forward 6

R

MODERATE: upperarm angled ortrunk bent forward 3

A

CLOSE: upper arm vertical/trunkupright 0

G

Hand distance

from lower

back

B

Contaminated,wet, sloping orunstable 2

R

Dry but in poorconditions oruneven 1

A

Dry and in goodcondition

0

G

Floor

surface

G

Two or morefactors present

2

R

One factorpresent

1

A

No factorspresent

0

G

Other

environmental

factors

H

NOTE THE COLOUR AND NUMERICAL SCORE AND INSERT ON SCORE SHEET

SEE GRAPH on p40

G

SEE GRAPH on p44

A

SEE GRAPH on p46

R

50 kg OR MORE10

P

Load weight/

frequency (see

graph on p4)

A

LIFTINGOPERATION

Please insert the colour andnumerical scores on the score sheet on page 12


R=6

A=4

G=0

P=10

0 One

lift

per

day

30 m

inut

es(2

)5

min

utes

(12)

2 m

inut

es(3

0)1

min

ute

(60)

14 s

econ

ds(2

50)

9 se

cond

s(4

00)

5 se

cond

s(7

20)

1020304050

01020304050

Weight of load (kg)

One

lift

eve

ry(l

ifts

per

hou

r)

Load

wei

ght/

freq

uenc

y gr

aph

for

lifti

ng o

pera

tion

s4L I F T I N G O P E R A T I O N

5

ASSESSMENT GUIDE FOR CARRYING OPERATIONS

A Load weight/frequencyNote the weight of the load and the frequency of the carrying operation. Read off therisk banding on the graph on page 8 and enter the colour band and numerical score onthe score sheet. If the colour band is purple the task should be examined very closely,such operations may represent a serious risk of injury and should come under closescrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is carried by one person.

B Hand distance from the lower backObserve the task and examine the horizontal distance between the operative's handsand their lower back. Always assess the ‘worst case scenario’. Use the followingillustrations to guide your assessment:

C Asymmetrical trunk/loadThe operative's posture and the stability of the load are risk factors associated withmusculoskeletal injury. The following illustrations should guide your assessment.



A/3


A/3


Load and handssymmetrical infront of the trunk G/0

Load and handsasymmetrical,upright bodyposition A/1

One handedcarrying to theindividual’s side R/2

C A R R Y I N G O P E R A T I O N







GOODG/0

REASONABLEA/1

POORR/2


G/0


A/1


R/2

D Postural constraintsIf the operative’s movements are unhindered, the colour band is green and thenumerical score is 0. If the operative adopts restricted postures during the carry (eg anarrow doorway making the operative turn or move the load to get through) thecolour band is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the posture is severelyrestricted, the colour band is red and the numerical score is 3 (eg carrying loads in aforward bent posture in areas with low ceilings such as cellars).

E Grip on load

F Floor surface

G Other environmental factorsObserve the work environment and score if the carrying operation takes place: inextremes of temperature; with strong air movements; or in extreme lighting conditions(dark, bright or poor contrast). If one of the risk factors are present score 1, if two ormore of the risk factors are present score 2.

H Carry distanceObserve the task and estimate the total distance that the load is carried (not thedistance 'as the crow flies').

I Obstacles en routeObserve the route. If the operator has to carry a load up a steep slope, up steps, throughclosed doors or around tripping hazards, the coloured band is amber and the numericalscore is 2. If the task involves carrying the load up ladders, enter ‘R’ (red) for the colourband and 3 for the numerical score. If the task involves more than one of the risk factors(ie a steep slope and then up ladders) total the scores on the score sheet. Enter the ladderheight data and/or the angle in the task description box on the score sheet.

6C A R R Y I N G O P E R A T I O N

One-handed toside or twisting/back bent 2

R

Asymmetrical oroffset load/hands

1

A

Load symmetrical in front/two hands

0

G

Asymmetrical

trunk/load

C

Load weight/

frequency (see

graph on p8)

A

CARRYINGOPERATION

SEE GRAPH on p80

G

SEE GRAPH on p84

A

SEE GRAPH on p86

R

50 kg OR MORE10

P

Carry

distance

H 2 m-4 m0

G

4 m-10 m1

A

10 m or more3

R

POOR

2

R

REASONABLE

1

A

GOOD

0

G

Grip on

the load

E


R


A


0

G

Floor

surface

F


2

R

One factorpresent

1

A

No factorspresent

0

G

Other

environmental

factors

G



R


A


G

Hand distance

from lower

back

B

SEVERELYRESTRICTED

3

R

RESTRICTED1

A

NONE

0

G

Postural

constraints

D

Obstacles

en route

I

Trip hazardsORsteps 2

A

Steep slope2

A

Ladders3

R

No obstaclesORcarry route is flat 0

G

7 C A R R Y I N G O P E R A T I O N

01020304050

01020304050

Weight of load (kg)

