Required skills

Ability to

access workplace information relating to use of equipment and other task requirements

identify any manual handling requirements of the work function and specifically any manual handling risks

report manual handling risks using appropriate hazard and incident reporting procedures

identify manual handling risks including

risks to self and others

any existing arrangements to control risks

identify scope of responsibility to eliminate or control level of risk for hazards outside scope of responsibility identify and use the appropriate reporting and consultation arrangements to address hazards

participate in consultative processes to evaluate options for removing or controlling manual handling risks including applying hierarchy of control

select appropriate equipment and techniques to suit manual handling task within workplace procedures

inspect manual handlingrelated equipmentaidstools to confirm fitness for use including identifying and correcting andor reporting signs of wear and tear

follow procedures to complete manual handling tasks to maintain safety of self and others

use oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge

Knowledge of

different types of manual handling activities including lifting reaching pushing pulling holding restraining throwing and carrying

types of injuries that can result from manual handling

aspects of manual handling that may be risks hazard identification such as

repetitive or sustained application of force

repetitive or sustained awkward posture

repetitive or sustained movement

application of high force

manual handling of live animals related to handling of poultry

manual handling of unstable or unbalanced loads such as liquids

workplace procedures and responsibilities for identifying and reporting manual handling hazards

factors to be considered when assessing manual handling risks relevant to work role refer to workplace risk assessment sheets and code of practice advice where available including

postures

movements

force required

duration and frequency of manual handling activity

environmental conditions such as hot and cold work environments

procedures and responsibilities for conducting risk assessments of manual handling tasks

typical options for eliminating or controlling manual handling risks associated with work functions including principles of hierarchy of control and the advantages and disadvantages of different options

types of equipment andor techniques used to eliminate or reduce manual handling risks in the workplace including when and how to use each type of techniqueequipment relevant to manual handling tasks in work role

level of authority to address OHS issues related to manual handling and related workplace arrangements for managing safety issues

sources of advice on manual handling relevant to work function

equipment available to assist manual handling related inspections required to identify faulty equipment and related reporting procedures

movement and postures that increase the risk of injury and movements and postures to minimise the force in the body as applied to specific tasks in the workplace

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to

identify manual handling tasks required for work activity and associated risks

eliminate risk through movement posture and effectively using equipment provided

modify work to eliminate or minimise risk

apply safe work procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

work procedures including advice on manual handling requirements and safe work practices

workplace documentation and related advice such as codes of practice to support OHS arrangements for hazard identification risks assessment and control

materials and related equipment as appropriate for manual handling

information on equipment capacity and operating procedures where relevant

reporting and monitoring systems

Method of assessment

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

Policies and procedures

Workplace information

Equipment

Task-specific training

Contributions to manual handling risk minimisation

Changes to workplace layout and environment

Task modifications within area of control

Assessment of risks and evaluation of control options according to the hierarchy of control