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Moving people and equipment23452 V1

Name ........................................................................................

Careerforce reference number ............................................

Moving people and equipment US 23452 Version 1Demonstrate knowledge of handling equipment and people safely in a health or disability setting. Level 2 Credit 4Workplace assessment portfolio 23452 V1

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Licence. You are free to copy, distribute and transmit the work and to adapt the work. You must attribute Careerforce as the author. You may not use this work for commercial purposes. For more information contact Careerforce www.careerforce.org.nz

Moving people and equipment23452 V1

Name ...............................................

Employer ...............................................

NZQA number ...............................................

Date ...............................................

‘All the answers in this workbook were completed by me.’

Signed ...............................................

Moving people and equipment: Getting started

Welcome to Moving people and equipment one in a series of workbooks especially developed for support workers.

Use the Glossary and profiles handbook in this series to help you to complete this workbook.

What do I need to do?Complete the activities and give the workbook to your supervisor.

If your answers are not correct, you will be asked to re-do them.

How do I use this workbook?• Use highlighters to identify

the important ideas.

• Take your own notes.

• Complete activities as you go through the workbook and write answers in the spaces provided.

What will I learn about?When you have finished this workbook you will have learned more about:

• Safe biomechanical principles for moving people and equipment.

• How to care for your back.

• Techniques for moving people and equipment safely.

• Some of the types of equipment that are used for moving people.

Look before you leap!Take the time to go through this workbook before starting on the activities. Read the sections and make notes as you go.

4 Moving people and equipment Careerforce – Issue 1.1 – June 2010

Moving people and equipment: Getting started

These help with your understanding of the content, and will help you with workplace verification tasks. The instructions and answer panels for learning activities have a light yellow/orange background like this.

You will also come across the pencil in places where you are asked to ‘STOP’ (see the graphic on the left) and record your existing knowledge or impressions, as a reference point to return to later.

The trainee assessment portfolio contains assessed activities, and workplace verification which must be completed in order to be assessed to complete the unit standard. These questions or tasks must be completed and signed by your workplace assessor in order to complete the unit standard.

Acknowledgements

This workbook has been designed to support your learning and prepare you for the unit standard assessments.

The content of this workbook includes scenarios, learning activities and activities for general health and disability settings. They are not specific to any setting and should be used as a general guide for learning.

Careerforce would like to sincerely thank the people who have contributed their time and effort into each workbook in:

• Research and content validation.

• Advice and expertise.

• Testing of activities and assessments and their personal experiences.

And to the people who have contributed a human dimension to the workbooks.

Moving people and equipment 5Careerforce – Issue 1.1 – June 2010

Moving people and equipment: IntroductionSafety when movingWhen carrying out tasks that involve moving equipment or people you need to be aware of your safety and your consumer’s safety at all times.

Under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992:

• It is your employer’s responsibility to provide you with a safe working environment.

• It is your responsibility to take all practicable steps at work to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.

The Code of Practice for Manual Handling and the New Zealand Patient Handling Guidelines (ACC) reflect the Health and Safety in Employment Act, and provide you with preferred practices for Moving people and equipment.

In your role as a support worker in a health and disability setting there may be times when you have to move equipment and/or people.

It is important to look out for both your own safety and that of your consumer when you are involved in moving tasks.


Your organisation will have policies and procedures about moving people and equipment. You will need to make sure that you are familiar with:

• Your organisation’s policies and procedures in relation to safe moving, handling and positioning of people and equipment.

• Any equipment you use. Only use that equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. You must know how to safely use and or operate any equipment you use to assist with moving.

• Your consumer’s Service Delivery Plans.

Manual handlingManual handling is any activity that requires a person to lower, push, pull, carry, move or hold equipment or people. Manual handling includes tasks such as:

• Carrying supermarket bags.

• Cleaning tasks.

• Operating equipment like mechanical hoists.

• Supporting people to move.

People handlingPeople handling generally refers to the work place activities requiring the force used by a support worker to hold, support, transfer (lower, carry, push, pull, slide) another person in the work place. People handling includes tasks such as helping a consumer:

• In and out of their bed.

