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Manual handling questions for the CSCS MAP test

4 free questions on Manual handling, from section B. Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

Last verified against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

Your project uses heavy kerbs that two workers lift by hand all day.

What should you consider first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Giving the workers back support belts
  2. B. Sending more workers on a manual handling course
  3. C. Asking the workers to lift faster so it takes less time
  4. D. Mechanising the lifting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Belts don't remove the risk.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Training helps, but first look at avoiding the lifting.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Rushing makes injury more likely.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says avoid, replace and mechanise the lifting, in that order, wherever possible. For kerbs it points to mechanised lifting.

Explanation

Avoid hazardous manual handling where you can, for example with mechanical aids. If you can't, assess and reduce the risk.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

You are ordering blocks for a project.

What could reduce the manual handling risk at the design or buying stage?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Specifying lighter blocks, such as under 20 kg
  2. B. Ordering the heaviest blocks available, to cut the number of lifts
  3. C. Buying blocks loose, so they can be carried one at a time from the road
  4. D. It makes no difference what is ordered
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says choosing lighter materials, such as blocks under 20 kg, reduces manual handling risks.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Heavier blocks increase the risk of injury.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Long carries increase the risk. Deliver close to where they are used.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Choices made early can remove a lot of risk.

Explanation

Reduce manual handling risk early by choosing lighter materials and planning deliveries close to where they are needed.

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Question 3

Medium ·Link to this question (question 3)

A designer specifies concrete blocks over 20 kg, and the plan is for two people to lift each one.

What does HSE say?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is fine, as two people share the weight
  2. B. Heavy blocks should be thrown rather than lifted
  3. C. Only one strong worker should lift them
  4. D. This is no longer recommended
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. HSE no longer recommends two-person lifting of these blocks.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Throwing heavy loads causes injuries.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That increases the risk of injury.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says two-person lifting of blocks over 20 kg is no longer recommended, and the lightest block that meets the specification should be chosen.

Explanation

Choose the lightest block that meets the specification. Two-person lifting of blocks over 20 kg is no longer recommended.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

Plasterboard is delivered to the ground floor, but it will be fitted on the third floor.

What does HSE advise?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Lift it mechanically to where it is needed
  2. B. Carry it up the stairs by hand
  3. C. Throw it up through the stairwell
  4. D. Leave it outside in the rain until needed
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says boards should be loaded out close to where they are needed using cranes, lifts and trolleys.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Carrying boards up stairs is a big manual handling risk.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. That is dangerous to everyone nearby.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Plan the delivery so it is moved mechanically to where it is needed.

Explanation

Plan deliveries so materials are lifted mechanically close to where they will be used.

Study

Study Manual handling

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