The Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme
The Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme (SMHPS) is an initiative designed to improve the standard and consistency of manual handling training / education and the systems (process/procedures) that underpin it within Health Boards and Local Authorities (LA) in Scotland.
SECTION 3 MANUAL HANDLING DOCUMENTATION
As identified in the introduction, this section is split into three:
- Section 3A - An audit tool, for use in the format provided.
- Section 3B - Guidance documents
This is split into two parts, the first containing guidance for developing a MH policy framework; and the second, guidance for developing job specific MH roles using competencies.
- Section 3C - Minimum criteria for manual handling documents
This section provides guidance and minimum criteria to use when developing documents. Sample forms or documents likely to be used are provided within the appendices, including a 'Passport' document.
Section 3A Manual Handling Audit Tool
Introduction
The purpose of the audit tool is to ensure that participating organisations can demonstrate compliance with the principles and guidance in the Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme (SMHPS). Although participation in the SMHPS is not compulsory, implementation of the guidance contained in it may be taken into account by health and safety inspectors when seeking demonstrations of compliance with the relevant legal requirements.
The audit tool may be used to audit the whole organisation or an individual service. The audit should be conducted by a competent person from within the organisation with knowledge of manual handling (MH), or by an External or Internal Auditor appointed by the organisation. If a competent auditor with no knowledge of MH is conducting the audit, a person from the organisation knowledgeable in MH should be present. The requirement to complete audits of Section 1, 2 and / or 3 of the audit tool is dependent on the nature of the audit and the circumstances in which it is being undertaken. For example, an audit of the training department by a competent person from within the organisation might only involve completion of the audit tool for Section 2, whereas the audit tool for all 3 Sections might be appropriate for an audit of the organisation by an External Auditor.
Administration details
Audit tool for Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme
1 | The organisation has documented management arrangements in place to adequately control the risks from manual handling (MH) activities and there is management commitment and support to implement the MH strategy | ||||
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1.1 | The organisation has their MH management arrangements documented and this complies with current legislation and guidance Example of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
1.2 | The MH management arrangements are communicated at all levels. Examples of evidence:
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2 | The organisation identifies competent individuals to undertake key MH roles | ||||
2.1 | Person(s) undertaking key MH roles at strategic, organisational and / or local level are identified Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
2.2 | Person(s) undertaking key MH roles meet the relevant competency criteria detailed in Section 3B.2 Examples of evidence:
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3 | The organisation allocates sufficient resources to implement, develop and deliver the MH education strategy in line with the MH management arrangements | ||||
3.1 | There is access to sufficient MH practitioners to deliver the MH strategy. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
3.2 | There is a maximum ratio of 1 trainer to 8 trainees (or 2:16) for practical people handling sessions and 1 to 10 for inanimate load handling sessions. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
3.3 | Sufficient and appropriate equipment and training resources are provided to support the SMHPS training requirements. Examples of evidence:
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4 | The organisation has systems in place to assess the risks arising from MH activities and to identify control measures | ||||
4.1 | A clear documented process for recording MH risk assessments and outcomes Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
4.2 | There is clear delegation of MH risk assessment responsibilities Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
5 | The organisation has systems to identify learning needs of employees including a suitable and sufficient education programme to address needs identified | ||||
5.1 | A suitable and sufficient education programme as informed by the SMHPS has been developed. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
5.2 | The organisation has an established process in place to ensure that new start employees do not undertake any higher risk handling activities until it has been identified whether they have undertaken foundation training. Examples of Evidence:
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5.3 | Systems to identify learning needs of employees. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
5.4 | The organisation ensures that contracted external training providers (where used) meet the SMHPS standards. Examples of evidence:
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6 | The organisation records training in line with the SMHPS | ||||
6.1 | Employee's attendance at MH education is recorded. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
6.2 | Training is planned and recorded with reference to the guidance outlined in the SMHPS. Examples of evidence:
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6.3 | There is a system in place to monitor and feedback training attendance, non-attendance and non-achievement of the learning outcomes within the organisation Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
6.4 | The organisation retains evidence of trainees' attendance at foundation training modules to enable transfer of information between participating organisations: Examples of evidence:
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7 | The organisation has systems to audit, monitor and review MH incidents and practices | ||||
7.1 | Suitable arrangements are in place to monitor practices within the workplace. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
7.2 | Adverse incidents that result as a consequence of MH tasks or activities are reported, investigated, reviewed, and appropriate action taken, with lessons learnt communicated. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
7.3 | There is a support network within or available to the organisation for access by managers and employees which:
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7.4 | A system is in place to audit and review the MH management arrangements and to ensure compliance with SMHPS guidance Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
8 | The organisation has provided foundation training that meets the aims & learning outcomes specified within the SMHPS | ||||
8.1 | Length of training is commensurate with time scales set against each module. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
8.2 | There is a process in place to ascertain individuals fitness to engage in the practical aspects of training prior to participating Examples of evidence:
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8.3 | Foundation training contains standard elements as per SMHPS modules, as appropriate to needs. Examples of evidence:
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9 | The organisation has implemented a system of assessment of competence and / or formal refresher/update education where the MH risk assessment has identified MH education as a control measure. | ||||
9.1 | Formal refresher/update education programme or competence assessment occurs at appropriate time intervals. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
9.2 | Systems are in place to assist in the identification of specific gaps in an individuals knowledge / skills which influences the need for refresher / update education. Examples of evidence:
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10 | The organisation has appropriate MH documentation that meets the minimum criteria identified in the SMHPS | ||||
10.1 | The organisation's MH documentation meets the minimum criteria in the SMHPS. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
10.2 | The documentation is completed accurately. Examples of evidence:
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Yes | No | Partial | Comments |
Scoring methodology
1. The assessors will indicate their assessment of compliance with each of the various 'Areas', by ticking 'Yes', 'No' or 'Partial'. Where more than one element of evidence has been reviewed each of these elements will contribute to the assessment mark for each area of assessment. A 'Not Applicable' mark (N/A) may also be given, and no score should be given against such assessments, however, the 'max score' for that section on the table below should be amended for these areas, which will reduce the total score to below 50.