• To sit up in bed.

• To sit in a chair.

• To stand up.

Moving people and equipment: Introduction


Moving people and equipmentMoving people and equipment in the work place can be a common cause of health problems. Moving people and equipment can cause serious harm to your back.

There are preferred practices that when used encourage work place safety and help to minimise the risk of injury to the back.

These preferred practices include:

• Not moving loads unaided that weigh more than 4.5kg if you are sitting.

• Not moving loads unaided that weigh more than 16kg if you are standing.

This means moving can only be carried out if:• The load is under 16kg when standing and under

4.5kg if sitting.

• The handling is done in a suitable environment.

• If you maintain a good posture and spinal alignment.

• The load is held close to the mid-body.

No support worker should move equipment or people if the load is over 16kg without:• The assistance of another


In order to protect your health it is important to follow the correct procedures when moving people and equipment.

Once you have a back injury, it can stay with you for life. Back injury is the most common form of work place injury.

It is OK to assist or supervise a consumer

as they get in and out of bed, it is only moving (taking their weight) that you should not

try to do unaided.


support worker.

• The assistance of a moving or assistive aid.

• Identifying the tasks in the work place that require moving.

• Assessing the risk involved in carrying out the task in relation to you and your consumer’s safety.

• Knowing how to do the task properly.

• Understanding and isolating, minimising or eliminating the risks involved in carrying out the task.

• Following the principles of safe handling. For example—carrying loads close to the body, and safe biomechanical principles.

• Using personal protective equipment where necessary. For example—covered shoes when carrying loads.

Remember: It is always important to wear covered shoes for your own safety when carrying out moving tasks.

Using moving aids such as a handling belt, or getting assistance from another support worker will help to prevent harm to your back when moving people.



1

Safe biomechanical principles

Circle of stability

• Stand in a stable position.

• Your feet should be shoulder distance apart.

• The circle gives you a safe and stable boundary to work in.

• Moving out of this circle can put your safety at risk.

Applying safe biomechanical principles and maintaining the natural curve of your spine to handling tasks minimises the force on your joints and discs.

1 Circle of stability

2 Avoid twisting

3 Bend your knees

4 Elbows in

5 Tighten abdominal muscles

6 Head up

7 Move smoothly


2 3 4

5 6 7

Avoid twisting

• This is the step-stand position.

• Have feet pointing in direction of movement.

• This will avoid twisting your back.

Bend your knees

• Bend your knees slightly.

• Maintain your natural spinal curve.

• Avoid stooping by bending slightly at the hips (bottom out).

Elbows in

Keep your elbows tucked in and avoid reaching—the further away from the body the load is, the greater the potential for harm.

Tighten abdominal muscles

Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine.

Head up

• Keep your head raised.

• Keep your chin tucked in during the movement.

Move smoothly

Move smoothly throughout the technique and avoid fixed holds.


Stand in a stable position


• One leg slightly forward to help you balance .

• You may need to move your feet to maintain a stable posture.

When moving people it is important to apply safe biomechanical principles so that you can provide the best support for your consumer whilst minimising the risk of harm to yourself.

Safe biomechanical principles —with people

1

1 Stand in a stable position

2 Avoid twisting

3 Bend your knees

4 Elbows in


6 Head up

7 Move smoothly


Avoid twisting

Make sure your shoulders and pelvis stay in line with each other.

Bend your knees




Elbows in

Keep your elbows tucked in and avoid reaching—the further away from the body the load is, the greater the potential for harm.


Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your spine.

Head up

• Keep your head raised.

• Keep your chin tucked in during the movement.

Move smoothly


2 3 4

5 6 7



• Make sure that you are carrying an object within the boundary of the circle.



• You may need to move your feet to maintain a stable posture.

Carrying objects is a common everyday situation where it is important to protect your back and joints.

Safe biomechanical principles —moving objects

1


2 Point feet into move

3 Bend your knees

4 Elbows in


6 Head up

7 Move smoothly


Point feet into move

Move your feet or take small steps in the direction you will be moving the object.

