1.1 Identify current legislation, national guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols in relation to moving and positioning individuals.
The moving and positioning of individuals must be carried out in accordance with both national guidelines and relevant legislation. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has developed regulations to ensure the safe lifting, handling, and movement of people by employers. Legislation such as the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requires employers to minimise the risks associated with manual handling activities, such as moving or supporting another person.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance on how to manage movements safely when caring for an individual. This includes the use of suitable equipment, such as hoists or bed rails, to reduce the risks involved in manual handling and the use of different techniques based on the abilities of the individual. NICE also recommends regular assessments by healthcare professionals before any manual moves are carried out.
HSE’s guidance provides further information on the types of equipment available, the principles to follow, and how communication can reduce the risks of manual handling. It also includes advice on handling different age groups. The British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (BACP) offers support documents on safe moving techniques, tools for risk assessments, and guidelines for transferring patients between areas or care settings.
In addition, each organisation should have policies, procedures, and protocols in place that outline specific details about manual moves, including who is responsible for ensuring that everyone understands what is expected of them in terms of safely managing the movement of individuals. These should be documented in the organisation’s health and safety policy.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Summarise own responsibilities and accountability in relation to moving and positioning individuals
- 1.3 Describe health and safety factors in relation to moving and positioning individuals
- 2.1 Outline the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to moving and positioning individuals
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2.2 Describe the impact of specific conditions on the movement and positioning of an individual
- 3.1 Describe the action to take if the individual’s wishes conflict with their care plan
- 4.5 Describe the aids and equipment that may be used for moving and positioning
- 5.1 Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought in relation to moving or positioning an individual
- 5.2 Describe sources of information available in relation to moving and positioning individuals