Manual Handling Quiz

You can choose between the timed quiz, which provides a certificate upon passing, or the manual version below. The best way to test your knowledge is with the live quiz, which pulls questions from our question bank.
Note: After completing the live quiz, you will receive a certificate with your name and score sent to your inbox.
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Manual Handling Quiz (50 Questions & Answers)
1. What is manual handling?
A) Using machinery to lift heavy objects
B) Moving or supporting objects by hand or bodily force
C) Driving a forklift to transport goods
D) Writing a report about lifting techniques
Answer: B
2. Why is manual handling training important?
A) To increase workplace productivity
B) To reduce the risk of injury
C) To teach employees how to use computers
D) To improve communication skills
Answer: B
3. What should you do before lifting an object?
A) Assess the weight and size of the load
B) Lift it immediately to save time
C) Ask someone else to do it
D) Ignore safety guidelines
Answer: A
4. Which part of the body is most at risk during poor manual handling?
A) Eyes
B) Back
C) Hands
D) Knees
Answer: B
5. What is the best way to lift a load?
A) Bend your back and keep legs straight
B) Keep your back straight and bend your knees
C) Twist your body while lifting
D) Use only one hand to lift
Answer: B
6. What does the acronym TILE stand for in manual handling?
A) Task, Individual, Load, Environment
B) Time, Injury, Load, Effort
C) Tools, Instruction, Lifting, Energy
D) Team, Impact, Load, Exercise
Answer: A
7. How should you hold a load while carrying it?
A) As far away from your body as possible
B) Close to your body
C) Above your head
D) With one hand only
Answer: B
8. What should you avoid when lifting a load?
A) Bending your knees
B) Twisting your spine
C) Keeping the load close
D) Planning the lift
Answer: B
9. Who is responsible for safe manual handling in the workplace?
A) Only the employer
B) Only the employees
C) Both employer and employees
D) The government
Answer: C
10. What is a common injury from poor manual handling?
A) Broken arm
B) Muscle strain
C) Hearing loss
D) Eye irritation
Answer: B
11. When should you use mechanical aids for lifting?
A) For every task
B) When the load is too heavy or awkward
C) Only during emergencies
D) When you feel tired
Answer: B
12. What should you check on a load before lifting?
A) Its color
B) Its weight and stability
C) Its brand name
D) Its smell
Answer: B
13. How should you move a load over a long distance?
A) Carry it on your shoulder
B) Drag it along the floor
C) Use a trolley or other equipment
D) Throw it to your destination
Answer: C
14. What should you do if a load is too heavy to lift alone?
A) Lift it anyway
B) Ask for help or use equipment
C) Leave it where it is
D) Complain to your manager
Answer: B
15. Why should you avoid rushing when lifting?
A) It wastes time
B) It increases the risk of injury
C) It annoys coworkers
D) It makes the load heavier
Answer: B
🟣Related Course: People Manual Handling Train the Trainer Course.
Intermediate Level (Questions 16–35)
16. What is the maximum weight a person should lift alone, according to general guidelines?
A) 5 kg
B) 25 kg
C) 50 kg
D) 100 kg
Answer: B (Note: This varies by country and individual capacity, but 25 kg is a common guideline for men in the UK, with lower limits for women or specific conditions.)
17. What does the “Individual” in TILE refer to?
A) The person’s strength and capability
B) The size of the load
C) The weather conditions
D) The time of day
Answer: A
18. What should you do if a load is blocking your view?
A) Carry it anyway
B) Use a trolley or get help
C) Walk backward
D) Close your eyes
Answer: B
19. Which of these is a good practice when lowering a load?
A) Drop it quickly
B) Bend your knees and keep your back straight
C) Twist your body to place it
D) Throw it down
Answer: B
20. What should you wear to assist with manual handling?
A) High heels
B) Loose clothing
C) Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
D) Sandals
Answer: C
21. What does the “Environment” in TILE assess?
A) The weight of the load
B) The workspace conditions (e.g., floor, space)