Bend your knees



Elbows in

Keep your elbows tucked in and avoid reaching.


Tighten your abdominal muscles whilst carrying the object, to support your spine.

Head up

• This helps you to see where you are going.

• It helps you maintain the correct posture.

• It keeps your back straight.

Move smoothly


2 3 4

5 6 7



• Remember your circle of stability.




Safe biomechanical principles —pushing/pulling

1


2 Head up

3 Elbows in

4 Keep your back straight

As well as moving objects you will find that you need to support your joints and spine when doing other everyday tasks, such as vacuuming and hanging out the washing.


Head up

• This helps you to see where you are going.

• It helps you maintain the correct posture.

• It keeps your back straight.

Elbows in

• Keep your elbows tucked in.

Keep your back straight

• Keep your back straight.

• Tighten your abdominal muscles.

2 3 4


Place a tick beside the correct way to carry an object. Think about what you have learned about safe biomechanical principles.



Place a tick beside the correct way to vacuum. Think about what you have learned about safe biomechanical principles.



Safe biomechanical principles —levels

1 Minimise the need to reach


3 Keep your back straight

4 Maintain good posture

5 Crouch in a stable position

6 Avoid hunching

Working at different levels or in confined spaces can put stress on your joints and spine. Remember to use the biomechanical principles in these situations too.

Minimise need to reach

• Where possible raise or lower items to prevent you from having to reach up or down repeatedly. For example, when hanging out washing: a) Put the basket on a stool. b) Use a taller, wheeled trolley. c) Use an adjustable clothesline.

1 a

c

b



• Remember your circle of stability.




Keep your back straight




Maintain good posture

• When reaching down to low shelves keep your back straight.

Avoid hunching

• Try not to hunch your shoulder as you reach down.

2 3 4

5 6Crouch in a stable position

• Resting on one knee with one foot forward creates a stable base.


It can be difficult to handle objects correctly in confined spaces. Place a tick beside the picture which shows the safest way to place the object in the bottom drawer.



You have a small number of items to purchase from the supermarket. Which of these is the best way to carry these items?

Tick the most suitable method of carrying these items.



Biomechanical principles in action

Consumer assistance There are often things that your consumer can do to help to make the task safer for you.

Have the consumer move their bottom forward to the front of the chair.

Place feet under the knees. The consumer may find it easier with one foot in front.

The consumer needs to lean forward with hands on the arm rest.

As the consumer stands, have them push on their hands, lift head, continue to lean forward and stand.

1 2

3 4

Sitting to standing


Chair height

• Consumer’s bottom should be no lower than the height of their knees when sitting.

Chair style

• Consumers who find it hard to sit or stand independently will find it easier to get in and out of chairs with arm rests.

Lean forward and slowly sit down with bottom as far back in the chair as possible.

The consumer needs to straighten up in the chair.

3 4

1 2Have the consumer stand with the back of their legs against the front of the chair.

Keep head up, lean forward and put hands on arm rests.

Standing to sitting

Biomechanical principles in action


Later in this book you will learn about assistive aids for moving people. They are only to be used if specified in the consumer’s Service Delivery Plan.

Good posture and spinal alignment will protect your back from injury when moving people and equipment.

90°

Keep your arms at a 90 degree angle for maximum stability.

Remember: You must know how to use any moving or assistive aids before using them with your consumer.


What is the moving task?

What would you need to do before carrying out the task?

What would you need to do while you are carrying out the task?

What should you do once you have completed the task?

Before you go any further in this workbook, think about a situation at work which may require you to assist in the moving of a consumer...


Moving people

When assisting people to move, you must first assess the task in terms of the LITE principles.

Load Individual Task Environment

Load Characteristics of the person being handled that can affect the handling risk. Such as: age, gender, dependency, size, weight, ability to cooperate and fall risk.

Individual Capabilities and training of the support worker. Such as: Physical limitations, training, communication.

