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Manual handling questions for the CSCS test

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

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Question 1

Easier ·Link to this question (question 1)

You need to lift a bag of plaster from the floor and carry it a short way.

Put these steps in order, starting with the first.

Put these 5 steps in order.

  1. A. Get a good hold on the load
  2. B. Lift smoothly, keeping the load close to your waist
  3. C. Put the load down, then adjust its position
  4. D. Think about the lift and the route
  5. E. Stand in a stable position close to the load
Show the answer and explanation

Correct order: D, E, A, B, C

  1. D. Think about the lift and the route First. Plan the lift: where is it going, is the route clear, and do you need help or a handling aid?
  2. E. Stand in a stable position close to the load Second. Feet apart, one leg slightly forward, gives you a stable base.
  3. A. Get a good hold on the load Third. Hug the load close to you if you can; that is better than gripping it with just your hands.
  4. B. Lift smoothly, keeping the load close to your waist Fourth. Bend your back, hips and knees slightly at the start, keep your head up and avoid twisting.
  5. C. Put the load down, then adjust its position Last. Put it down first, then slide it into place. Don't try to adjust it while you are still holding it.

Explanation

Think first, get a stable stance and a good hold, lift smoothly keeping the load close, and put it down before adjusting it.

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Question 2

Medium ·Link to this question (question 2)

Your gang has to move 300 concrete blocks, each weighing more than 20 kg, to where the bricklayers are working.

What should happen first?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Plan to move them by machine, not by hand
  2. B. Two people lift each block together to share the weight
  3. C. Each person wears a back support belt
  4. D. Everyone lifts with their knees bent and back straight
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says avoid, replace and mechanise lifting, in that order. Heavy blocks should be moved by machine, and lighter blocks chosen where they will do the job.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says two-person lifting of blocks is no longer recommended. It is hard to share the weight evenly and both people are still at risk.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A belt does not make a heavy lift safe. The lifting should be avoided or done by machine where possible.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Good technique helps, but it does not make lifting hundreds of heavy blocks safe. Avoid or mechanise the lifting first.

Explanation

Avoid manual handling where you can, then use machines or lighter loads. Good lifting technique is for the handling that is left, not a replacement for planning.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

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.

  1. A. Have it dropped at the gate and carried up the stairs
  2. B. Have the whole gang carry it up in one go
  3. C. Store it in the yard and carry up one board at a time all week
  4. D. Have it delivered straight to the floor where it is needed
Show 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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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

You need to move twenty bags of cement across the site.

What is the best way to do it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Use a pallet truck or sack barrow
  2. B. Carry two bags at a time to save trips
  3. C. Carry them on your shoulder to keep your back straight
  4. D. Drag them across the ground
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE lists pallet trucks, sack barrows and trolleys as handling aids that reduce the need to carry loads.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That doubles the load you are carrying and increases the risk of injury.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Carrying heavy bags on your shoulder still strains your body. Use a handling aid.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dragging can strain your back and may split the bags.

Explanation

Use handling aids, such as pallet trucks, sack barrows and trolleys, to move heavy loads instead of carrying them.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

You are setting up a storage area in the site store for materials of different weights.

How should they be stored?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Anywhere, as long as it is tidy
  2. B. Heavier items at waist height
  3. C. Heavier items on the top shelves
  4. D. Heavier items on the floor at the back
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Where items are stored affects how they are lifted. Plan it.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says store heavier loads at waist height and lighter items on the floor, so heavy items don't have to be lifted from the ground or from high up.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Lifting heavy items down from height is a high risk of injury.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Lifting heavy items from the floor means bending, and reaching to the back makes it worse.

Explanation

Store heavy items at about waist height. That cuts down on lifting from the floor or above your shoulders.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

Your supervisor tells you that one kind of accident causes more over-7-day injuries in construction than any other.

Which is it?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Burns from hot work
  2. B. Being struck by lightning
  3. C. Manual handling
  4. D. Electric shocks from power tools
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Burns happen, but handling is the most commonly reported cause.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. This is very rare.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says handling is the most commonly reported cause of over-7-day injuries in construction.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Electric shocks can be serious, but handling causes more over-7-day injuries.

Explanation

Manual handling causes more over-7-day injuries in construction than anything else. Avoid it, use aids, and lift safely.

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Question 7

Easier ·Link to this question (question 7)

You have picked up a heavy box and need to put it on a bench behind you.

How should you turn?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Keep your feet still and twist at the waist
  2. B. Throw the box onto the bench
  3. C. Lean sideways and drop it on the bench
  4. D. Move your feet to turn, without twisting your back
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Twisting your back while holding a load is a common cause of back injury.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. You could miss, drop it on someone or hurt yourself.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. HSE says avoid leaning sideways while handling.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE's good handling technique says avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways, especially while your back is bent.

Explanation

Don't twist your back or lean sideways when handling. Turn by moving your feet.

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