It is statutory for all employees to attend Manual Handling or People Handling training. This training must be relevant to your role, work activities, and environment.
Manual Handling and People Handling are blended training courses. The training consists of 2 modules, part 1 theory and part 2 practical.
You must complete the Manual Handling (Inanimate) training if you handle objects and loads, not people.
You must complete the People Handling training if you handle objects and people.
Line managers, training coordinators or health and safety officers can only book this training.
HSE manual handling and people handling instructors or the HSE-approved training provider deliver the practical classroom-based training.
Part 1 theory module
This module is mandatory for all employees. It is common to both manual handling and people handling training.
This should be completed on HSeLanD. If this is not possible, this module can be delivered as part of the classroom-based training.
Factors to consider
You must:
- have access to a tablet or computer to complete the theory and assessment module on HSeLanD
- complete the theory module within a maximum of 6 weeks of the practical training date. How to book the training
- provide a copy of the theory module certificate on the day of the practical training. This can be in print or a screenshot. If you do not provide your certificate you cannot attend the practical training
Duration
The theory module takes approximately 1 hour.
Assessment
You must complete a short assessment at the end of the theory module.
Part 2 practical module
This training reinforces the knowledge gained from the theory module. It provides you with the knowledge and skills to safely complete manual handling and people handling tasks relevant to your work. This module is classroom based.
Factors to consider
Manual handling or people handling training must be specific to your work activities, work equipment, and environment.
Line managers must undertake the following:
- Training needs assessment (TNA) that will inform the focus of the practical training (for example, catering staff may require training on pushing and pulling catering trolleys)
- Task specific risk assessment in accordance with the Manual Handling and People Handling Policy
You should dress for the training in accordance with the uniform policy, if one exists, or wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing such as a tracksuit and suitable shoes.
Duration
The practical training can take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on techniques.
Assessment
You must demonstrate correct manual handling and people-handling techniques.
How to book
To book a HSE instructor you should contact your local training or manual handling coordinator or instructor.
To book the HSE-approved training provider contact Usafety:
Phone: 091 485580
Email: training@usafety.ie
Fill out the locally coordinated training request form (LCTRF).
This informs the training provider about:
- course details and attendees
- venue suitability
- specific training needs as identified through the TNA
- accessibility or fitness to participate issues
Training will not be confirmed until you submit a completed LCTRF.
The following applies to attendance levels:
- maximum attendees per instructor is 10
- minimum attendees per instructor is 7
Venue suitability
Fill out a Training Venue Checklist for each training venue and submit it to the instructor or training provider.
Training records
Certificates will be emailed to the person who booked the training once the practical module is successfully completed.
Managers must keep copies of employees' training records on file. This is in line with the HSE National Records Retention Policy. The policy requires managers to keep electronic files for 7 years after an employee's term of service ends.
A template for recording the training dates is available in the OSH training toolkit.
Refresher Manual Handling and People Handling Training
You must undertake refresher training:
- every 3 years
- when there is any major change in working practices or equipment
- when transferred to an activity requiring the handling of different loads
How to book Refresher Manual Handling and People Handling Training
Training can only be booked through a line manager, training coordinator or health and safety officer.