Task The nature of the task. Such as: what has to be done. For example—supporting a consumer to sit up in bed. The handling procedure required. Such as: pushing, carrying, or pulling.

Environment The work environment: the work area design. The layout of your working environment—such as whether bending and reaching are needed because of the location of work items, having all the equipment close at hand. Work organisation. How your working environment is organised such as maintenance of equipment, staffing levels, facilities, moving and assistive aids available.


Assisting movementAssisting a person to move could include activities such as:

• Sitting up in bed.

• Getting in and out of bed, a chair, shower or bath.

Whatever the task, remember that each task will have different requirements, and each task will need to be assessed. The best approach to carrying out the task will need to be applied.

Whatever the task, you must remember that people are:

• Heavy.

• Hard to grip.

• Must be treated at all times with dignity, respect and consideration for their capabilities.

It is your responsibility to make sure that when you are moving a consumer, you are following safe moving practices. Helping a consumer in or out of a bed is a common

moving task.

Moving people


You should always use information from individual SDPs, your work place policies and procedures and these principles when moving people.

Things to remember when moving people safely

Before the taskCheck that:

• You are wearing the right clothes. Make sure that your clothing and footwear are appropriate. Long hair should be tied up and no rings or bracelets worn. Clothes should allow free movement and shoes should be non-slip, supportive and stable. This means have a back to the shoe and a low or no heel.

• You must never plan to lift manually—always use assistive aids where available.

• You know your limits. Know your own capabilities and don’t exceed them—for instance, if you need training in the technique to be used, tell your supervisor.

• You can do one thing at a time and you can concentrate on the task.

• You are prepared to do the task. Make sure everything and everyone is ready.

• Check that there is one person in charge.

• You can work safely. Position furniture, check route and access way are clear and that the area is free, for example—the bathroom is unoccupied or the chair is available.

Remember: No technique is safe if you are handling most of the person’s weight.


Carrying out the taskCheck that:

• You have explained the task to the consumer and other support workers who are helping.

• You have prepared the consumer. Ensure the consumer’s clothes and footwear are appropriate and they have the aids they need.

• You have ensured the consumer’s dignity. Ensure that they are not unnecessarily exposed during moving.

• You have given clear instruction. “Ready, steady, stand” should be used.

• You have ensured that the consumer remains safe during moving. For example—limbs and/or fragile skin are protected.

• You have asked the consumer to breathe in as they stand up, making it easier to stand.

After the taskCheck that:

• You have corrected your posture by standing up straight.

• You have left your consumer comfortable and with dignity.

• You have no discomfort after the task.

• You have reported any issues or difficulties.

You need to look out for your own wellbeing when supporting others. It is also important to ensure that the consumer maintains their dignity and is not put in any discomfort.

Always keep the safe biomechanical principles in mind when moving or transferring. Feet apart, avoid twisting, support your spine.

Things to remember when moving people safely


Service Delivery PlanName: Doris Jones

Risk assessment

Assistance I=Independent, A=Assistance, D=Dependant, NA=Not applicable

Safety risk H=High risk M=Moderate risk L=Low risk

Risk area Consumer Needs/Abilities Assist Risk Comment

Mobility Frame, walks, stands, sits.

A M Doris is a moderate risk to staff with moving. With supervision and minimal assistance is able to transfer.

Personal Care

Task DescriptionShower/Bath Ensure the bathroom is warm and linen is available. Offer the toilet

before transferring Doris to the shower chair and before commencing showering. Doris likes the shower quite hot. Assistance required with hair, washing back and feet. Encourage Doris to do as much of the task for herself as she is able.

Equipment Shower chair, handling belt, walking frame, rail in shower.

Drying Encourage independence. Assist to dry back and between toes.

Hair Hair washed twice weekly.

Dressing More assistance required due to the effect of the stroke. Dress putting affected side into clothing first.

Toilet Offer before showering.


DorisThe following pages contain some learning activities about moving people, using Doris as an example.

Take the time to read the information about Doris contained in her Service Delivery Plan and then answer the questions on the following pages.

