Answer to Question 1:

Hi Rosemary,

The H.S.A Guidance on the Management of Manual Handling in the Workplace (2005) advises refresher training at intervals not more than every three years and when there is any major change in the work involved or equipment used or when an employee is transferred to another activity requiring different loads to be handled.

A competent trained instructor is required to carry out the training, i.e. trainers who have received appropriate training and have knowledge, skill and experience in the subject, have the ability to communicate effectively, are able to give practical demonstrations and have appropriate teaching materials.  You can contract external trainers to conduct training or train members of your own team as instructors.  Check out our website or contact our office (01-4730550) for manual handling training/instructor details.