2. The allocation of scores for each of the 'Areas' will then be made by the assessor, based on the assessments of compliance and the associated comments. The scoring will be: Yes = 2 / Partial = 1 / No = 0
3. On completion of the audit the scores should be transferred to the Scoring Table
Scoring table
Scoring guidelines for manual handling compliance audit
The table below gives guidance on identifying the overall 'Audit Response Score' as identified by the 'Total' percentage score:
Response | Score | Rationale |
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Nil Compliance | 0% |
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Partial - Low Compliance | 1 - 29% |
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Partial - Moderate Compliance | 30 - 69% |
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Partial - High Compliance | 70 - 99% |
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Full Compliance | 100% |
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The scoring of the audit is important to provide a robust indication of overall compliance for benchmarking purposes and for demonstrating improvement over time. At the same time, it is important to recognise that it is the action planning and implementation processes resulting from self assessment against the audit that dictates its success. Therefore, when auditors are presenting their reports recommendations should be provided identifying what actions are required.
Section 3B SMHPS Guidance Documents
This section contains guidance for participating organisations to assist them in meeting SMHPS requirements. It consists of:
3B.1. Guidance for developing a Manual Handling Policy Framework; and
3B.2. Guidance on manual handling (MH) roles, the minimum competency criteria to fulfil them and the evidence required to demonstrate competence.
3B.1 Guidance for developing a Manual Handling Policy Framework
The following suggested framework content includes key elements that should be included in an overarching organisational policy / procedure. It is intended as a guide towards a minimum standard. Additional policies and procedures may be developed, as required, for sub divisions of an organisation, which set out local and operational detail. Headings can be rearranged as appropriate.
1.1. Statement of the organisation's commitment to managing the risks associated with manual handling people and loads
- Recognition of risks (this may include statistics and information relating to musculoskeletal disorders and number of lost working days)
- Commitment to introducing measures to reduce these risks
- Intention to comply with legislative requirement and current evidence based practice
- Commitment to comply with national standards eg SMHPS
- Commitment to allocation of sufficient resources to implement, develop and deliver the MH strategy
1.2. Details of who is responsible for doing what
Responsibilities should be clearly outlined to include those at all levels within the organisation
- Chief Executive; Directors; Heads of Service/Departmental Managers
- Line Managers (eg responsible for: ensuring staff have received appropriate MH training; inspection of / monitoring MH activities in the workplace; investigating adverse incidents and initiating remedial action etc)
- Manual Handling Lead / Competent Person (may be provided in-house or by an external contractor); those with other delegated key MH roles eg Key workers / Link workers / Trainers
- Employees (eg responsible for: applying previously taught MH principles/techniques; reporting concerns with equipment, MH tasks; injuries etc.)