Make sure you refer back to her SDP as required.

ScenariosRead the information in the SDP on page 32 and use the information to answer the questions on the following pages.


Learning activityMoving or assistive aids.

Read through Doris’ SDP and use it to help you answer the following questions.

What equipment can you use when you support Doris to go to the shower? List the equipment.

Can you use any other moving or assistive aids when you are assisting Doris to the shower? Circle your answer.

Yes / No

1

2


Learning activity Doris really enjoys her shower. Her SDP tells her support worker that she showers using a wheeled shower chair.

Doris can be wheeled straight into and out of the shower, it allows her to be showered in a seated position.

The SDP says that Doris is able to transfer using her walking frame with the assistance of one support worker.

A handling belt is used when transferring.

Using Doris example complete the following LITE analysis task.

Write your answers under the questions on this page.

Refer back to page 28 to re-read the LITE principles.

Load

What are the characteristics of the person you will be assisting to move?

What effect may these characteristics have on the ‘moving’ task?

1

Individual

What do you need to know so that you can carry out the task?

2


This is a shower chair similar to the one Doris would be using.

Task

What is the task?

What is the handling procedure you will use?

Do you need any help to carry out the task? Who? What? Why?

Are there any hazards or risks involved in this task?

3

Note: Remember to use brakes when consumers are getting in or out of the chair and when the chair is being used in the shower.


Environment

v What checks will you need to make in the environment before you carry out the task?

How will you use your work environment to help you minimise the moving task?

What do you need to do to ensure the safety of your consumer?

What will your role be in assisting the consumer to move?

What do you need to do to ensure your safety?


As part of the LITE analysis you need to identify any hazards that may effect the moving task you are involved in.

By completing the moving task analysis form you are able to identify:

• Potential hazards.

• Potential harm.

• How you can best control the environment you are planning the move in.

• Plan what equipment you will need. —Personal protective equipment. —Assistive aids.

• Remind yourself of the best way to carry out the task.

Eliminate —to get rid of the hazard. Isolate —to set the hazard apart from where it may cause harm.

Minimise —to lessen the hazard.

If it can’t be isolated then it must be minimised.

Identifying hazards

If not, can it be isolated?

Can the hazard be eliminated?

You need to identify the hazards that may effect the moving task you are involved in.


Consumer: Doris Jones.

The moving task: Assist Doris to shower.

Learning activity Identifying hazards that may be involved in the moving task.

Complete the following moving task analysis form to identify the hazards that you may encounter when assisting Doris to the shower.

Potential hazards I have identified are:

The types of harm the hazard may cause are:

What I can do to ‘control’ the hazard… (Can I isolate/ minimize/eliminate?)

Personal protective gear/equipment I need…

Any assistive aids that I may be able to use are…

Safe work practices/ procedures/ principles that I will follow are…

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

Note: you can only use assistive aids if they are in the individual’s SDP and your organisation’s policies and procedures.


A handling belt may also be referred to as:• Lifting belt.

• Transfer belt.

• Murray belt.

Caution: Handling belts slide on some materials, for example satin pyjamas.

Ensure consumer’s breasts are not caught under the belt.

Important: It is unsafe to use a handling belt to move a consumer, for instance by pulling on the belt to take some or all of the patient’s weight.

Handling beltsHandling beltsDoris can mobilise, but she is afraid of falling since having a stroke. Her SDP states that Doris needs to use a handling belt when she is mobilising.

A handling belt provides the support worker with hand hold contact with the consumer. The belt has vertical or horizontal hand holds and is made up of fabric or cushioned material.

It is secured around Doris’ waist (never around the support worker) and adjusted until it is firm, but not tight. This gives Doris extra confidence while she is learning to mobilise during her rehabilitation.

Caution: You should only use a handling belt with consumers who have been assessed as needing one.

Handling belts may be used to give extra confidence to consumers who are not comfortable mobilising on their own.


6

1

Wrap the handling belt around the waist of the consumer, and fasten the clip at the front. Tighten the belt to fit by pulling the excess through the clip.

