Guidance for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinder The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (updated 1998) came

into force in January 1993. The purpose of the regulations is to reduce the

risk of injury from manual handling operations.

To comply with these regulations, the Imperial College as an employer

must identify all manual handling operations undertaken by its employees

and appoint a competent person to assess the risks involved in the manual

handling activities.

It is imperative to carry out a risk assessment on manual handling of gas

cylinders which is a high risk activity. Cylinders are extremely heavy due

to the fact that they are made of metal and have to withstand high

pressure. They are also unstable when unsupported because of their long,

thin shape.

Over 30% of the accidents reported to the Health and Safety Executive

under RIDDOR 1995 (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous

Occurrences Regulations) were caused by manual handling activities. To

reduce these risks staffs that operate mechanical aids, such as cylinder

trolleys must be fully trained in their use and the use of correct body

mechanics for pushing and pulling.

The Imperial College has an Occupational Health Unit which provides

advice and, general training on manual handling to staff. Staff suffering

from manual handling injuries must report it to the Occupational Health

Unit using the accident form which can be obtain from the College

website (Safety Unit).

Risk Assessment 1. Identify hazards associated with manual handling of gas cylinders

The impact from falling cylinders can cause explosion resulting in

injuries from flying parts. Manual handling of cylinders involving wrong

postures can caused severe health problems such as disc injuries, sprains

and strains when muscles are stretched. Fractures can be caused by

crushing body parts under the heavy load of the cylinder.

2. Identify people at risk

The risk assessment must identity everyone who is at risk for the hazards

involved in handling gas cylinders: People directly involved in

performing the tasks (technicians, post graduates students), and people

who might be in the vicinity when there is an accident such as

contractors, cleaners, maintenance workers, students, and visitors.

Persons at risk must be identified to devise adequate control measures

which must give priority to protecting the whole workplace instead of

concentrating on individual measures such as use of protective personal

equipment.

3. Evaluation of existing control

Adequate control measures involved carrying out a risk assessment under

the Manual Handling Operation Regulation 1992 (amended 1998) and

taking the following point into account:

- Mass and dimension of the gas cylinders (safety data sheet from

supplier).

- Establish gripping points before doing the lift such as valve guard.

- Use of suitable PPE: lab coat, safety spectacles/goggles, safety shoes.

-Use of ergonomically designed mechanical aids e.g. cylinder trolley.

- Perform the task by two staff.

4. Record the finding

The finding of the risk assessment must be recorded and communicated

to all staff involved in the manual handling of gas cylinders.

The risk assessment must be reviewed when there is any change in the

task (longer carrying distance) or personnel (untrained staff) involved.

Techniques for Safe Manual Handling of Gas Cylinders

Loading Gas Cylinder on trolley

Wear steel toe capped shoes and industrial quality gloves

Undo securing bars on trolley and slide it near the cylinder

Unhook chain from rack and place palm of hand on top of cylinder

neck, get a firm grip

Tilt cylinder slightly forward so it rests on the rim of the base and

use the other hand to rotate cylinder milk churning it from rack to

trolley

Pushing trolley and unloading gas cylinder

Fasten securing bars on the trolley

Place one foot on the axle and tilt the trolley back so it balances

comfortably on the wheels

Keeping back straight, push trolley and set it down in front of the

laboratory bench

Remove cylinder from trolley, milk churning it into its new

position and clamp it securely to the bench using chains, or straps.

Training

Training is an important way of achieving competence and contributes to

the laboratorys health and safety culture at all levels. All employees must

be given the following training:

1. General training on Manual Handling as part of induction training

which should outline all the relevant health and safety issues associated

with manual handling operations.

2. Task specific training identified by suitable risk assessment of all

manual handling tasks performed by staff. Thus employees involved with

handling of gas cylinders must receive specific manual handling training,

as well as refresher training, including some practical session in the

course to demonstrate to staff how to perform the manual handling task

e.g. proper manual handling technique to load and propel a cylinder

trolley.

The objectives of this manual handling guidance is to assist the staff

involved with manual handling of gas cylinders to reduce the number of

manual handling injuries by providing practical advice to reduce the risks

associated with handling of cylinders.

Safe manual handling techniques when put into practice will help reduce

sickness and absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, insurance premiums

and compensation claims and improve productivity of the technical staff

of the Imperial College.

