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Manual Handling Operations

Mock Tests > Manual Handling Operations

You need 23 out of 27 to pass the Manual Handling Operations ECS Test. There is no time limit for this test. You can review your answer after each question or wait until the end of the test for your result. Good luck!

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1. Before picking up a load, you should: Give one answer
A Ask a work mate to help you
B Assess the risks
C Bend your knees
D Choose a pair of gloves
Correct Answer: B Assess the risks
Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting.
2. When picking up an object, you should: Give one answer
A Bend your arms
B Bend your back
C Bend your knees
D Wear a back brace
Correct Answer: C Bend your knees
Explanation: Generally, the legs should do most of the work when lifting a load.
3. When judging "individual capability" for manual handling, you should assume: Give one answer
A All men are equally capable
B All people are different
C All women are equally capable
D Young men are weak
Correct Answer: B All people are different
Explanation: Assessing ability for manual handling must be done on an individual basis.
4. When an article has to be moved for a long distance, you should: Give one answer
A Carry it all the way
B Drag it all the way
C Get someone else to do it for you
D Use a barrow or trolley
Correct Answer: D Use a barrow or trolley
Explanation: The use of handling aids can reduce the risk of injury.
5. Which is the correct way to lift a load? Give one answer
A Keep feet apart and bend back
B Keep feet together and bend back
C Squat near load, bend back and use leg muscles
D Squat near to the load, keeping the back as straight as possible and using leg muscles
Correct Answer: D Squat near to the load, keeping the back as straight as possible and using leg muscles
Explanation: Handling techniques which allow the use of relatively strong leg muscles rather than those of the back are preferable.
6. Which would you consider to be generally correct when lifting a load? Give one answer
A Keep the load away from the body
B Larger loads should be split into smaller loads if possible
C The feet should be together and the load lifted at arm's length
D When lifting you should bend your back
Correct Answer: B Larger loads should be split into smaller loads if possible
Explanation: This is a recommendation in HSE guidance(INDG143).
7. If a load has an uneven centre of gravity, how should you lift it? Give one answer
A Keep the heaviest side of the load away from you
B Keep the heaviest side of the load on the strongest arm
C Keep the heaviest side of the load on the weakest arm
D Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you
Correct Answer: D Keep the heaviest side of the load towards you
Explanation: There is less risk of injury if a weight's centre of gravity is near the torso.
8. If there is a risk of injury from lifting loads what should you think about first? Give one answer
A How to lift the load
B What the weight of the load is
C Where to hold the load when lifting
D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Correct Answer: D Whether the load needs to be lifted at all
Explanation: If possible, it is best to avoid the risks from lifting altogether. This is the preferred requirement laid down in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
9. Before performing manual lifting what is the first thing you should do? Give one answer
A Assess the whole task
B Check the headroom
C Kick it to see if it is stable
D Weigh the article
Correct Answer: A Assess the whole task
Explanation: If you assess the whole task first, you will have a clear idea of possible hazards and how to overcome them, before lifting
10. Which is the part of your body MOST LIKELY to be injured during a manual handling activity which involves moving a heavy load? Give one answer
A Back
B Chest
C Forearms
D Knees
Correct Answer: A Back
Explanation: HSE statistics show that most manual handling injuries are to the back.
11. What should you do if your supervisor asks you to move something that you find is too heavy to lift? Give one answer
A Ask your mates to assist in the lift
B Get a forklift truck or lifting tackle
C Give it a try using correct lifting methods
D Inform your supervisor that it is too heavy
Correct Answer: D Inform your supervisor that it is too heavy
Explanation: The HSE advises employees to inform the employer if they identify hazardous handling activities
12. What would you NOT consider in making a judgement of the risks from a load? Give one answer
A Its centre of gravity
B Its colour
C Its size and condition
D Its weight
Correct Answer: B Its colour
Explanation: A, C and D can all affect the difficulty of lifting an object.
13. When moving a load fitted with wheels which of the following is generally true? Give one answer
A It is safer to pick it up and carry it
B Pulling is preferable to pushing
C Pushing and pulling are equally risky
D Pushing is preferable to pulling
Correct Answer: D Pushing is preferable to pulling
Explanation: The operator should try to push rather than pull when moving a load, provided they can see over it and control steering and stopping.
