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:

ELEMENTS	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Elements describe 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 handling techniques 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

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 .

Assessment Requirements

Modification History:

RELEASE

COMMENTS

Release 1

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence.

Performance Evidence:

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

Knowledge Evidence:

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.

To see more details on the study unit HLTWHS005 – Conduct Manual Tasks Safely, click here to view the full details here on training.gov

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