ISO/DIS 11228-1

Ergonomics -- Manual handling

Ergonomie -- Manutention manuelle

Standards Content (sample)

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 11228-1
ISO/TC 159/SC 3 Secretariat: JISC
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2019-09-18 2019-12-11
Ergonomics — Manual handling —
Part 1:
Lifting, lowering and carrying
ICS: 13.180

IMPORTANT Please note that the headers and Table of Contents of this version dated 2019-10-14

have been corrected. The technical contents remain unchanged from the previously circulated version.

THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
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PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. ISO 2019
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ISO 11228-1:2003(E)
ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)

F.3.2 Calculating CLI (for a Composite task with more than 10 subtasks) and VLI for Variable

tasks: ....................................................................................................................................................44

F.4 Sequential Lifting tasks and SLI ...........................................................................................................46

Annex G (informative) Examples of manual handling of objects...............................................................48

G.1 Review of steps for lifting risk evaluation ...........................................................................................48

G.2 Example 1: A simple lifting task performed by one worker lifting with two hands.........................48

Annex H (informative) Carrying ......................................................................................................................59

H.1 Carrying limits in other than "reference conditions" .........................................................................59

Annex I (informative) Exposure and Risk: The Basis for Table D.1............................................................62

I.1 Exposure vs. Risk: The Difference.........................................................................................................62

I.2 Summary of Research on the Relationship between LI and Low Back Pain (LBP) Risk .................62

I.2.1 Studies on Generic LBP .......................................................................................................................62

I.2.2 2016 Italian Study on CLI/VLI and Acute Low Back Pain (LBP) Outcomes ...................................65

I.2.3 Summary of German Studies on Spinal Loading and Lumbar Disc-Related Injury.......................66

Bibliography......................................................................................................................................................68

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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
Contents Page

Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................v

1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................7

2 Normative references ...................................................................................................................................7

3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................8

4 Risk reduction for manual lifting or carrying tasks ..................................................................................9

4.1 General .......................................................................................................................................................9

4.2 Risk assessment (step model) .............................................................................................................. 10

4.2.1 Recommended limit for manual lifting and carrying ...................................................................... 12

4.2.1.1 Initial screening (step 1) .................................................................................................................. 12

4.2.1.2 Quick assessment of repetitive lifting and carrying (step 2) ....................................................... 12

4.2.1.3 Recommended limits for mass, frequency and object position (step 3) .................................... 15

4.3 Risk reduction ......................................................................................................................................... 16

4.4 Additional considerations ..................................................................................................................... 16

Annex A (informative) Ergonomic approach to the design of lifting and carrying tasks ....................... 18

A.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 18

A.2 Design of the work: task, workplace and work organization ............................................................ 18

A.2.1 Task ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

A.2.2 Workplace ............................................................................................................................................ 18

A.2.3 Work organization ............................................................................................................................... 19

A.3 Design of the object ............................................................................................................................... 19

A.4 Design of the working environment ..................................................................................................... 20

A.5 Individual considerations ..................................................................................................................... 21

A.6 Information and training........................................................................................................................ 22

Annex B (informative) Reference Mass Determination ................................................................................ 24

B.1 Reference Mass determination (Step 1) .............................................................................................. 24

B.2 Special considerations .......................................................................................................................... 24

B.3 Age and gender considerations ........................................................................................................... 25

Annex C (informative) Assessment method for recommended limits for mass, frequency and

object position (RML) ......................................................................................................................... 26

C.1 Assessment method for recommended limits for mass, frequency and object position .............. 26

C.1.1 Non-repetitive lifting tasks ................................................................................................................. 26

C.1.2 Repetitive lifting tasks ........................................................................................................................ 26

C.1.2.1 Primary task variables ..................................................................................................................... 26

C.1.2.2 Recommended Mass Limit (RML) equation and multipliers ....................................................... 27

C.1.2.3 Asymmetry multiplier ...................................................................................................................... 31

C.1.2.4 Frequency multiplier ....................................................................................................................... 31

C.1.2.5 Coupling multiplier .......................................................................................................................... 31

C.1.3 Lifting one-handed .............................................................................................................................. 34

C.1.4 Lifting by 2 or 3 people....................................................................................................................... 34

C.1.5 Handling for more than 8 hours per shift ......................................................................................... 34

Annex D (informative) Lifting Index (LI) ........................................................................................................ 35

D.1 Calculating the Lifting Index (LI) .......................................................................................................... 35

D.2 Interpretation of the Lifting Index (LI) .................................................................................................. 35

Annex E (informative) Simplified Model for RML and LI calculation .......................................................... 37

E.1 Simplified model for calculating Recommended Mass Limit (RML) and Lifting Index (LI) ............ 37

Annex F (informative) Multi Task Manual Lifting .......................................................................................... 39

F.1 General aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 39

F.2 Composite lifting tasks and CLI ........................................................................................................... 42

F.3 Variable lifting tasks and VLI ................................................................................................................ 43

F.3.1 Calculating VLI .................................................................................................................................... 43

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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)