14. A manual handling operation is defined as which one of the following? Give one answer
A Automated effort
B Human effort
C Mechanised and human effort
D Mechanised effort
Correct Answer: B Human effort
Explanation: Manual handling covers human effort only.
15. What is the MAXIMUM weight that an individual may lift? Give one answer
A 15kg provided that it is a compact load
B 35kg provided that it has no sharp edges
C The weight they can lift comfortably
D Whatever the supervisor instructs
Correct Answer: C The weight they can lift comfortably
Explanation: There are no strict weight limits - the priority is to avoid injury.
16. What is the most common type of injury resulting from lifting loads from the floor? Give one answer
A Back injuries
B Grazes to the knees
C Head injuries
D Vibration white finger
Correct Answer: A Back injuries
Explanation: As shown by HSE statistics.
17. Where a load has to be lifted manually, what is the employer required to do by law? Give one answer
A Assess the risk of the task
B Assess the time the job will take
C Calculate the cost of the exercise
D Determine the number of people required
Correct Answer: A Assess the risk of the task
Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
18. Which of the following is advisable when lifting a load manually? Give one answer
A Bend the knees, keep the back as straight as possible, use power of legs
B Bend the knees, keep the back straight, use power of back
C Keep legs and back straight, use power of legs
D Keep legs straight, bend back, use power of legs
Correct Answer: A Bend the knees, keep the back as straight as possible, use power of legs
Explanation: Stooping can increase the stress on the lower back. However, stooping slightly may be preferable to adopting a squatting posture, which can place excessive loads on knees and hips.
19. In manual handling, which of the following general statements is true? Give one answer
A Anyone can carry any load as long as they are strong enough
B Large loads should be broken down into smaller loads where possible
C Loads should be held at arm's length while carrying
D You should keep your back bent when lifting
Correct Answer: B Large loads should be broken down into smaller loads where possible
Explanation: This is a recommendation in HSE guidance(INDG143).
20. What is the recommended limit for a compact load that can be safely carried by a fit, male worker? Give one answer
A 20kg
B 25kg
C 40kg
D 50kg
Correct Answer: B 25kg
Explanation: This figure is in HSE guidance, and relates to lifting and lowering at elbow height.
21. Where there has been a major change in a manual handling operation, what should the employer do? Give one answer
A Monitor the cost of change
B Monitor the operation being undertaken
C Review the number of people involved
D Review the original risk assessment
Correct Answer: D Review the original risk assessment
Explanation: This is a specific requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
22. What should be the first consideration when you are about to lift a load on your own? Give one answer
A Assess whether it is safe to lift it on your own
B Ensure you lift with a bent back
C Ensure you wear appropriate PPE
D Wear gloves and grip properly
Correct Answer: A Assess whether it is safe to lift it on your own
Explanation: Employees should assess whether there is a risk of injury before lifting. If they are not sure they should seek advice from their supervisor.
23. Which of the following would NOT make a load easier to handle manually Give one answer
A Painting it a bright colour
B Providing suitable handles or hand grips
C Reducing its weight
D Securing the load so that it does not shift unexpectedly
Correct Answer: A Painting it a bright colour
24. If there is a risk of injury from moving loads what should you think about? Give one answer
A Advising your supervisor
B Carrying it anyway
C Dragging it all the way
D Getting someone to assist you over the distance
Correct Answer: A Advising your supervisor
Explanation: This is a requirement of the Manual Handling Operations regulations 1992.
25. As an approximate guide the manual handling capacity of a two person team is: Give one answer
A The capacity of the strongest individual
B The capacity of the weakest individual
C The sum of their individual capacities
D Two thirds the sum of their individual capacities
Correct Answer: D Two thirds the sum of their individual capacities
Explanation: This is contained in HSE guidance on the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
26. What does 'Kinetic lifting' mean? Give one answer
A Getting a friend to help you with the load
B Lifting in the most safe and effective way
C Using a crane or some other mechanical means
D Using a forklift truck or pallet truck
Correct Answer: B Lifting in the most safe and effective way
27. What should you do first before lifting or moving a load? Give one answer
A Assess the weight
B Bend your knees
C Keep a straight back
D Put on gloves
Correct Answer: A Assess the weight
Explanation: You or your employer must assess the risk of injury before lifting.