Principles of Manual Handling
Practical half-day Level 2 training that helps employees understand manual-handling risk and use safer working principles.
Training is tailored around real tasks and reinforces the correct hierarchy: avoid hazardous handling where possible, assess what cannot be avoided and reduce the risk.
Course Description
The Level 2 Award in Principles of Manual Handling (RQF) is designed to raise awareness of the injuries and ill health that can result from poorly planned or unsafe handling.
Learners examine the factors that make a task higher risk, the responsibilities of employers and employees, and the practical principles that support safer lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling.
Manual-handling training is only one part of risk control. It does not replace redesigning the task, using mechanical aids, completing a suitable assessment or reducing the load and environmental risks.
Candidates need a suitable level of English to understand the course content and complete the required activities and assessments. Reasonable adjustments may be available where appropriate; please contact us before the course to discuss individual learning requirements.
Booking for a group? Explore our on-site training options.
Need training for moving and assisting people? Ask about Safe Moving and Handling.
Want broader workplace awareness? View our Health & Safety in the Workplace course.
What are the different learning methods for this course?
Face-to-face Learning — Our Fave!
The Level 2 course is normally delivered face-to-face over half a day.
The session combines essential theory with demonstrations and practical activity so the trainer can identify and correct unsafe technique.
Examples should relate to the tasks, loads, equipment and environment learners actually encounter at work.
Where suitable, learners can practise planning and completing handling activities using representative loads and relevant mechanical aids.
Task-Relevant On-Site Training
On-site delivery allows the trainer to discuss your workplace tasks and reinforce the safe systems of work your risk assessment has established.
Training is most effective when it forms part of a wider programme that includes avoiding unnecessary handling, suitable equipment, supervision and review.
Principles of Manual Handling · Level 2 RQF · Half Day
On-Site Courses:
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Who should attend?
This course is suitable for employees whose work includes lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or moving loads, including:
There is no universally safe lifting weight. Risk depends on the task, the load, the individual, the environment and how frequently the handling occurs.
If your staff move or assist people rather than inanimate loads, ask us about Safe Moving and Handling training so we can recommend the correct course and practical equipment.
Call one of our training experts on 0208 402 8232 or email info@frontlinetraining.co.uk.
What topics are covered on Principles of Manual Handling?
Assessment and Certification
Assessment
Learners are assessed through trainer observation of practical activity together with the required multiple-choice theory assessment. The trainer checks understanding of risk control as well as the application of safer handling principles.
Certification
Successful learners receive the Level 2 Award in Principles of Manual Handling (RQF), a nationally recognised Ofqual-regulated qualification. Training should be refreshed when tasks, equipment or risks change and as identified by the employer’s review arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Manual Handling course?
The Level 2 Principles of Manual Handling course is normally delivered over half a day.
Is Principles of Manual Handling a regulated qualification?
Yes. Successful learners receive the Level 2 Award in Principles of Manual Handling (RQF), an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Is there a maximum safe lifting weight?
No. HSE does not set a universal safe weight because risk depends on the task, load, individual, environment, frequency and other factors.
Does training alone make a manual-handling task safe?
No. Employers should first avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, assess tasks that cannot be avoided and reduce the risk. Training supports those controls but does not replace them.
Is the course practical?
Yes. Learners take part in demonstrations and practical activity so unsafe habits can be identified and corrected.
Can you tailor the course to our workplace tasks?
Yes. On-site delivery can use relevant examples and representative loads, provided this can be done safely and within the qualification requirements.
Does the course cover moving people?
This course focuses on handling inanimate loads. Moving and assisting people involves different risks, techniques and equipment; ask us about Safe Moving and Handling training.
Do learners need previous experience?
No previous qualification is required.
How many learners can attend?
Group size depends on the practical space, activities and assessment plan. Tell us how many people require training and we will recommend the best arrangement.
When should manual-handling training be refreshed?
Training should be reviewed when tasks, equipment, systems of work or risks change, when monitoring identifies a problem, and at intervals set by the employer’s training and risk-management arrangements.
“Excellent training, highly recommended.”
Rosy Mtz Zag