Avoiding and reducing lifting injuries with the TILE factors, and why confined spaces need a safe system of work.
Avoid the lift, then reduce it
Before lifting anything heavy or awkward by hand, ask whether the lift can be avoided altogether — by using a trolley, a hoist, or getting the item delivered closer to where it is needed. Where a manual lift cannot be avoided, assess it and reduce the risk: split the load, get help, or use a lifting aid.
The TILE factors
A manual handling assessment looks at four groups of factors, often remembered as TILE:
- Task: the reach, twisting, distance and frequency the job involves.
- Individual: the person's strength, health, training and any condition such as pregnancy.
- Load: the item's weight, bulk, grip and stability.
- Environment: the space, floor surface, lighting and weather around the lift.
A cramped landing, a slippery floor or poor lighting can turn an ordinary lift into a dangerous one even when the item itself is not especially heavy.
Good lifting technique
Plan the route before you start, keep the load close to your body, bend your knees rather than your back, and avoid twisting while holding a load — move your feet instead. For a heavy or awkward item such as a cast-iron radiator or a cylinder, get a second person or a mechanical aid rather than lifting alone.
Confined spaces
A confined space — such as a tank, duct, chamber or void with limited access — can contain or develop a dangerous atmosphere, with too little oxygen or with toxic or flammable gas, and can be difficult to escape from quickly. Avoid entering one if the work can be done from outside. Where entry cannot be avoided, use a safe system of work: test the atmosphere, ventilate, isolate any services that feed the space, keep someone in communication throughout, and have a rescue plan in place before anyone goes in.