39 / 51
Manual Handling Risk Assessment for
USE OF ELECTRIC BUFFER
Activity
Potential
Hazards
Risk
Rating
Control Measures
Responsibility
Some forceful
backward and forward
movement may be
required to
manipulate the buffer.
Shoulder and arm
muscular strain
Medium Make sure training has been undertaken in
the use of the buffer and competency on
the job has been assessed.
Limit the use of the buffer to periods not
extending to more than 45 minutes at any
one time. Provide a break from the task as
appropriate.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
consider work schedules with
cleaner.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
ensure training and assess
competency.
When large areas are
being cleaned,
sustained buffing
occurs.
Muscular
tiredness through
repetition
Low Rest breaks must be provided where work
is continuous. Five minutes spent on a
different task before returning to the
sweeping
Cleaner to organize as part of
daily work arrangements.
Where buffing is done
in passageways,
restrictions to
movement may apply
Muscular sprains
and strains to
upper body
Low Rotate task with other areas to avoid
restricted areas over a continued period of
time
Cleaner to organize as part of
daily work arrangements.
Constant holding of
the buffer to control
movement
Muscular/tendon
stress or pressure
Low Holding of the buffer should not be an issue
if it is being used correctly. Supervisor to
review training and competency if the buffer
is being held tightly. The cleaner should
work ‘with ‘ the buffer rather than fight its
movement.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
ensure training and assess
competency.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment for
CLEANING WINDOWS
Activity
Potential
Hazards
Risk
Rating
Control Measures
Responsibility
Cleaning large
windows. Space.
Shoulder/Neck
Arm strain
Upper trunk strain
Medium No cleaning above shoulder height, provide
extension arm to reach higher areas.
Use small work platforms (steps), scaffolds
or elevated work platforms to enable
employees to clean windows without
excessive reaching or force.
Provide instruction, training in the correct
selection of cleaning materials to enable
the task to be undertaken without the use of
excessive force.
Ensure adequate breaks are taken on large
surface areas.
Rotate the task amongst employees.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
determine, in consultation
with cleaner and client
representative, the most
appropriate method of
working above the ground
level [or above 2 metres] as
required.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
ensure training and assess
competency.
Cleaner to ensure they
alternate their duties to
provide appropriate breaks.
Cleaning large
windows. Space.
Upper trunk strain
Low Provide instruction, training in the correct
selection of cleaning materials to enable
the task to be undertaken without the use of
excessive force.
Supervisor and H&S Rep to
ensure training and assess
competency.
Cleaner to ensure they
alternate their duties to
provide appropriate breaks.