One

car

ry p

erda

y30

min

utes

(2)

5 m

inut

es(1

2)2

min

utes

(30)

1 m

inut

e(6

0)12

sec

onds

(300

)

One

car

ry e

very

(car

rys

per

hour

)

R=6

A=4

G=0

P=10

Load

wei

ght/

freq

uenc

y gr

aph

for

carr

ying

ope

rati

ons

8C A R R Y I N G O P E R A T I O N

ASSESSMENT GUIDE FOR TEAM HANDLING OPERATIONS

A Load weightNote the weight of the load and the number of operatives performing the task. Enterthe colour band and numerical score on the score sheet. If the colour band is purplethe task should be examined very closely, such operations may represent a serious riskof injury and should come under close scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight ofthe load is supported by the team.

B Hand distance from the lower backObserve the task and examine the horizontal distance between each operatives' handsand their lower back. Always assess the ‘worst case scenario’. Use the followingillustrations to guide your assessment:



A/3


A/3


C Vertical lift regionObserve the position of the operatives’ hands at the start of the lift and as the lift progresses.Always assess the ‘worst case scenario’. Use the following illustrations as a guide:

9

Above knee and/or below elbow height

G/0

Below knee and/orabove elbow height

A/1

Floor level or below

At head heightor above

R/3

T E A M H A N D L I N G O P E R A T I O N

10T E A M H A N D L I N G O P E R A T I O N







D Trunk twisting and sideways bendingObserve the operatives' trunks as they lift the load. If the trunk twists in relation tothe hips and thighs or if the operatives lean to one side as the load is lifted, thecolour band is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the trunk both twists AND bendsto the side as the load is lifted, the colour band is red and the numerical score is 2.

E Postural constraintsIf the movements of the operatives are unhindered, the colour band is green and thenumerical score is 0. If the operatives adopt restricted postures during the lift becauseof the space available (eg narrow space between team members) or the workstationdesign (eg an excessively high monorail conveyor), the colour band is amber and thenumerical score is 1. If the postures are severely restricted, the colour band is red andthe numerical score is 3 (eg work in confined areas such as baggage holds).

F Grip on load

G Floor surface

H Other environmental factorsObserve the work environment and score if the lifting operation takes place: inextremes of temperature; with strong air movements; or in extreme lighting conditions(dark, bright or poor contrast). If one of the risk factors are present score 1, if two ormore of the risk factors are present score 2.

I Communication, co-ordination and control Communication between the operatives is essential when lifting as part of a team.Examples of good communication would be that you may hear the operatives counting'one, two, three' etc prior to the lift. Look to see if the team have control of the load,that it is lifted smoothly, and that all members lift together. An uncoordinated team liftmay leave one member of the team bearing the entire weight.

GOODG/0

REASONABLEA/1

POORR/2


G/0


A/1


R/2

11 T E A M H A N D L I N G O P E R A T I O N

2 person < 35 kg3 person < 40 kg 0

G

2 person 35-50 kg3 person 40-75 kg4 person 40-100 kg 4

A


R

2 person >85kg3 person >125kg4 person >170kg 10

P


R

Below knee and/orabove elbow height 1

A

Above knee and/orbelow elbowheight 0

G

Vertical liftregion

C

Load weightA

TEAMHANDLINGOPERATION

SEVERELYRESTRICTED 3

R

RESTRICTED1

A

NONE0

G

Posturalconstraints

E

POOR3

R

REASONABLE1

A

GOOD0

G

Communication,co-ordinationand control

I

Two or morefactors present 2

R

One factorpresent

1A

No factorspresent 0

G

Otherenvironmental

factors

H


R

Dry but in poorcondition oruneven 1

A

Dry and in goodcondition 0

G

Floorsurface

G

POOR3

R

REASONABLE1

A

GOOD0

G

Grip onthe load

F


Trunk twistingORsideways bending 2

R

TwistingORsideways bending 1

A

Little or no twisting or sideways bending 0

G

Trunk twisting/sidewaysbending

D


R


A


G

Hand distancefrom lower

back

B

Inse

rt th

e co

lour

ban

d an

d nu

mer

ical

sco

re fo

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h of

the

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in th

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ferr

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to y

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tool

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Load

wei

ght

and

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Vert

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Trun

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/loa

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ly)

MAC

:Sco

re s

heet

Com

pany

Nam

e:__

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

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Task

Des

crip

tion:

Are

ther

e in

dica

tions

that

the

task

is h

igh

risk?

