Manual handling checklist - The Full Life Cycle - Appendix 1 HSE low risk filters

Sep 1, 2026

Upload by Rizky

Manual handling checklist covers the full life cycle of risk assessment and provides practical low-risk filter guidance under HSE manual handling principles. Appendix 1 explains how to screen lifting and lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling, and handling while seated using defined assumptions and threshold conditions. The checklist clarifies when a specific manual handling risk assessment is not required, and when tasks fall outside filter guidelines—such as twisting, complex lifts, team work, significant force, or additional risk factors—triggering a more detailed assessment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatDOCX

Pages6

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Appendix 1 - HSE manual handling low risk filters

Lifting and lowering risk filter

Carrying risk filter

Pushing and pulling risk filter

Handling while seated

Manual handling checklist – The Full Life Cycle Forms: HYPERLINK "https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/media/eps/chemistry-intranet/physics/Manual-Handling-Risk-Assessment---Blank.docx" Blank specific manual handling RA HYPERLINK "https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/media/eps/chemistry-intranet/physics/Example-Manual-Handling-Risk-Assessment---Moving-Equipment.docx" Example RA - specific manual handling RA HYPERLINK "https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/media/eps/chemistry-intranet/physics/Trolleys_risk_assessment.doc" Manual handling RA – use of trolleys Appendix 1 - HSE manual handling low risk filters Use simple filters below to distinguish low risk tasks where a specific RA would not be required. Lifting and lowering risk filter Assume the load is grasped easily with both hands, is handled in reasonable working conditions and the worker in a stable body position. Use the zones below to determine where the worker’s hands pass through when moving the load and assess the maximum weight being handled. Where task falls within the filter guidelines, no need to do any other form of risk assessment unless individual workers at significant risk e.g. pregnant, with disabilities, after recent injury, inexperienced or temporary workers, lone workers or workers where English is not their first language. If outside this or the torso is twisted, more frequent than lifting every 2 mins, it’s a complex lift or its done by a team, you will need to do a more detailed specific assessment. Carrying risk filter You can apply the filter weights for lifting and lowering in figure above to carrying operations where the load is held against the body;, carried no further than about 10 m without resting; does not prevent the person from walking normally; does not obstruct the view of the person carrying it; does not require the hands to be held below knuckle height or much above elbow height. Where you can carry the load securely on the shoulder without lifting it first (for example, by sliding it onto your shoulder), you can apply the filter values up to 20m Pushing and pulling risk filter In pushing and pulling operations, the load might be slid, rolled or moved on wheels. Observe the worker’s general posture during the operation. The figure above shows some acceptable push/pull postures. The task is likely to be low risk if: the force is applied with the hands; the torso is largely upright and not twisted; the hands are between hip and shoulder height; the distance moved without a pause or break is no more than about 20m. If the load can be moved and controlled very easily, for example with one hand, you do not need to do a more detailed assessment. You should make a more detailed assessment using, for example, the RAPP tool or full risk assessment checklists (or equivalent) if: the posture shows that the task requires significant forces, for example, leaning; there are extra risk factors like slopes, uneven floors, constricted spaces or trapping hazards. Handling while seated The filter values for handling operations carried out while seated, as shown above are Men: 5 kg and Women: 3 kg. These values only apply for two-handed lifting and when the hands are within the green zone shown. If handling beyond the green zone is unavoidable, you should make a full assessment.

FAQs

What does Appendix 1 provide for manual handling risk assessment?

It provides simple HSE low-risk filters to distinguish tasks where a specific manual handling risk assessment would not be required.

When is a more detailed manual handling assessment required for lifting and lowering?

When the task is outside the filter guidelines, involves torso twisting, is more frequent than lifting every 2 minutes, is a complex lift, or is done by a team.

What are the seated handling thresholds, and when must a full assessment be done?

For seated handling, filter values are Men 5 kg and Women 3 kg when two-handed lifting applies and hands are within the green zone. If handling beyond the green zone is unavoidable, a full assessment is required.

Sep 1, 2026

Upload by Rizky