Health and social care: Scottish manual handling passport scheme - version 3

3 Manual Handling Education

3.1 Foundation Training Curriculum

This section contains details of the SMHPS education and foundation training programme, which consists of several ‘core’ modules. This modular approach allows for flexibility in delivery, as well as tailoring the training to the needs of the individual. Whilst all elements within a module require to be delivered for the module to be transferrable, some modules may not be required by all employees, depending on their job role.

This section also provides guidance on continuing education and competency assessment.

The aim of the curriculum is to provide employees with the MH skills and knowledge to reduce the risk of musculo-skeletal injuries to themselves and others caused by poor MH practice in the workplace. The practical people handling modules also aim to encourage independence and safety for service users and an approach should be promoted that takes their needs, rights and dignity into account. This should contribute to reduced employee sickness absence as well as improved outcomes for people using the service. The modules currently cover the following topics:

Module A – Manual Handling Theory Module B – Manual Handling of Loads

Module C – Chair Activities Module D – Bed Activities

Module E – Hoisting Activities Module F – Lateral Transfers

Module G – Small Children & Babies

Organisations participating in the SMHPS should ensure that their training courses meet the purpose and learning outcomes specified within each training module.

Trainees should be assessed throughout the module in line with its learning outcomes.

The trainee’s record of the modules completed, with verification from the organisation that the individual has met the learning outcomes, will be kept by the organisation and be accessible to the trainee as required. Some organisations may provide their trainees with a record of their training in the form of a paper copy of the Manual Handling Passport, Certificate, or in an equivalent secure electronic format.

The modules above are identified as the ‘core’ modules required for foundation MH education, specific to the role of the employee. Additional job specific training requirements are not set out within this document, as these should be determined in accordance with local requirements. However, where additional job specific modules are developed and agreed nationally, a mechanism has been created to enable their retrospective inclusion in this document.

The learning outcomes for each module represent the minimum requirement of the SMHPS, however, additional outcomes may be added by organisations if required.

Arrangements for employees new to the organisation are addressed in Sections 2.4.

3.2 Continuing Education

Ongoing monitoring and review is necessary to determine any continuing education needs and the required frequency of input. There is no standardised frequency of continuing education. This should be informed by the organisations risk assessment outcomes and may include competency assessments outcomes; injury data; incident data; RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) data; occupational health data; and local sickness absence.

Continuing education will be required where a learning need is identified, or:

• there is a change in working procedures
• different equipment is introduced
• a need is indicated following an adverse incident
• the employee is not working competently
• there is a change in legislation or professional guidance
• A change in ability, perhaps due to an underlying health condition

Continuing education should be planned and driven by the risk assessment process. Continuing education can include face to face training; coaching or advice; e-learning modules; signposting to further information for self-study; self-reflection of practice; and / or peer monitoring.

3.3 Competency Assessment

Foundation and continuing education effectiveness can be evaluated through competency assessment. In addition, the employee should be encouraged to identify their own learning needs. This may be through self-assessment or as part of a development / supervision review process. These assessments will identify specific gaps in an individual’s knowledge and / or skills and inform continuing education requirements.

Where the organisation does not have a competency assessment process in place for monitoring and reviewing the competence of employees, a formal refresher / update education programme should be provided. This can be informed by the individual undertaking a self-assessment of their learning needs or through a development / supervision review process.

3.4 Foundation Training Modules

Module A – Manual Handling Theory

The suggested minimum time for this session is 1 – 3 hours, depending on the mode of delivery.

Purpose

To provide underpinning knowledge necessary to reduce the risk of musculo-skeletal disorders in relation to manual handling in the workplace.

Learning outcomes – by the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

A1) Define the term ‘manual handling’

A2) Describe the causes and effects of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD’s)

A3) State basic methods of promoting and managing their own musculo-skeletal health both in and outside the workplace

A4) Outline how legislation applies to manual handling at work

A5) Describe the principles of ergonomics and risk assessment (including dynamic assessments) in reducing the risk of manual handling injury, including Avoid, Assess, Reduce and Review

A6) Identify the key areas, and other related factors such as guideline weights, to be considered when undertaking a manual handling risk assessment

A7) Describe the principles of safer manual handling

A8) Identify the risks involved in team handling

A9) Describe the importance of good communication in relation to manual handling

A10) Outline the management of manual handling within the organisation eg policy, Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme, organisation of education and support, access to occupational health, incident reporting

A11) Describe the potential impact on others of poor manual handling practice

A12) Identify high risk activities

Module B – Manual handling of loads

The suggested minimum time for a group session is 1 – 2 hours. If independently delivered Module A should be reinforced during the module.

Purpose

To provide instruction and facilitate the application of the principles of risk assessment and safer manual handling of loads.

