Level 2 Award in Manual Handling Safety

This qualification is divided into 10 key units, each designed to strengthen awareness and improve manual handling safety practices.

1. Introduction to Manual Handling Safety
   Understanding the importance of safe manual handling and its role in preventing workplace injuries.

2. Legislation and Responsibilities
   Learning about relevant laws, regulations, and employer/employee duties related to manual handling safety.

3. Anatomy and Body Mechanics
   Understanding how the body works, focusing on the spine, posture, and correct body movements during lifting.

4. Types of Manual Handling Activities
   Identifying different types of manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

5. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
   Recognizing potential manual handling hazards and assessing risks before performing a task.

6. Safe Lifting and Moving Techniques
   Learning proper manual handling methods, including correct lifting positions and teamwork techniques.

7. Use of Mechanical Aids and Equipment
   Understanding when and how to use handling equipment like trolleys, hoists, and conveyors safely.

8. Workplace Ergonomics
   Designing and maintaining safe work environments that reduce strain and support correct posture.

9. Accident Prevention and Reporting
   Learning how to prevent manual handling-related injuries and report accidents properly.

10. Health, Fitness, and Personal Safety Awareness
    Promoting personal health, physical readiness, and lifestyle habits that support safe manual handling.

• Increases understanding of manual handling risks and safe working techniques.

• Reduces workplace injuries and absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders.

• Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Builds confidence in using proper lifting and handling methods.

• Enhances workplace safety culture and employee well-being.

• Recognized qualification that supports career development in safety-conscious industries.

The Level 2 Award in Manual Handling Safety is suitable for:

• Employees involved in manual work such as lifting, moving, or carrying loads.

• Warehouse, logistics, construction, and manufacturing workers.

• Office and retail staff handling stock or equipment.

• Supervisors and team leaders responsible for ensuring manual handling safety.

• Individuals seeking to meet workplace safety requirements or refresh their manual handling skills.

• Assessment Type: Multiple-choice or practical assessment.

• Number of Questions: 20–30 (for theory-based exams).

• Passing Marks: 60–70%, depending on awarding body.

• Duration: 30–45 minutes.

• Mode of Assessment: Online, written, or practical demonstration.

• Certification: Learners who pass receive an officially recognized Level 2 Award in Manual Handling Safety certificate.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.