T-IM114b P61/62
T20
Series
OPERATION TABLE
APPENDIX 4
MANUAL HANDLING SAFETY NOTES AND ADVICE
1 Manual handling
1.1 During configuration or adjustment of the T20 series
of table there are occasions where the user should be
aware of the safe practises to be employed during manual
handling or adjustment of parts of the table. For information
the weights of the heaviest accessories commonly used
are listed below. When lifting, carrying or fitting these
accessories it is recommended that care is taken and two
people are employed when required.
Leg section, without mattress, 11.50kg (25.3lb)
Leg section, with 50mm mattress, 14.25kg (31.4lb)
Leg section, with 75mm mattress, 15.63kg (34.4lb)
Head section, without mattress, 7.75kg (17.1lb)
Head section, with 50mm mattress, 9.75kg (21.5lb)
Head section, with 75mm mattress, 10.75kg (23.7lb)
Long and short trunk 50mm mattress, 7.25kg (16.0lb)
Long and short trunk 75mm mattress 10.88kg (23.9lb)
Footrest, without mattress, 5.00kg (11.0lb)
Footrest, including 50mm mattress, 7.00kg (15.4lb)
A divided leg section, 7.70kg (16.9lb)
A divided leg section, with 50mm mattress, 9.90kg (21.8lb)
A divided leg section, with 75mm mattress, 11.0kg (24.2lb)
Long width extender, with 75mm mattress, 6.00kg (13.2lb)
* NOTE: 50mm mattress weights included in the values
above are for the original style of 50mm mattress. The
latest 50mm mattress weights are approximately one third
of those indicated above. New mattresses can be identified
by the white breather ports on their base (see section 7.0).
1.2 When adjusting a section such as the head and leg
section the weight is partially supported* by the gas springs,
but together with the weight of the patient’s limbs, the total
weight required to be lifted could be much greater than the
weight of the section and mattress*. It is not possible to
quantify this weight exactly as each situation will vary, but
Fig. 4.9 should assist in an approximation, taking into
account the patient’s actual total weight.
These ‘Instructions for use’ advise supporting the weight
of the patient during adjustment of any section, obviously
this requires the intervention of several personnel, some
supporting the patient’s limbs and others adjusting the table
sections.
* Because of the complexities involved in both the way the
patient loading acts on a section, and the assisting force
provided by the gas spring varies, as the section is raised
or lowered about its hinge, the load at a particular point
cannot be exactly stated.
1.3 Manual handling is covered by legislation and the
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require
employers to avoid the need for employees to carry out
manual handling work that could cause injury by
mechanising processes, or reorganising work, so far as is
reasonably practicable. It states that it is the Duty of
Employees while at work to make full and proper use of
any system of work provided for his use by his employer
to comply with these regulations. To this end the following
publication could be used to create such a system of
working, “Manual Handling in the health services”, Health
and Safety Commission, 1998.
1.4 There are no recommended maximum weights
specified in the “Manual Handling Operations Regulations
1992” or the “Health and Safety (miscellaneous
amendment) Regulations 2002” but the notes following may
be considered useful in compiling a safe working practice.
The reason no specific maximum weights are stipulated is
that factors such as an individuals capabilities (height,
gender, strength, etc.) the load (size, availability of hand-
holds, weight, etc.) the task (motion required, duration,
distance, etc.) the environment and other factors all need
to be assessed when considering the task.
2 How to lift safely
Where the ‘load’ is a patient the person or team must
communicate with the patient throughout the lifting
procedure if they are conscious. Here are some important
points, using a basic lifting operation as an example, these
points can be remembered as the four ‘Ps’.
i PLAN - Plan the lift.
Where is the load to be placed? Use appropriate
handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the
load? Remove obstructions such as discarded
wrapping materials. For a long lift, such as floor-to-
shoulder height, consider resting the load midway
on a table or bench in order to change grip.
ii PREPARE - Prepare load and position feet.
Make the load secure, easy to hold, safe and
compact. Clear obstructions and any floor hazards
giving good visibility and space. Position the feet
apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting
with the leading leg as far forward as is comfortable.
iii POSTURE - Adopt a good posture.
When lifting from a low level, bend the knees. But
do not kneel or overflex the knees. Keep the back
straight (tucking in the chin helps). Lean forward a
little over the load if necessary to get a good grip.
Get as close to the load as possible. Keep the
shoulders level and facing in the same direction as
the hips. Try to keep the arms within the boundary
formed by the legs, elbows tucked in. The best
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