HLTWHS005
Conduct manual tasks safely


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise potentially hazardous manual tasks, and then to prepare for and complete those tasks in a safe manner.

This unit applies to all workers involved in manual handling tasks.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice. The Hazardous manual tasks code of practice applies to this work.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element

1. Identify manual tasks involving risk

1.1 Recognise manual tasks that may involve risk to self or others

1.2 Identify risk factors that make the manual task hazardous

1.3 Determine the nature and extent of the risk

1.4 Follow organisation procedures for controlling hazardous manual tasks

2. Prepare for manual tasks

2.1 Prepare workplace layout and environment according to organisation procedures

2.2 Organise task and workflow appropriately

2.3 Prepare and package loads for movement, taking account of specific requirements for different materials and organisation procedures

2.4 Select and use personal protective equipment appropriate to the task

2.5 Ensure task is within personal capabilities

3. Complete manual tasks

3.1 Use appropriate posture and handlingtechniques to reduce muscle load on exertion

3.2 Select, adjust and use mechanical aids and handling devices according to manufacturers instructions

3.3 Pace and schedule tasks according to procedures

4. Contribute to safe work practices

4.1 Identify hazardous manual tasks and report to supervisor according to organisation procedures

4.2 Follow organisation procedures for reporting symptoms of injury or actual injury to self and others

4.3 Participate in workplace safety activities and contribute to the improvement of manual tasks

4.4 Contribute to risk management approach to reduce risks from manual tasks

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed legally compliant workplace procedures to prepare for and complete at least 3 different manual tasks relevant to the work role

contributed to a consultation process about improving manual handling safety


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

key information from work health and safety (WHS) regulations relating to manual tasks and national code of practice

role and responsibilities of the employer and employees in relation to manual handling safety

ways in which individual workers are involved in consultation about workplace health and safety

reporting mechanisms required for workplace injury and compensation claims

key aspects of the risk management approach to manual tasks

risk factors and potential sources of risks of hazardous manual tasks:

repetition

forces

postures

vibration

systems of work

types of manual task activity and the types of injuries that can result

the relationship between the human body and risk of injury from performing manual tasks

functions of the human body:

basic function of the spine

body postures

types of muscles

principles of levers

manual handling techniques that support safe work practice:

preparing the load/client

preparing the environment

using the stronger muscles in the legs where possible, rather than spinal muscles

maintaining a neutral spine when lifting and carrying

using two hands to lift or carry

keeping the load close to the body/centre of gravity

avoiding lifting objects above shoulder height

minimising repetitive movements

positions not held for long periods of time

avoiding twisting by repositioning feet whilst turning

types and operational features of mechanical aids, tools and equipment


Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

compliant workplace procedures

materials, loads and equipment as required by the individual workplace

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

presence of hazards

integration of situations requiring problem solving

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.