F.3.2 Calculating CLI (for a Composite task with more than 10 subtasks) and VLI for Variable

tasks: .................................................................................................................................................... 44

F.4 Sequential Lifting tasks and SLI ........................................................................................................... 46

Annex G (informative) Examples of manual handling of objects ............................................................... 48

G.1 Review of steps for lifting risk evaluation ........................................................................................... 48

G.2 Example 1: A simple lifting task performed by one worker lifting with two hands ......................... 48

Annex H (informative) Carrying ...................................................................................................................... 59

H.1 Carrying limits in other than "reference conditions" ......................................................................... 59

Annex I (informative) Exposure and Risk: The Basis for Table D.1 ............................................................ 62

I.1 Exposure vs. Risk: The Difference ......................................................................................................... 62

I.2 Summary of Research on the Relationship between LI and Low Back Pain (LBP) Risk ................. 62

I.2.1 Studies on Generic LBP ....................................................................................................................... 62

I.2.2 2016 Italian Study on CLI/VLI and Acute Low Back Pain (LBP) Outcomes ................................... 65

I.2.3 Summary of German Studies on Spinal Loading and Lumbar Disc-Related Injury ....................... 66

Bibliography ...................................................................................................................................................... 68

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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies

(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO

technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been

established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and

non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International

Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards

adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an

International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent

rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

ISO 11228-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 3,

Anthropometry and biomechanics.

ISO 11228 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ergonomics — Manual handling:

⎯ Part 1: Lifting, lowering and carrying
⎯ Part 2: Pushing and pulling
⎯ Part 3: Handling of low loads at high frequency
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
Introduction
O.1 General

The three parts of ISO 11228 establish ergonomic recommendations for different dynamic manual handling

tasks. (ISO 11226 provides information on the evaluation of static postures). The standards provide information

for designers, employers, employees and others involved in work, job and product design.

This part of ISO 11228 (Part 1), provides a step-by-step approach to assessing the risks of manual lifting,

lowering and carrying; at each step, recommended limits are proposed. Further practical guidance and

examples are provided in Annexes.

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are common worldwide and one of the most frequent disorders in

occupational health. The risk-assessment model in this Standard allows the estimation of the risk associated

with a manual material handling task. It takes into consideration the hazards (unfavourable conditions) related

to manual handling tasks and the time spent performing them. Unfavourable conditions can include factors

such as the size and mass of the object being handled, working posture (such as twisting, bending, over

reaching), quality of grip on items, and the frequency and duration of manual handling. Any of these can alone,

or in combination, lead to a hazardous handling activity and increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Accordingly, these factors are considered when determining a recommended safe limit of the mass of objects

being handled.

The method of determination of safe recommended limits in this Standard is based on the integration of data

derived from four major research approaches, namely the epidemiological, the biomechanical, the physiological

and the psychophysical approach.
0.2 The Ergonomics Approach

Ergonomics pursues the specific goals of optimizing human well-being and overall system performance. This

is achieved through contributions to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, production, environment and

systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people. It strives to design

or to modify a work system to accommodate as far as possible, a broad range of people in order to meet the

needs of workers with various characteristics, including people with special requirements. Thus the development

of special solutions for individuals can be minimized. Achieving these goals also contributes to organizational

sustainability and social responsibility.

Manual handling tasks in the workplace occur within the context of work systems. Interactions of humans with

items, information, environment and other people must be taken into consideration when designing or modifying

tasks and work areas. The ergonomics approach can be used to prevent manual handling related injuries from

occurring by being used proactively in the design of processes, systems, or work organization in addition to

when modifications to existing systems are being considered.

The ergonomics approach considers tasks in their entirety, taking into account a range of relevant factors

including the nature of the task, the characteristics of objects handled, the working environment and the

individuals performing the task. It considers environmental conditions, (e.g. lighting, noise, temperature), as

well as an individual’s characteristics and experiences. Individual characteristics include physical and mental

capabilities, skills, work techniques, behaviour and their perception of the work environment and its social

characteristics.
0.2.1 Organizational Considerations

Work organization (e.g. task duration, job duration, recovery time, shift patterns) is a contributing factor to the

prevention or development of musculoskeletal disorders. For example, recovery periods help to mitigate

possible muscular fatigue, and help to avoid the over use of similar muscle groups over the duration of the work

shift. Job rotation, job diversification and job enlargement are all methods of structuring the work to facilitate

variation and recovery within the work period.

Work organization includes appropriate training of workers, including how to safely perform tasks, how to

recognize and respond to hazardous conditions in workplaces and which procedures and communication

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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)

channels to use to report and correct hazards. Regularly and properly maintained equipment and facilities

contribute to safer work including manual handling tasks. The selection of equipment and supplies which are

appropriate for the workplace and task conditions will help to make work demands safer.

0.2.2 Psychological Health and Safety and the Ergonomic Approach

The ergonomic approach considers the cognitive or psychological demands on humans, as well as the

psychosocial environment in which work takes place. Psychological response to work and workplace conditions

(psychosocial factors) has an important influence on mental, physiological and musculoskeletal health.