- Occupational Health Service; relevant others, including committees
1.3. Risk assessment and action planning
The organisation's arrangements for ensuring competent assessments are completed, documented, implemented and reviewed for all hazardous MH activities should be outlined. This should include:
- Identification of those delegated to undertake risk assessments
- How the organisation ensures the competency of those delegated to undertake/record MH risk assessments
- Process for completion of generic assessments and action plans
- Process for completion of person specific risk assessments for people handling activities (including a clear handling plan, reflecting the requirement for balanced risk assessment and, procedures to deal with disputes: (ie reluctance/refusal of person and/or their advocate to accept the outcomes of the risk assessment)
1.4. Unusual / higher risk handling situations
Predictable but non routine / higher risk situations should be acknowledged in the over-arching policy / procedure and arrangements for safe handling outlined. These can be detailed in separate organisational procedures or guidance. This may include:
- Emergency evacuation handling
- Dealing with the falling / fallen person
- Handling of plus size people
- Rehabilitation handling
1.5. Manual handling equipment
Arrangements for providing and maintaining handling equipment should be made clear:
- Assessment and selection process for suitable equipment
- Provision, suitability and sufficiency/availability
- Care and maintenance arrangements / requirements
- Training / instruction / monitoring in safe use
1.6. Advice, guidance, support, information for employees
- The arrangements for provision and referral process for competent advice
- Identification of those delegated to provide advice / guidance / support at local and organisational level (this may be included in the Responsibilities section)
- How the organisation ensures the competency of those delegated to provide competent advice, guidance and support (Section 3B. 2, competencies for MH roles)
- Arrangements for informing staff on mechanisms for reporting discomfort, pain or injuries caused by MH activities
1.7. Manual handling education
- The organisation's MH training and education strategy (eg in-house or externally sourced provision; adoption of SMHPS)
- The organisation's standards for foundation training and education (eg application of standards of the SMHPS)
- A clear requirement that new start employees do not undertake any handling activities posing significant risk until appropriate training is provided
- The arrangements in place for continuing education eg competency assessment and/or formal refresher/update education
- Identification of those delegated to provide workplace instruction/supervision, training, competency assessments (where competency assessments are implemented) at local and organisational level
- How the organisation ensures the competency of those delegated MH education roles
1.8. Monitoring, audit and review arrangements
- The arrangements for effective monitoring and supervision of workplace MH practices
- The processes used to monitor compliance and to audit and evaluate the MH arrangements eg:
- Outcomes and indicators used to evaluate the organisation's MH arrangements (eg accident/incident data; sickness absence rates; competency assessment outcomes)
- Inspection regimes
- Frequency of review of documented arrangements
- Audit arrangements and tools
3B.2 Guidance for the Minimum Competency Criteria for Manual Handling Roles
It is recognised that those involved in manual handling (MH) may undertake a combination of key MH roles. Distinct competencies are therefore required to undertake these roles at different levels within organisations:
- Local Level - employees who have a dedicated role, (within their own department / area) relating to MH as a component of their main job, identified through either their job description or other organisational documentation
- Organisational Level - employees who are engaged specifically in a MH role
- Strategic Level - employees who are engaged specifically to take a lead in MH within the organisation
All staff involved in a MH role should:
- As a minimum, have successfully completed foundation MH training and additional continuing education appropriate to their role where detailed in the evidence column of the specific MH role they will be undertaking
- Be appropriately supported with access to additional advice and support when necessary
- Maintain continuing personal development appropriate to their roles in accordance with individual assessed needs and organisational requirements
- Meet their own professional code of practice
In reference to the competencies in the following pages, staff working at an organisational level in a particular role should additionally meet the criteria and demonstrate the evidence for the local level; staff working at a strategic level should additionally meet the criteria and demonstrate the evidence for the local and organisational levels.
Manual handling competencies for specific roles include (3B.2 cont/d):
Role | Level of Role | Minimum Competency Criteria | Evidence |
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1. Undertaking MH risk assessments | Local Level |
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Organisational / Strategic Level |
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2. Monitoring and supervision of practice | Local Level |
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1. Organisational / Strategic Level |
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3. Providing information and advice | Local Level |
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Organisational Level |
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Strategic Level |
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4. Providing advice on selection and application of equipment | Local Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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5. Coaching | Local Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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6. Training delivery | Local / Organisational Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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7. Competency assessment of MH practice | Local Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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8. Advice on MH risks for individuals with an underlying health issue which impacts on MH activities | Local Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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9. Monitoring and evaluation of MH incidents | Local Level |
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1. Organisational Level |
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1. Strategic Level |
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Section 3 C Minimum Criteria for Manual Handling Documents
This section comprises a number of other documents, sample forms, records etc, which have been produced to assist organisations. Organisations are free to produce their own material, but if they do, they should take account of the guidance and minimum criteria contained in the table below. This is necessary to meet the SMHPS requirements.