54

32

The handling belt is secured around the waist of the

consumer to give them extra confidence when mobilising.

It is not to be used to lift their entire weight. The belt should fit firmly around the waist of the

consumer, but it should not be pulled tight.

The handles are located at the back. If two support workers are assisting they take one handle each.

With one hand holding the handles at the back, each

support worker takes the hand of the consumer.

Remember to bend your knees and to keep your feet

apart (circle of stability).

Together the support workers help the consumer to

their feet. Remember to make sure the consumer is

comfortable and feels secure both during and

after the move.


Infection control alert: To avoid cross infection, slide sheets must be washed before being used by another consumer. If possible, have one for each consumer.

Using slide sheetsA slide sheet is used to move horizontally on beds and chairs without lifting or causing friction.

Slide sheets are made from lightweight fabric and have a low-friction surface. Some types have handles.

Slide sheets are useful pieces of equipment which can be used in many different ways by one or more support workers. Before you can use a slide sheet you need to be trained how to use it correctly.

It is important that consumers have their skin integrity assessed before using a slide sheet and that the support worker considers this when handling or moving.

The following shows how a slide sheet can be used to support a consumer to move.

Slide sheets 1Slide sheets are used to move horizontally in beds without lifting.

Begin by folding the slide sheet in half. Plan the move, make sure the other support person and the consumer know what you are about to do. The consumer needs to either put their chin on their chest or the pillow needs to be removed before starting the move.


7

Then the other support worker rolls the consumer towards them while the first support worker pulls the remaining slide sheet flat towards them.

2

65

43

Whilst one support worker rolls the consumer towards

them, the other places the slide sheet on the bed with

the excess under the consumer. Both the support workers grip the sheet and prepare to

slide the consumer carefully and smoothly up the bed.

Once the consumer has been moved it is time to remove

the slide sheet. One support worker rolls the consumer

towards them, while the other gently tucks the sheet

under the consumer.

The other support worker then carefully pulls the sheet

away from under the consumer, who is then rolled back

into place, and the move is complete.

The support workers need to work together to make sure that the slide is as smooth and safe as possible. Before moving the consumer the slide sheet is rolled in tightly to the consumer’s body before attempting to move them up the bed.


General techniques for moving people

Getting started: • Stay focused on the task at

all times.

• Follow care and/or transfer plans, policies and procedures.

• If there are handling or mechanical aids suitable for the task use them—but only if they are in the consumer’s SDP and you know how to use them.

• If there are no handling or mechanical aids suitable for the task, balance your body’s weight equally over both feet.

When moving:• Step close to the person.

• Think about the best place to grip or hold the person and the best type of grip to use.

• Apply force gradually, after testing the weight.

• Move smoothly, rather than using sudden exertion.

• Hold the person close to your body.

• If you need to change direction when moving, take a step in the new direction rather than twisting the body.

• Inform the consumer of each step.

• Where possible use two people instead of one. One person instructs each step, resulting in co-ordinated movement.

Don’t forget:• If you do a lot of moving

spread out the tasks and take frequent small breaks between the tasks (if practical in the Health and Disability setting you are working in).

• If you need help with the task make sure that you get the help you need—ensuring the consumer’s and your own safety is paramount.

• Consumers safety must be paramount.

• Mover safety.

• Comfort and dignity of both the consumer and those doing the moving.

Always follow safe work practices.


What is the moving task?

What would you need to do before carrying out the task?

What would you need to do while you are carrying out the task?

Before you go any further in this workbook, think about a situation at work which may require you to assist with or move equipment...


People

Load Characteristics of the load you will be moving. Such as—weight, shape, size, surfaces, edges.

Environment Characteristics of the environments you will be working in when moving loads. Such as—floor surfaces; wet, slippery, sloping, weather, lighting, space, differences in the environments you will come across as you move the load from one place to another.

People Capabilities and training of the support worker carrying out the tasks. Such as—age, fitness level, size, are they wearing correct personal protective gear and equipment for the tasks, are they working independently to carry out the task, or as a team.