C) The person’s mood
D) The time of the lift
Answer: B
22. Why is teamwork important in manual handling?
A) It makes the task more fun
B) It reduces the risk of injury for heavy loads
C) It saves money
D) It impresses the boss
Answer: B
23. What should you do if the floor is uneven or slippery?
A) Lift the load faster
B) Clear or avoid the hazard before lifting
C) Ignore it and proceed
D) Jump over it while carrying the load
Answer: B
24. What is a risk assessment in manual handling?
A) Guessing how heavy a load is
B) Identifying hazards and planning safe lifting
C) Measuring the height of a shelf
D) Writing a report after an injury
Answer: B
25. Which of these loads is hardest to handle safely?
A) A small, compact box
B) A large, awkwardly shaped object
C) A lightweight bag
D) A flat, stable tray
Answer: B
26. What should you do if you feel pain while lifting?
A) Keep going to finish the task
B) Stop immediately and report it
C) Ignore it until the end of the day
D) Lift faster to get it over with
Answer: B
27. How can you reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries?
A) Take regular breaks
B) Lift the same way every time
C) Work faster
D) Use heavier loads
Answer: A
28. What is a mechanical aid?
A) A coworker
B) Equipment like a forklift or trolley
C) A safety manual
D) A pair of gloves
Answer: B
29. What should you avoid when carrying a load upstairs?
A) Holding the handrail
B) Taking small steps
C) Rushing or overbalancing
D) Planning your route
Answer: C
30. Why is posture important in manual handling?
A) It makes you look confident
B) It reduces strain on your body
C) It speeds up the task
D) It impresses your coworkers
Answer: B
31. What does “Load” in TILE include?
A) The person’s fitness level
B) The weight, shape, and stability of the object
C) The lighting in the room
D) The time taken to lift
Answer: B
32. How should you approach lifting something from a high shelf?
A) Stretch as far as you can
B) Use a ladder or step stool
C) Jump to reach it
D) Pull it down with one hand
Answer: B
33. What is a sign of a poorly designed manual handling task?
A) Clear instructions
B) Frequent awkward movements
C) Use of equipment
D) Adequate space
Answer: B
34. What should you do if a load shifts while you’re carrying it?
A) Keep moving to your destination
B) Stop and readjust the load
C) Drop it immediately
D) Twist your body to balance it
Answer: B
35. Why should you avoid lifting with outstretched arms?
A) It looks awkward
B) It increases strain on your back
C) It slows you down
D) It makes the load lighter
Answer: B
Advanced Level (Questions 36–50)
36. What is the primary legislation governing manual handling in the UK?
A) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
B) Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
C) Employment Act 2002
D) Workplace Safety Act 1980
Answer: B
37. What is the kinetic lifting technique?
A) Lifting with a straight back and bent knees
B) Using machinery for all lifts
C) Twisting the body to gain momentum
D) Lifting with arms only
Answer: A
38. What is a dynamic risk assessment?
A) A formal written report
B) An ongoing, real-time evaluation of risks
C) A test of lifting strength
D) A manager’s inspection
Answer: B
39. What is the ergonomic approach to manual handling?
A) Designing tasks to fit the worker’s capabilities
B) Using only mechanical aids
C) Ignoring individual differences
D) Lifting as much as possible
Answer: A
40. What is a key factor in assessing a two-person lift?
A) Matching the height of the individuals
B) Clear communication and coordination
C) Speed of the lift
D) The color of the load
Answer: B
41. What is the center of gravity’s role in manual handling?
A) It determines the load’s color
B) It affects the balance and stability of the lift
C) It measures the load’s height
D) It has no impact on lifting
Answer: B
42. What should you do if a load has sharp edges?
A) Lift it quickly to avoid cuts
B) Wear protective gloves or use equipment
C) Ignore the edges
D) Wrap it in paper
Answer: B
43. What is the cumulative effect of poor manual handling?
A) Immediate injury
B) Long-term damage like chronic back pain
C) Improved strength
D) Better posture
Answer: B
44. What is a biomechanical risk in manual handling?
A) Overloading muscles and joints
B) Using the wrong equipment
C) Poor lighting
D) Loud noise
Answer: A
45. How does fatigue affect manual handling?
A) It improves focus
B) It increases the risk of errors and injury
C) It makes loads feel lighter
D) It has no effect
Answer: B
46. What is a safe lifting zone for most people?
A) Below the knees
B) Above the shoulders
C) Between the knees and shoulders
D) At arm’s length
Answer: C
47. What should an employer provide under manual handling regulations?
A) Free meals
B) Training and risk assessments
C) Extra holidays
D) New uniforms
Answer: B
48. What is a common symptom of a manual handling injury?
A) Improved flexibility
B) Pain or stiffness in the back
C) Better eyesight
D) Increased energy
Answer: B
49. How can you assess an unstable load?
A) Shake it to see if it moves
B) Check for loose parts or uneven weight
C) Lift it without checking
D) Ask someone else to lift it first
Answer: B
50. What is the purpose of a manual handling policy in the workplace?
A) To increase profits
B) To outline safe practices and reduce risks
C) To limit employee breaks
D) To enforce strict lifting quotas
Answer: B