Learning outcomes – these can be provided as a standalone module for load handling or incorporated into other modules. By the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

B1) Describe the principles of safer manual handling of loads including assessing the weight prior to moving

B2) Describe undertaking a manual handling risk assessment from a given scenario (when it is not reasonably practicable to avoid a hazardous manual handling task)

B3) Describe the risks associated with activities involving sustained effort and / or static postures, such as working at a desk, driving a vehicle, working at low levels, standing at a conveyor belt etc (as appropriate to the trainee’s workplace)

B4) Identify how the principles of safer handling can be applied to all handling activities

B5) Describe the application of ergonomic principles, appropriate to their workplace and work activities

B6) Demonstrate competence in the application of safer manual handling principles as appropriate in the workplace, for example:

• Pushing and pulling
• Lifting and lowering a load from low / high levels
• Carrying a load
• Sitting in a vehicle / at an office desk / workstation set up etc.

B7) Where equipment is used, demonstrate safe use, including pre-use checks, limitation on use and emergency functions of equipment

During the training session the trainee will be given the opportunity to practise a range of activities specific to their individual needs.

Module C – Chair Activities

The suggested minimum time for a group session is 2 – 3 hours, dependent on individual need. If this module is delivered independently, Module A should be reinforced throughout.

Purpose

To provide instruction and training for assisting people of differing abilities into and out of a seated position.

Learning outcomes – at the end of the session, the trainee should be able to:

C1) Describe the principles of manual handling of people

C2) Identify the key areas for undertaking a risk assessment for people handling

C3) Describe how the person and others (eg carers) are fully involved in making decisions around their manual handling

C4) Describe high risk practices as relevant to this module

C5) Describe how to enable the person to achieve a comfortable and supported seated posture before, during and after undertaking a manual handling activity

C6) Demonstrate an understanding of how people move when standing, sitting, and walking, to maximise a person’s independence

C7) Demonstrate competence to undertake a standing transfer from one surface to another, including supporting in standing and assisting to mobilise. This should include being able to provide the following from a range of surfaces (eg chair, bed):

i) verbal prompts ii) minimal assistance iii) more support

C8) Describe how to deal with the following manual handling scenarios, (demonstration and / or practise is at the discretion of the trainer and the organisation):

i. the falling person

ii. Instructing a person to raise themselves from the floor

iii. assisting the fallen person out of a confined space

C9) Where equipment is used, demonstrate safe use including pre-use checks, limitations of use and emergency functions

During the training session the trainee will be given sufficient opportunity to practise activities to meet their individual needs.

Suggested equipment: slide sheets, one-way slide sheet, standing turning aids.

NB. The term ‘Bed’ can include plinths, trolleys, settees and theatre tables.

Module D – Bed Activities

The suggested minimum time for a group session is 2 – 3 hours, dependent on individual need.

If this module is delivered independently, Module C, learning outcomes C1-3 should be included, or recapped if previously covered. In addition, Module A should be reinforced during the module.

NB. The term ‘Bed’ can include plinths, trolleys, changing tables, theatre tables etc.

Purpose

To provide instruction and training for assisting people of differing abilities to move in a ‘bed’.

Learning outcomes – by the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

D1) Demonstrate an understanding of how people move on a ‘bed’ to maximise a person’s independence

D2) Describe high risk practices as relevant to this module

D3) Describe how to enable the person to achieve a comfortable and supported posture on a bed before, during and after a manual handling activity

D4) Demonstrate appropriate posture / movement whilst working at a ‘bed’, when for example, assisting with activities of daily living, treating, examining a person

D5) Demonstrate competence to assist a person whilst in a ‘bed,’ to move within the ‘bed’ and to get in and out of it. This should include being able to provide:

i) verbal prompts ii) minimal assistance iii) more support

D6) Demonstrate safe use of equipment (for example, electric profiling beds and slide sheets), including pre-use checks, limitations of use and emergency functions

During the training session the trainee will be given sufficient opportunity to practise activities to meet their individual needs.

Suggested Equipment: slide sheets, in-bed systems, handling sling, bed ladder, wedges, hand blocks, leg raiser, dynamic mattress, electric profiling bed, divan bed, double bed.

Module E – Hoisting Activities (P, A, O)

The suggested minimum time for a group session is 2 – 3 hours, dependent on individual need and the number of elements included.

The needs of employees receiving this module can vary considerably. For example, some groups may require training on overhead track hoists only, and others will require all hoist types to be included. Therefore, the delegate will receive training on the hoist type (P, A, O) specific to their needs:

P – Passive mobile hoist, whose main purpose is to lift the full body weight of a person

A – Active mobile hoist (standing hoists), whose main purpose is to transfer a person whilst facilitating active weight bearing through their lower limbs

O – Overhead tracking, as per passive hoists but mounted on an overhead system

The module will be awarded as Module E / __ with the code for the hoist type trained on, for example, a delegate receiving training involving passive, active and overhead track hoists will receive Module E / PAO.

