This qualification will introduce learners to moving and handling activities required for those starting work, returning to work or who need specific training in manual handling, as well as being a suitable qualification for refresher training. The objective of the qualification is to prepare learners for employment or to support a role in the workplace.

Learners gaining this qualification will understand that moving and handling must be carried out correctly and will recognise its importance in ensuring a safer working environment.

Entry requirements

There are no prerequisites for this qualification, however it is recommended that learners have a minimum of Level 1 in literacy or numeracy or equivalent.

This qualification is approved for delivery to learners aged 14+.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is an introduction to moving and handling activities for those starting work, returning to work or who need specific training in manual handling, as well as being a suitable qualification for refresher training.

Learners gaining this qualification will understand that moving and handling must be carried out correctly and will recognise its importance in ensuring a safer working environment.

The learner will

Understand the reasons for safe manual handling.

  • Outline the potential injuries and
    ill health associated with incorrect manual handing.
  • Outline employers and employees duties relating
    to manual handling at work.
  • Outline the consequences for non-compliance with
    health and safety requirements at work.

Understand how manual handling risk assessments contribute to improving health and safety.

  • Explain the terms ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ in the context of manual handling work.
  • Outline the process for carrying out a manual handling risk assessment.
  • Describe the principle of the risk control hierarchy when applied to manual handling

Understand the principles, types of equipment and testing requirements associated with manual handling safety.

  • Describe safe movement principles associated with manual handling.
  • Outline the types of equipment designed to be used for manual handling tasks.
  • Outline the requirements for the testing, servicing and examination of manual handling and lifting equipment.

Be able to apply safe manual handling principles.

Demonstrate efficient and safe manual handling principles when:

  1. a) applying effort to, or moving a load or object manually on their own;
  2. b) using manual handling aids and equipment;
  3. c) undertaking a manual handling task as part of a team.

This qualification is assessed by 2 forms of assessment for Unit 1: Manual Handling Safety at Work.

Part 1: Multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination

Learning outcomes 1-3 are assessed by a 15-question multiple-choice examination that must be completed within 30 minutes. Successful learners will have to demonstrate knowledge across the assessment criteria within learning outcomes 1-3 and correctly answer at least 9 out of 15 questions or more to achieve a pass.

Part 2: Practical Assessment

Learning outcome 4 is assessed by a competency-based assessment that is set by Highfield Qualifications and internally assessed and internally quality assured by the centre. Assessment decisions and IQA practices will be subject to external moderation by Highfield Qualifications. Successful learners will need to achieve pass in each element of the practical assessment