Appendix 1 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
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Documents for 'Passporting' SMHPS Education | The process for transferring training information between participating organisations can occur using the following:
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A) If using the Passport Booklet in Appendix 1A, it should be used as provided. B) The wording provided on the Certificate of SMHPS Foundation Training at Appendix 1B should be incorporated onto individual organisation's certificates. In particular, it should have the awardee's name and the date the modules were undertaken and space to record the modules the certificate is being awarded for, including a statement indicating that all elements in the modules completed were achieved. Additionally, it should be signed and dated by the awarding organisation. C) Electronic record keeping is often part of a larger Human Resources system and therefore dependent on organisation's internal arrangements / systems. |
Sample Forms: 1a) Passport Booklet 1b) Certificate of Training |
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Appendix 2 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Documents for recording attendance | A document used to record all trainees' attendance signed by trainer and all trainees. It is recommended that one form is to be completed per course and retained by the training department in accordance with the organisation's arrangements. NB Items other than those listed in the minimum criteria may be recorded on the form, as required by individual organisations. |
The Attendance Record should include:
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Sample Form: Foundation Training Attendance Record |
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Appendix 3 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Document for recording the content of a course | A document used to record the key elements / manoeuvres covered during the training and any special comments / notes about the training session. A Record of Training should be completed for each course. The Record of Training should be kept with the Training Attendance Record, and retained as per the organisation's local arrangements. A generic Record of Training will be sufficient, however, individual Records of Training for each trainee can be used if desired. |
Record of training paperwork should include:
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Sample Form: Foundation Record of Training |
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Appendix 4 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Document for recording trainees' fitness to participate | In order for the MH Trainer to fulfil a 'Duty of Care', train employees safely and meet the needs of participants, awareness of any pre-existing conditions that could impact upon employees' ability to safely undertake the training is required. As a minimum this information must be gathered verbally and recorded as having been asked for on the Record of Training as in Appendix 3. Organisations who wish to gather this information in a written format must be cognisant of the Data Protection Act which categorises personal data relating to an individual's physical or mental health or condition as 'sensitive personal data' and must be processed under the conditions for 'higher status' data. |
For organisations collecting this information in a written format the following criteria is the minimal information that should be included on a Record:
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Sample Form: Training course Health Declaration Record |
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Appendix 5 | A document used for gaining feedback on training provision from participants. The form may be paper or electronic format:
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Where used feedback forms should include:
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Document used to gain feedback | ||
Sample Form: Training Feedback Form |
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Appendix 6 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Documents to promote reflective analysis. | A document used to enable employees to reflect on personal MH knowledge and skills in relation to their workplace and assist in the identification of learning needs. Prior to a formal refresher/update training programme being undertaken, employees can complete a MH self assessment to assist in the identification of individual learning needs. These can also be used to supplement a competency assessment programme. NB The self assessment form alone is not evidence of competency and it is the employer's duty to ensure that an employee is competent to carry out relevant MH tasks. |
There are no specific criteria for what constitutes a self assessment. However, the two sample forms provided are representative of approaches that could be used. |
Sample Forms MH Self Assessment Record for: 6a)People handling employees (Provided by NHSGGC) 6b) Inanimate load handling employees |
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Appendix 7 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Documents to assess competence | A document used to formally record the details and outcome of an individual employee's assessment of competence. When and how often should it to be completed?
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MH competency is a new and developing approach and as such, consensus of minimum criteria is still to be established. The sample forms provided are representative of approaches that could be used and are consistent in their use of the following elements:
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Sample Forms Competency Assessment Record 7a) People handling tasks - CA Form 7b) People handling tasks - assessment criteria 7c) Inanimate load handling tasks - CA Form 7d) Inanimate load handling tasks - assessment criteria 7a & 7b from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 7c & 7d adapted from Fife Council |
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Appendix 8 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Documents for identifying new employees' learning needs | A document used to identify previous MH training of employees new to an organisation or area and any skills gaps that require to be addressed to allow them to work safely in their new job/workplace | Induction record should include:
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Sample Forms: Induction Record and Checklist for: 8a)People handling employees 8b) Inanimate load handling employees |
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Appendix 9 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Documents for Generic Risk Assessments | A document used to identify hazards and quantify the risks involving people and inanimate load handling activities within a particular department or service; and to record current and future control measures implemented and required to reduce the risk to employees. Guidance on MH risk assessment is available from a large number of organisations including: Health & Safety Executive National Back Exchange |
There are no specific criteria identified here as a plethora of risk assessment forms, guidance and examples are available form a wide range of sources. The two sample forms provided here are representative of what could be used. |
Sample Forms: 9a) Inanimate load handling activities 9b) People handling activities (Based on forms provided by SALUS) |
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Appendix 10 | A document to record the factors considered during a MH assessment of a person to justify the MH methods and any equipment to be used to safely provide manual handling assistance. | An Individual / Person Handling Assessment should include:
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Documents for assessing individuals | ||
Sample Forms: 10a) Health care hospital setting (Provided by NHSGGC) 10b) Social care community setting (Provided by Fife Council) |
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Appendix 10 | Appendix description and guidance | Minimum criteria for documentation |
Cont/d | When and how often should it to be completed?
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Contact
Email: smhf2000@gmail.com
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