Risk Assessment Analysis Form
This checklist for detailed analysis of manual handling activities is not in itself a full manual
handling risk assessment. A full risk assessment should be completed on the manual handling
risk assessment form and this form appended to it.
Name………………………………………….. Position………………………………………….
Date…………………………………………… School…………………………………………..
Description
When
Raising or
Lowering
When
Carrying
When
Pushing
or
Pulling
THE TASK - Do the tasks require:
1 Holding the load at a distance from the
body?
2 An awkward posture?
3 Awkward twisting?
4 Awkward stooping?
5 Reaching upwards?
6 Handling the load over excessive distances?
7 Stabilising an unstable load?
8 Prolonged physical effort?
9 Repetitive handling?
10 Insufficient rest period?
11 Any unsatisfactory combination of several
tasks?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
THE LOAD - Are the loads:
1 Heavy?
2 Bulky or unwieldy?
3 Difficult to grasp?
4 Unstable?
5 Potentially damaging (e.g. sharp edge)?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
THE ENVIRONMENT - Is there:
1 Lack of space?
2 Uneven/slippery/unstable floors
3 Extremes of temperature, humidity or air
movement?
4 Variation of levels of floor and work
surface?
5 Poor lighting?
INDIVIDUAL CAPABILITY - Do the tasks:
1 Require above average physical capabilities
irrespective of sex?
2 Involve risk to pregnant workers or those
with health problems?
3 Require Manual Handling instruction?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
When
Seated
Newcastle University
Manual Handling Risk Assessment
Title of project or activity
Responsible Person / Manager
School
Date of assessment
Location of work
(Buildings and room numbers)
Hazard 1
Risks
Control
Measures
Hazard 2
Risks
Control
Measures
Using or moving fridges and freezers
All Managers, PI’s, Technical Managers, Superintendants
All Schools/Institutes in the Faculty of Medical Sciences
01/02/2012
Laboratories used by staff and students in the Faculty of
Medical Sciences
Use of Fridges and Freezers
 To staff, student and visitors as a result of poor handling techniques such as
stooping, twisting and jerking manoeuvres.
 Risk of musculoskeletal disorders, fractures, contusions and other related
abrasions.
 Domestic fridges and freezers must not be used in laboratory environments.
Solvents and unstable materials must not be stored in a non spark proofed fridge.
 Equipment serviced and maintained accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
 Fridge and freezer plugs should be labelled as to the unit that they power, and
should be easy to access in an emergency.
 Thermal gloves must be worn when working in a freezer at or below 80oC.
 Spills must be cleaned up immediately using an appropriate technique, please
refer to appropriate COSHH assessments.
 Foodstuffs and drinks must not be stored in laboratory fridges or freezers.
 All items in fridges and freezers must be clearly labelled and packaged properly.
Inventory information must be available for samples and materials stored.
 When packing material into freezers persons must take account of the fact that
items may become difficult to remove if they freeze into place. Heavier items
should be stored and secured near the surface of chest freezers. For large items
which are difficult to reach and move consideration be given to the use of
portable hoists.
 Persons packing material into fridges and freezers must use safe manual handling
techniques provided on their Manual handling training course.
 Freezers storing samples which are considered high risk or costly must consider
the use of a remove device and alarm system.
Movement of Fridges and Freezers
 Risk to staff, student and visitors as a result of poor handling techniques such as
stooping, twisting and jerking manoeuvres.
 Risk of musculoskeletal disorders, fractures, contusions and other related
abrasions.
 Fridges and freezers should be as light as possible and this is considered prior to
purchase. They should be delivered by supply companies to the point of use
location, where possible, and staff and students will not access or assist in
removing equipment from supplier vehicles.
 Fridges and freezers must be emptied and defrosted prior to moving them. Please
ensure that appropriate signage is displayed and used.







Risks
Control
Measures
Hazards
Use service lifts when transporting equipment between floors.
Units should be moved by more than one trained person utilising appropriate
mechanical aids such as sliders and castors where available.
Proprietary sack barrows, trolleys and dolleys can be used where gliders and
casters are not in place but must be appropriate for the task and the fridge or
freezers to be moved. Where forklifts are required please contact ESS.
Where fridges and freezers are bench mounted and are considered heavy a
hydraulic lift should be used for movement and transportation. Others maybe
moved manually where within the handler’s capabilities.
Where the above equipment is used the load must be fully secured prior to
movement.
Porter services are available for manual handling tasks and should be used when
significant handling activities are to be carried out, e.g. large chest freezers.
Manufacturer guidance will be followed at all times.
Emergency Procedures
 Risk to staff, students and visitors.
 Risk of inadequate first aiders or provision.
 First aiders are available and operations are undertaken in close proximity to the
NHS and emergency services.
Additional Control Measures Required
(List and Implement)

Risks
Control

Measures
Assessor
Name
[ENTER HERE]
Responsible Person / Manager
Name
[ENTER HERE]
Implemented
Date
Signature
[ENTER HERE]
Date
[ENTER HERE]
Signature
[ENTER HERE]
Date
[ENTER HERE]
N/A