SECTION 1 ~ GENERAL

1.2 Manual Handling

Page 1 of 2

1.2 MANUAL HANDLING

INTRODUCTION

Š Manual Handling Regulations 1992 (UK only)

For Region Specific Guidelines and Legislation - All operational personnel should consult their immediate Line
Manager/Supervisor.
If no local legislation applies - The Manual Handling Regs UK 1992 can be used as a good source of guidance.

Significant obligations are placed on employers and the self employed with regard to all manual handling tasks in
the workplace.

In the UK only, the Regulations are the result of the European directive on minimum health and safety
requirements for the manual handling of loads where there is a risk particularly of back injury to workers. The
Regulations replace all former provisions on the subject, and apply to all those at work regardless of their
particular workplace.

A clear step by step approach to removing hazards and minimising risks is introduced. The most fundamental
requirement is to avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far, as is reasonably practicable. Automation,
redesigning the task to avoid manual movement of the load and mechanisation has to be considered at this point.
If there is a risk of injury and a manual handling operation is involved.

If any risk remains, a suitable and sufficient assessment of the operation has to be made, and that risk has to be
reduced as far as is reasonably practicable, preferably involving mechanical assistance. The clear objective of
this guidance is to apply an ergonomic approach to the prevention of injury while carrying out manual handling
tasks.

SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

INJURY – Includes those resulting from the weight, shape, size, external state, rigidity or lack of rigidity of the
load or from the movement or orientation of its contents.

LOAD – Generally, this would be a discrete movable object and could include a patient receiving medical
attention. This definition also covers material supported on a shovel or fork. However an implement, tool or
machine such as a hammer or chainsaw would not be included.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS

1. Avoid manual handling as much as is reasonably practicable

2. Mechanise or automate the process if at all possible
3. Carry out assessments
4. Put in place risk reduction measures
5. Share information with colleagues/supervisors/crew members

OFFSHORE – OPERATIONAL SITES

No manual handling task conducted offshore or on an operational land site should be seen as so urgent that it
cannot be given due care and thought. The five steps laid out above are there to help you in an operational
environment.

Assess all awkward manual handling tasks prior to starting. A full written assessment may not be necessary, a five
minute chat with colleagues may be adequate to highlight the risks involved in the operation. Simple control
measures can then be put in place.

GTR – Issue 2, Rev O

Sept 2002
 SECTION 1 ~ GENERAL
1.2 Manual Handling
Page 2 of 2

There have been numerous incidents & injuries to Expro personnel in the past. A lot of these incidents could have
been avoided by simply assessing the task ahead. So, remember.

S - Stop!
A - Assess the task!
F - Formulate a plan!
E - Execute!

Simple control measures can be put in place for all sorts of manual handling tasks undertaken by operational
personnel. Some examples are given:-

− If time permits, use the crane!

− If practical, use a chain block
− If practical, use a tugger
− Multi-man lifting ~ Why attempt to lift something yourself? Get assistance from your workmates -
TEAMWORK!
− Use a barrel lifter or barrel grabs
− Use a pallet trolley
− Use a porters trolley

Most, if not all of these mechanical aids should be available on most installations. If you require a specific
mechanical aid or lifting device to assist you in a task, ensure that it is on site. If it is not, re-evaluate the task.
Can the lift be performed using another method?

Discuss manual handling at your pre-job safety meetings. Manual handling is a huge part of rigging up any well
test or clean up package.

There is nothing macho about lifting something you cannot safely cope with. A serious back injury will
alter your quality of life.

* A SIMPLE MESSAGE *
The next time you are about to manually handle something, ask yourself this:

“CAN I SAFELY HANDLE THIS LOAD WITH NO RISK OF INJURY TO MYSELF OR OTHERS?”

If the answer to this is NO then STOP, ASSESS, FORMULATE, EXECUTE

DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED THAT YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN YOUR
POWERS TO ENSURE THIS TASK IS PERFORMED SAFELY.

If you follow these recommendations, you will lead an injury free life.

If you choose to ignore these recommendations you could possibly suffer years of pain and immobility which will
affect your quality of life and may stop you enjoying the things you like most. eg. Sport, picking the kids up,
driving, even sitting in your favourite armchair.

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!

GTR – Issue 2, Rev O

Sept 2002