(Tic

k th

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prop

riate

box

es)

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has

a h

istor

y of

man

ual h

andl

ing

inci

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Empl

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Oth

er in

dica

tion

s, if

so,

wha

t?__

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

__

Date

: __

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

Sign

atur

e: _

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

Ris

k f

acto

rs

Othe

r ris

k fa

ctor

s, e

g in

divi

dual

fact

ors,

psy

chos

ocia

l fac

tors

etc

(see

web

site

- add

ress

on

page

13)

TO

TA

LS

CO

RE

:

Num

eric

al s

core

Colo

ur b

and

(G, A

, R o

r P)

Lif

tC

arry

Team

Lif

tC

arry

Team

12

13

Printed and published by the Health and Safety ExecutiveINDG383 08/03 C1000

FURTHER READING

Manual handling. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.Guidance on Regulations L23 (Second edition) HSE Books 1998 ISBN 0 7176 2415 3

Upper limb disorders in the workplace HSG60 (Second edition) HSE Books 2002 ISBN 0 7176 1978 8

Further information on the MAC, including on-line training, can be found atwww.hse.gov.uk/msd

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk (HSE priced publications are also available frombookshops and free leaflets can be downloaded from HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.)

For information about health and safety ring HSE’s Infoline Tel: 08701 545500 Fax: 02920 859260 e-mail: [email protected] or write to HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

This leaflet contains notes on good practice which are not compulsory butwhich you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.

This leaflet is available in priced packs of 10 from HSE Books, ISBN 0 7176 2741 1.Single free copies are also available from HSE Books.

© Crown copyright This publication may be freely reproduced, except foradvertising, endorsement or commercial purposes. First published 08/03. Please acknowledge the source as HSE.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd

MAC Tool - Lifting Operation


MSD homepage

Welcome

Introduction

FAQs

MAC leaflet

Case studies

Lifting

Carrying

Team handling



Team handling

Lifting operation

This page will help you to assess a single person lifting operation and includes two videos of a manual handling task.

● Lifting assessment guideBefore you begin watching the videos we advise you to read through the assessment guide and if possible print this out.

● Print flow chart, graph and scoresheet [175kb] After you have read through the guide you will need to print out the flow chart, graph and scoresheet. These are required to assess and evaluate the risks in the video.

● Manual handling task video 1 – Lifting from pallet to conveyorThis video presents footage of an everyday work place lifting task in which the employee unloads boxes from a pallet and lifts them onto a conveyor.

● Manual handling task video 2 – Lifting creels of wire onto spindlesThis video presents footage of an employee lifting creels of wire from a rolling conveyor and loading them onto spindles at various heights.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/liftintro.htm [15/09/2003 16:00:52]












http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/assess01.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/liftvid1.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/liftvid2.htm

3

Trunk twisting ANDsideways bending 2

R

Trunk twisting ORsideways bending 1

A

Little or no twistingor sidewaysbending 0

G

Trunk twisting/

sideways

bending

D

SEVERELYRESTRICTED

3

R

RESTRICTED

1

A

NONE

0

G

Postural

constraints

E


R

Below knee and/or above elbow height 1

A

Above knee and/or below elbowheight 0

G

Vertical lift

region

C

POOR

2

R

REASONABLE

1

A

GOOD

0

G

Grip on

the load

F


R


A


G

Hand distance

from lower

back

B


R


A


0

G

Floor

surface

G


2

R

One factorpresent

1

A

No factorspresent

0

G

Other

environmental

factors

H

NOTE THE COLOUR AND NUMERICAL SCORE AND INSERT ON SCORE SHEET

SEE GRAPH on p40

G

SEE GRAPH on p44

A

SEE GRAPH on p46

R

50 kg OR MORE10

P

Load weight/

frequency (see

graph on p4)

A

LIFTINGOPERATION



R=6

A=4

G=0

P=10

0

One lift perday

30 minutes(2)

5 minutes(12)

2 minutes(30)

1 minute(60)

14 seconds(250)

9 seconds(400)

5 seconds(720)

10

20

30

40

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

Wei

ght

of lo

ad (

kg)

One lift every(lifts per hour)

Load weight/frequency graph for lifting operations

4L

IF

TI

NG

O

PE

RA

TI

ON

Insert the colour band and numerical score for each of the risk factorsin the boxes below, referring to your assessment, using the tool.

Load weight and lift/carry frequency

Hand distance from the lower back

Vertical lift region

Trunk twisting/sideways bendingAsymmetrical trunk/load (carrying)

Postural constraints

Grip on the load

Floor surface

Other environmental factors

Carry distance

Obstacles en route (carrying only)

Communication and co-ordination (team handling only)

MAC: Score sheetCompany Name:____________________________________________________

Task Description:

Are there indications that the task is high risk?(Tick the appropriate boxes)

Task has a history of manual handling incidents (eg company accident book, RIDDOR reports).

Task is known to be hard work or high risk.

Employees doing the work show signs that they are finding it hard work (egbreathing heavily, red-faced, sweating).

