Exams / HS&E Operatives / Manual handling / Question 3
HS&E Operatives practice question: Manual handling (3 of 7) B. Occupational health A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
A delivery of plasterboard is due for the third floor of a block of flats.
What is the best way to cut down on manual handling?
Choose one answer.
A A. Have it dropped at the gate and carried up the stairsB B. Have the whole gang carry it up in one goC C. Store it in the yard and carry up one board at a time all weekD D. Have it delivered straight to the floor where it is neededShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Carrying heavy boards up stairs is a big manual handling risk.B. Wrong: Wrong. Rushing heavy loads up stairs increases the risk of injury.C. Wrong: Wrong. That means lots of repeated handling. Plan the delivery instead.D. Right: Right. HSE suggests delivering materials directly to where they will be used, so they don't have to be carried there by hand.Explanation Plan deliveries so materials go straight to where they are needed, using hoists or cranes, to reduce carrying.
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