If this module is delivered independently, Module C, learning outcomes C1-3 should be included, or recapped if previously covered. In addition, Module A should be reinforced during the module.

Purpose

To provide instruction and training in the use of hoists to move and/or transfer people.

Learning outcomes – by the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

E1) Describe different types of hoists – active (standing) and passive mobile hoists; overhead tracking hoists; and bathing hoists, their functionality, uses and limitations

E2) Describe different type of slings available, their functionality, uses and limitations and compatibility with different types of hoists eg clip and looped slings / hoists

E3) Demonstrate how to select the appropriate hoist and sling for a person including Safe Working Load, level of support, size of sling & hoist, function, and comfort

E4) Understand how a person’s abilities / conditions can affect safe use of the different types of hoist and slings eg awareness and co-operation, communication, restlessness, physical function, body shape etc.

E5) Describe high risk practices as relevant to this module

E6) Describe how to enable a person to achieve a comfortable and supported posture before, during and after hoisting activities

E7) Understand how different loop attachment lengths or positioning of a spreader bar (clip) will affect the position of the person during hoist transfer

E8) Understand the need for pre-use checks, including identifying the emergency functions, and ensuring equipment is in date with regards to LOLER inspection and servicing

E9) Describe how to hoist a person from the floor to a chair and / or bed

E10) Demonstrate competence inserting and removing slings with a person in lying and / or sitting. This should include being able to provide:

i) verbal prompts ii) minimal assistance iii) more support

E11) Demonstrate competence in safe use of hoisting equipment by transferring a person from one surface to another including to and from a bed and chair.

Suggested Equipment: Passive Mobile / Overhead Track Hoist (a sling lifting hoist, capable of lifting from the floor); Active Hoist; Pool Hoist (and its range of accessories); slide sheets; and a selection of appropriate slings.

Module F – Lateral Transfers

The suggested minimum time for a group session is ½ - 1 hour, dependent on individual need.

If this module is delivered independently Module A should be reinforced during the module, including high risk practices and team handling as they apply to this activity.

Purpose

To provide instruction and training for moving people laterally from one flat surface to another in a lying position, for example, bed to trolley.

Learning outcomes – by the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

F1) Demonstrate competence in performing a lateral transfer from bed to trolley / trolley to bed using the appropriate principles of manual handling.

F2) Demonstrate safe use of equipment including pre-use checks, limitation of use and emergency functions

During the training session the trainee will be given the opportunity to practise the activity specific to their individual needs.

Suggested equipment: full length lateral transfer aids and slide sheets, transport trolleys, beds, mortuary trolleys, x-ray table, shower trolley, ambulance trolleys.

Module G – Small Children & Babies

The suggested minimum time for a group session is 1½ - 2 hrs, dependent on individual need and the number of elements included.

This module is aimed at employees who move and handle babies from birth to approximately one year old and / or small children, defined as children up to approximately 8 years old, with consideration given to their individual height, weight, developmental stage and functional movement.

This module will be awarded as Module G / __ with the code SC for Small Children and / or B for babies' dependent on learning outcomes covered. If employees move and handle babies only, learning outcome G5 and G6 does not apply.

If delivered independently of module C, Module C, learning outcomes C1-3 (as applied to small children and babies) should be included, or recapped if previously covered. In addition, Module A should be reinforced during the module.

Purpose

To provide instruction and training for moving & handling babies and / or small children of differing abilities.

Learning Outcomes – by the end of the session the trainee should be able to:

G1) Describe the hazards of working at low levels and on the floor and identify a range of potential control measures.

G2) Describe high risk practices as relevant to this module

G3) Describe the key areas of undertaking a risk assessment for lifting and carrying a small child and / or baby, including the appropriate use of equipment.

G4) Demonstrate appropriate posture / movement whilst treating, examining and carrying out activities of daily living with small children and / or babies eg assisting with nutritional support, dressing, changing nappies and bathing.

G5) Describe how to enable a small child to achieve a comfortable and supported posture before, during and after manual handling activities

G6) Demonstrate competence to provide different levels of assistance when a small child (mannequin) is transferring from one surface to another or being assisted to stand and sit, from the floor, a low seated position or a buggy. This should include being able to provide:

i) verbal prompts ii) minimal assistance iii) more support

G7) Demonstrate competence to manually lift and carry small children and / or babies (mannequins) from one surface to another including staged lifting to / from the floor.

G8) Where equipment is used demonstrate safe use including pre-use checks and limitations on use and any emergency functions.

During the training session the participants will be given sufficient opportunity to practise activities to meet their individual needs.

Suggested equipment: height adjustable bed / plinth, cot, postural management seating, buggy, wheelchair, wheeled stool, mannequin weighing less than 7kg, ‘baby doll’, small slide sheet, manual lifting sling, floor mat / knee pads, pillows or cushions, small bean bag, small step, small size walking aid and standing frame.