Task The nature of the task. Such as—what has to be done. For example—carrying laundry, moving a bed or hoist. Is the task repetitive, does it need handling over a distance, or for you to be in a standing or sitting position, does it need more than one person to carry out the task, do you need any personal protective equipment or clothing? The handling procedure required. Such as: moving, transferring, carrying, or pulling.

Management Organisation around the task. Are there sufficient people at hand to carry out the task, has any equipment you will be using been properly looked after and maintained, is there good communication and is the organisation health and safety focused.

Moving equipment safely

Load

Environment

Task

Management


Handling belts can be used to assist with moving tasks, but only when specified in a consumer’s SDP.

It is safer for both the consumer and the support workers when two people assist when moving a consumer.

Slide sheets can be used to move people horizontally on beds and chairs without lifting and causing friction.

Before moving any equipment or person, you should always check that it is a necessary task. If it is not, then eliminate that task. If it is a necessary task then ensure that you follow the principles of safe handling.


A) Before the taskCheck that:

• You have identified any hazards relating to the task.

· Decide how the task can be carried out safely.

· Can you isolate, minimise or eliminate any hazards relating to the move.

• You must never plan to lift manually.

· If there are assistive moving aids available-use them.

• You can work safely.

· Position furniture, check route and access way are clear and the area is free. For example—the bathroom is unoccupied or the chair available.

• You have prepared for the task.

· Plan the task so that it minimises the amount of force and time you have to use to carry out the task.

· Make sure that you can get a good grip on

You should always use information from individual’s SDPs, your work place policies and procedures and these principles when moving equipment.

what you are moving. This may require you to wear personal protective clothing for example, gloves that will help you with the grip.

· Make sure that your clothing and footwear are appropriate. Clothes should allow free movement and shoes should be non-slip, supportive and stable. This means have a back to the shoe and have low or no heel.

· You know the path that you will take and that it is clear of hazards.

· Have a tidy and secure place for what you are carrying to go to. For example soiled laundry into an empty laundry sink.



Remember: No technique is safe if you are handling MOST of the equipment’s weight.

B) Carrying out the taskCheck that:

• You have explained the task to the consumer and the other support workers who may be helping.

• You can carry out the task following the correct biomechanical principles.

• For example: that you are standing close to the load and you are facing the load, you take care when moving the load not to harm your back.

• You can see where you are going at all times.

C) After the taskCheck that:

• You have corrected your posture by standing up straight.

• You have left the load you were moving in a safe and secure place/position.

• You have no discomfort after the task.

• You have reported any issues or difficulties.

Inappropriate footwear.

When moving people and equipment you should wear supportive, stable, closed toe shoes with no, or low heels.



Learning activity Using the following scenario complete the LEPTM analysis for the moving task.

ScenarioNicky is a support worker. During the day the courier has delivered some boxes of supplies at the front entrance. These are very bulky and awkward to move.

What things does Nicky need to think about to complete this task safely?

Write your answers under the questions in the panels on this page.

Load

What are the characteristics of the boxes you will be assisting to move?

What effect may these characteristics have on the ‘moving’ task?

Environment

What checks will Nicky need to make in the environment before she carries out the task?

How will Nicky use her work environment to minimise the moving task?

1

2


What does Nicky need to know about her capabilities and training to carry out the task?

Is there any personal protective gear/equipment that Nicky will need so that she can carry out the task?

Yes / No

If yes, what is the equipment?

Is this an individual task or does Nicky need assistance to carry out the task?

3What is the task?

What is the handling procedure Nicky should use?

Are there any hazards or risks involved in this task?

4

What does Nicky need to do before she can carry out the task?

5


Learning activity Angela sometimes does night duty at the rest home. One of her tasks is to get the soiled laundry bags ready for the contractor to collect in the morning. The bags need to be moved to the collection shed outside the laundry door.

Complete the moving task analysis form for the task.

Equipment: Laundry bags.

The moving task: Move laundry bags to collection shed.

