Exam Pass Notes

Use these notes as a brief revision before the assessment. They summarise the main manual-handling points but do not replace local risk assessments, task-specific training, equipment instructions or specialist person-handling procedures.

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Manual-handling basics

• Manual handling covers lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, holding or moving a load using the body or hands.
• Typical loads in children's homes include boxes, laundry, activity kits, bedding, luggage, furniture and deliveries.
• This course focuses on everyday workplace manual handling rather than specialist person-handling, disability support or physical intervention.
• Before you start, check the load, the route and the space. Consider whether help or equipment is needed.
• Where possible, reduce the weight or split items into smaller loads instead of making one heavy trip.

Safer decisions

• Keep the load close to your body, avoid twisting and stop if the task becomes awkward.
• Stairs, vehicles, tight spaces, interruptions and poor storage increase the risk of injury.
• Shared lifts only reduce risk if everyone communicates and stays coordinated.
• Stop if the route changes, your grip slips, the load shifts or you start to feel pain.
• Report pain, near misses, sticking wheels, damaged equipment and repeatedly awkward tasks promptly.

For the exam, remember the shape of safe practice: pause, reduce the load, move with control, stop if it changes and report unsafe systems.