An example of Risk Assessment carried out on the Manual

Handling of Gas Cylinder

Manual Handling of loads: Assessment checklist Section A Preliminary: *Circle as appropriate Task description: Handling of gas cylinder. Load weight: 60 Kg Carrying distance: Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives: Yes

Is an assessment needed? (e.g. is there risk for injury?) Yes/ No

If Yes continue. If No assessment need go no further. Operations covered by this assessment Gas cylinder from ground floor lifted and placed on trolley which is manoeuvred into lift, then pushed into lab, unloaded and placed near lab bench. Locations: Loading bay to Laboratory on 3rd floor. Personnel involved: Lab Technician Date of assessment: January 06

Section B See detailed analysis Section C Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/ Med/ High Section D- Remedial action to be taken Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: 1. Provide ergonomically designed cylinder trolley. 2. Task specific training for technicians. 3. Wear suitable PPE 4. Obtain help when doing the task 5. Always keep a spare oxygen cylinder in the lab. Date by which action should be taken: January 06 Date for reassessment: July 06 Assessors name: S.J

Section B Detailed Risk Assessment for Manual Handling of Gas Cylinders Questions to consider If yes, tick level of

risk Problems occurring from the task Possible remedial action

e.g. changes to be made to load, task, environment

Do the tasks involve: Low Medium High -High initial force to get load moving?

9

-High forces to keep load in motion?

9

-Sudden movements to start stop or manoeuvre the load?

9

-Twisting/manoeuvring of the load into position or around obstacles?

9

-One-handed operations? 9 -The hand below the waist or above shoulder height?

9

-Movement at high speed? 9 -Movement over long distances?

9

-Repetitive pushing/ pulling? 9 The loads to be moved: -Does it lack good handholds?

9

-Is it unstable/ unpredictable?

9

-Is vision over it restricted? 9

Wheels difficult to move, not well aligned. Weight supported on arms to balance cylinder on trolley and maintain it in position, high force required. . Long distance: from 3rd floor to loading bay situated on ground floor, shoulder and arms muscles under considerable strain Due to its shape and absence of handle on cylinders, and inclined position, initial large force needed to push trolley. when loading and unloading cylinder on trolley, risk of unpredictable movement high Thin and long shape made it unstable

Review procedures for maintenance of trolley. Review suitability of mechanical equipment. Possibility of using two staffs to perform task.

Question to consider If yes, tick level of

risk Problems occurring from the task Possible remedial

action If trolleys used, are they: Low Medium High

-Unsuitable for the type of load?

9

-Unsuitable for the floor surface/ work environment?

9

-Difficult to steer? 9

-Easily damaged or defective? 9

-Without brake or difficult to stop?

9

-With brakes, but the brakes are poor/ineffective?

-Without a planned inspection and maintenance regime based on a frequency that keeps them in working order?

9

Unsuitable trolley for a 65 Kg cylinder, technician has to support trolley handle which put excessive strain on shoulder, forearms and wrists. Very difficult to steer and to hold handle of trolley to prevent cylinder from falling. Difficult to balance cylinder on trolley. Maintenance of trolley needed i.e. lubrication, cleaning of wheels.

Consult manufacturer to find alternative model of trolley. Assess design of handles and ensure handle height are appropriate. Arrange for plan preventive maintenance of trolleys.

Questions to consider If yes, tick level of

risk Problems occurring from the task

Possible remedial action

Do the tasks involve:

Low Medium High

-Consider the work environment: are there:

-Constraints on posture 9-Confined spaces/ narrow doorways? 9 -Surfaces or edges to cause cuts/abrasions/burns to hand or body

9

-Rutted/damaged/slippery floors? 9 -Ramps/slopes/uneven surface? 9 -Trapping or tripping hazards? 9-Hot/cold/humid conditions? 9 -Strong air movement? 9 -Poor lighting conditions? 9 Consider individual capability-does the job:

-Require unusual capability? 9-Pose a risk to those with a health problem or physical/learning disability

9

-Pose a risk to pregnant women? 9-Call for special information/training? 9

Large constraint on posture while holding the trolley and trying to prevent load from falling. Hard to open doors while holding trolley. Confined space: transport cylinder in lift. Presence of uneven surface: Problems occur when engaging the two-wheeled trolley in lift (lift floor sometime not at same levelled). Person need to be strong to be able to hold weight of cylinder on trolley. Hard to get the right equilibrium. Would pose risk to person with physical disability. Training needed.

Review suitability of trolley. Provide facilities (chain) to secure trolley in lift. Report problem to lift engineer. Review suitability of trolley Provide task-specific training.

Questions to consider

Yes/ No

Problems occurring from the task

Possible remedial action

Other factors to consider Equipment -Is movement or posture hindered by clothing or personal protective equipment? -Is there an absence of correct/suitable PPE being worn? -Are trolleys/floor surfaces poorly maintained/ cleaned/ repaired? -Is there a lack of regular maintenance procedures for the equipment? Work Organisation(Psychological factors) -Do workers feel that there has been a lack of consideration given to the planning and scheduling of tasks/ rest breaks? -Do workers feel that there is poor communication between managers and employees (e.g. not involved in risk assessments of tasks)? -Are there sudden changes in workload, without mechanism to deal with the change?

Yes No No Yes No No No

Tricky to manoeuvre cylinder with gloves, dexterity decreased Wheels not aligned properly

Find alternative types of gloves. Review maintenance procedures.