Potential hazards Angela has identified are:

The types of harm the hazard may cause are:

What can Angela do to ‘control’ the hazard… (can she isolate/minimize/eliminate?)

Personal protective gear/equipment Angela will need.

Any assistive aids that Angela may be able to use are.

Safe work practices/ procedures/ principles that Angela should follow are.

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •

• • •


Getting started:• Stay focused on the task at

all times.

• Follow care and or transfer plans, policies and procedures.

• If there are handling or mechanical aids suitable for the task use them—but only if it is in the consumer’s SDP.

• If there are no handling or mechanical aids suitable for the task, balance your body’s weight equally over both feet.

• Use safe biomechanical techniques.

When moving:• Step close to the load.

General techniques for moving equipment

• Think about the best place to grip or hold the load and the best type of grip to use.

• Apply force gradually, after testing the weight.

• Move smoothly, rather than using sudden exertion.

• Hold the load close to your body.

• If you need to change direction when moving, take a step in the new direction rather than twisting the body.

• If you do a lot of moving and transferring—spread out the tasks and take frequent small breaks between the tasks (if practical in the Health and Disability setting you are working in).

• If you need help with the task make sure that you get the help you need—ensuring you and your consumers safety is paramount.

Always follow safe work practices.


Assistive aids for moving people

There are many different assistive aids for moving people, the following are a few examples.

Toilet chair

Vehicle hoist


Gutter frame

Power chairManual chair

Sliding board/ Patslide


Assistive aids for moving people

Chair hoist

Bath board

Handling belt

Monkey bar


Rope ladder

Hand blocks Hoist and sling

Walking Frame


Caring for your back

You can care for your back by maintaining a good level of fitness and by doing daily back exercises to help strengthen your back.

It is important that you warm up and stretch your muscles before you start work. When muscles are warmed up, you help reduce the risk of harm to your back.

It is important to take good care of your back, back injury can be serious and unpleasant.

Your backYour back is not naturally designed to move equipment or people. However, there are tasks that we all do every day that include moving.

As a support worker, you may have tasks to carry out each day, which involve moving. Our backs do a tremendous amount of work and self care is important for them to cope with that work.

Protecting your backThere are a number of ways that you can help yourself at work to minimize the risk of back injury. You can:

1 Organise your working environment in a way that will assist you when moving people and/or equipment.

2 Minimise the manual/people handling hazards that could cause harm to your back.

3 Where possible promote independence.


my notes

When you have completed the workplace assessment portfolio and it has been signed off as competent by your assessor, your assessor will complete a Certificate and give it to you.

If you wish, you could frame it for display or mount it in a record book.

Check the following:

Please check over all the activities to make sure you have completed them.

When completed to your satisfaction, this workbook should be given to your supervisor.

Complete the trainee assessment portfolio and remember to sign your assessment portfolio in the place provided, verifying that you are the one who has completed all the assessments.

You have come to the end of:

Moving people and equipment


Careerforce acknowledges the Ministry of Health’s support in producing this series of workbooks for Home Based Support Services.

You have now completed

23452 V1 Moving people and equipmentpart of a Careerforce learning series designed for support workers in a health and disability setting.

Others in the series are:

23685 V1 Pre-packaged medication (Workplace assessment portfolio 23685 V1)

20826 V2 Infection control (Workplace assessment portfolio 20826 V2)

23686 V1 Rights and responsibilities (Workplace assessment portfolio 23686 V1)

23453 V1 Looking after me (Workplace assessment portfolio 23453 V1)

20830 V2 Safety and security (Workplace assessment portfolio 20830 V2)

20829 V2 Quality of life and wellbeing (Workplace assessment portfolio 20829 V2)

23454 V1 Support plans (Workplace assessment portfolio 23454 V1)

23451 V1 Understanding your role (Workplace assessment portfolio 23451 V1)

Disclaimer: The images contained in these workbooks are visual illustrations only and are not representative of actual events or personal circumstances.

Careerforce – Issue 1.1 – June 2010

moving people and equipment - careerforce · moving people and equipment moving people and...

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