Other indications, if so, what? ________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Risk factors

Other risk factors, eg individualfactors, psychosocial factors etc(see website - address on page 13)

TOTALSCORE:

Numerical scoreColour band(G, A, R or P)

Lift Carry Team Lift Carry Team

12



MSD homepage

Welcome

Introduction

FAQs

MAC leaflet

Case studies

Lifting

Carrying

Team handling



Team handling

Carrying operation

This page will help you to assess a single person carrying operation and includes two videos of a manual handling task.

● Carrying tasks assessment guideBefore you begin watching the videos we advise you to read through the assessment guide and if possible print this out.


● Manual handling task video 3- Carrying from conveyor to store room.This video presents footage of an employee carrying boxes from a conveyor and walking down the corridor to the general store room.

● Manual handling task video 4- Carrying task in pastry factoryThis video presents footage of an employee carrying a tub of flower from a trolley up steps to be deposited in its designated area.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/carryintro.htm [15/09/2003 16:01:04]













http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/carryvid1.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/carryvid2.htm

One-handed toside or twisting/back bent 2

R

Asymmetrical oroffset load/hands

1

A

Load symmetrical in front/two hands

0

G

Asymmetrical

trunk/load

C

Load weight/

frequency (see

graph on p8)

A

CARRYINGOPERATION

SEE GRAPH on p80

G

SEE GRAPH on p84

A

SEE GRAPH on p86

R

50 kg OR MORE10

P

Carry

distance

H 2 m-4 m0

G

4 m-10 m1

A

10 m or more3

R

POOR

2

R

REASONABLE

1

A

GOOD

0

G

Grip on

the load

E


R


A


0

G

Floor

surface

F


2

R

One factorpresent

1

A

No factorspresent

0

G

Other

environmental

factors

G



R


A


G

Hand distance

from lower

back

B

SEVERELYRESTRICTED

3

R

RESTRICTED1

A

NONE

0

G

Postural

constraints

D

Obstacles

en route

I

Trip hazardsORsteps 2

A

Steep slope2

A

Ladders3

R

No obstaclesORcarry route is flat 0

G

7 C A R R Y I N G O P E R A T I O N

0

10

20

30

40

50

0

10

20

30

40

50

Wei

ght

of lo

ad (

kg)

One carry perday

30 minutes(2)

5 minutes(12)

2 minutes(30)

1 minute(60)

12 seconds(300)

One carry every(carrys per hour)

R=6

A=4

G=0

P=10

Load weight/frequency graph for carrying operations

8C

AR

RY

IN

G

OP

ER

AT

IO

N







Grip on the load

Floor surface


Carry distance




Task Description:






Date: __________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Risk factors


TOTALSCORE:



12



MSD homepage

Welcome

Introduction

FAQs

MAC leaflet

Case studies

Lifting

Carrying

Team handling



Team handling

Team handling operation

This page will help you to assess a team handling operation and includes two videos of a manual handling task.

● Team handling assessment guideBefore you begin watching the videos we advise you to read through the assessment guide and if possible print this out.


● Manual handling task video 5- Team handling container from table to palletThis video presents two persons lifting a heavy container from a table to a pallet placed at floor level.

● Manual handling task video 6- Team handling container from floor to palletThis video presents four persons lifting a heavy container from floor level to a pallet at floor level.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/teamintro.htm [15/09/2003 16:01:25]













http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/teamvid1.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/teamvid2.htm

11 T E A M H A N D L I N G O P E R A T I O N

2 person < 35 kg3 person < 40 kg 0

G


A


R

2 person >85kg3 person >125kg4 person >170kg 10

P


R

Below knee and/orabove elbow height 1

A

Above knee and/orbelow elbowheight 0

G

Vertical liftregion

C

Load weightA

TEAMHANDLINGOPERATION

SEVERELYRESTRICTED 3

R

RESTRICTED1

A

NONE0

G

Posturalconstraints

E

POOR3

R

REASONABLE1

A

GOOD0

G

Communication,co-ordinationand control

I

Two or morefactors present 2

R

One factorpresent

1A

No factorspresent 0

G

Otherenvironmental

factors

H


R

Dry but in poorcondition oruneven 1

A

Dry and in goodcondition 0

G

Floorsurface

G

POOR3

R

REASONABLE1

A

GOOD0

G

Grip onthe load

F


Trunk twistingORsideways bending 2

R

TwistingORsideways bending 1

A

Little or no twisting or sideways bending 0

G

Trunk twisting/sidewaysbending

D


R


A


G

Hand distancefrom lower

back

B







Grip on the load

Floor surface


Carry distance




Task Description:






Date: __________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________

Risk factors


TOTALSCORE:



12

manual handling assessment chart (mac) tool · pdf filehse topic a detailed assessment of...

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