principles of safe manual handling
never manually handle unless you have no other option.
wear appropriate clothing and footwear-clothes that are comfortable and allow for easy movement. wear flat, comfortable and well fitting shoes
assess the person or object to be handled before commencing a manoeuvre
always select the appropriate manoeuvre and handling equipment for task in hand
identify a team leader prior to the manoeuvre. all instructions and explanations to both individual using services and any assistinting carers should come from the team leader.
explain the manoeuvre to the person being transferred and any assisting cares
where appropriate, apply the brakes on equipment. it is easily forgotten.
prepare the handling area
make a good stable base with your legs and feet. it workin on a bed make a stable base with your foot and knee, and hand and arm if appropriate. position your feet correctly to reduce spinal rotation
keep the person or object, to be transferred as close to your body as possible (where necessary, use persona protective equipment
make sure of a good hand grip
test your grip and weight, if necessary, before attempting the manoeuvre
avoid static stooping. try to work as close to your natural, erect spinal posture as possible
know your own handling capacity and do not exceed it
the team leader must give clear, precise instructions ( e.g ready, steady slide)
where appropriate use rhythm and timing when transferring
raise the head on commencing the manoeuvre
bend back the knees when transferring- not the back
never twist during a manoeuvre
Avoid
Assess
Reduce
Review
Think
Plan/prepare
Execute