Principles of Manual Handling

Principles of Manual Handling

  1. Use TILE to assess the environment for trip Hazards.
  2. Use TILE to assess the load for sharp edges and the weight.
  3. Load close to the body.
  4. Broad stable base (feet comfortably apart).
  5. Bend knees.
  6. Arms in line with Trunk.
  7. Firm palm grip.
  8. Look forward.
  9. Use Legs.

Step 1: Think T.I.L.E.

  • Task – Check the task is safe to undertake –hazards , space.
  • Individual – Are you physically able to undertake the task.
  • Load – Is the load stable, safe regards to edges & temperature.
  • Environment – Is the route level, unhindered and well lit.   

Step 2: Stand close to the load

Get close to the load whilst keeping the heaviest part near your body.  

Step 3: Adopt a broad stable base

  • Adopt a broad stable base with feet pointing in direction of intended travel.
  • Feet should be shoulder width apart. One leg slightly forward to maintain balance.  

Step 4 : Maintain Good Back Posture

Maintain a natural s-curve of the spine. At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting). Don’t flex the back any further while lifting. This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load.

Step 5 : Firm Grip

Get a good firm palm grip with arms in line with the trunk. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Step 6: Keep arms in line with Trunk

Get a good firm palm grip with arms in line with the trunk. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Step 7 : Keep weight close to centre of gravity

Keep the load close to the waist. Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

Step 8: Feet in direction of movement 

  • Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent. Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turn by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.
  • Keep the head up when handling. Look ahead, not down at the load, once it has been held securely.

Remember – Turn your feet rather than twisting and lifting at the same time. Don’t handle more than you can comfortably lift.