Psychosocial factors in the workplace include the design, organization and management of work, work content,

job complexity, job demands (cognitive and physical), job content and the overall social environment (i.e. the

context of work).
Undesirable psychosocial aspects of a job could include:
⎯ little or no control over work methods or organization;
⎯ high levels of attention and concentration required;
⎯ poor use of skills;
⎯ little or no involvement in decision making;
⎯ repetitive, monotonous tasks only;
⎯ machine or system paced work;
⎯ work demands perceived as excessive;
⎯ payment systems which encourage working too quickly or without breaks;
⎯ work systems that limit opportunities for social interaction;

⎯ high levels of effort not balanced by sufficient reward (resources, remuneration, self-esteem, status, 
etc.);

- no training and skill enhancement encouraged or supported.

Many of the effects of these factors on workers occur via stress-related processes, which can in turn have a

direct effect on biochemical and physiological responses which can increase the likelihood of experiencing

musculoskeletal injury. Thus in addition to the physical demands addressed in this Standard series, the overall

system, including work organization, work environment characteristics as well as cognitive and physical

demands are included in the ergonomic approach. For further information on psychological health and safety

in the workplace, see CAN/CSA Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 or Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Psychological health and safety — An action guide for employers (Santé et sécurité psychologiques — Guide

de l’employeur), 2012.
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
Ergonomics — Manual handling —
Part 1:
Lifting, lowering and carrying
1 Scope

This part of ISO 11228 specifies recommended limits for manual lifting, lowering and carrying while

taking into account, the intensity, the frequency and the duration of the task. This part of ISO 11228 is

designed to provide guidance on the assessment of several task variables, allowing the health risks for

the working population to be evaluated.

This part of ISO 11228 applies to manual handling of objects with a mass of 3 kg or more.

This part of ISO 11228 applies to moderate walking speed, i.e. 0,5 m/s to 1,0 m/s on a horizontal level

surface.

This part of ISO 11228 is based on an 8 h working day, but also addresses more prolonged work times,

up to 12 hours. It also addresses the analysis of combined lifting, lowering and carrying tasks in a shift

during a day.

This part of ISO 11228 does not include holding of objects (without walking), pushing or pulling of

objects or, manual handling while seated. Pushing and pulling of objects will be included in other parts

of ISO 11228.

This part of ISO 11228 does not include handling people or animals. (For further information on

handling people, refer to ISO TR 12296)

NOTE This part of ISO 11228 also does not address the manual lifting of objects while using lift assistive

devices such as exoskeletons and does not address the needs of pregnant women and disabled

persons.
2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated

references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced

document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC Guide 51, Safety aspects — Guidelines for their inclusion in standards
ISO/IEC Guide 73:2009, Risk management - Vocabulary
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.
3.1
manual handling

any activity requiring the use of human force to lift, lower, carry or otherwise move or restrain an object

3.2
lifting

manually (i.e. without using mechanical assistance), moving an object from its initial position upwards

or downwards (includes lowering)
3.3
lowering

manually (i.e. without using mechanical assistance), moving an object from its initial position downwards

(included in lifting)
3.4
carrying

manually (i.e. without using mechanical assistance), moving an object which is either held with one or

two hands, or positioned on one or two shoulders or on the neck, by walking one meter or more

3.5
risk assessment
overall process comprising a risk analysis and risk evaluation
3.6
ideal posture for manual handling

upright symmetrical trunk posture (no twisting or lateral bending), sagittal trunk inclination of no more

than 15° from the vertical to accommodate the natural posture of the back, keeping the horizontal

distance between the object being handled and the centre of mass of the worker as close as possible,

and keeping the grip height within knuckle and elbow height for lifting or shoulder height in case of

carrying

NOTE 1 to entry 15° is the minimum inclination that can be distinguished from human visual observation.

NOTE 2 to entry For anthropometric measurements see ISO 7250 part 3.
3.7
reference conditions for manual handling

conditions include the ideal posture for manual handling, a firm power grip on the object in neutral wrist

posture, and favourable environmental (not too hot or cold, not slippery)
NOTE 1 to entry See A.4 for a more detailed list of conditions
3.8
repetitive handling
handling an object more than once every 10 min

NOTE 1 to entry infrequent lifting at 1 lift every 10 minutes is defined in the Application Manual by NIOSH (1994)

paragraph 1.3.5.4 where a multiplier of 1.0 is applied for all duration scenarios at a frequency of 1 lift per 10

minutes.
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)
3.9
mid-sagittal plane

vertical plane in the anterior-posterior direction that divides a person assuming a neutral body posture into

equal left and right halves
NOTE 1 to entry See Figure C.1
3.10
neutral body posture
upright standing posture with the arms hanging freely by the side of the body
3.11
plane of asymmetry

vertical plane passing through the midpoint of the line between the inner ankle bones and the centre of

gravity of the load when the load is at its most extreme displacement from the neutral, mid-sagittal plane

3.12
angle of asymmetry

angle formed between the lines that result from the intersections of the mid-sagittal plane and the plane

of asymmetry

NOTE 1 to entry If the feet are repositioned during the lift/lower sequence, the referent planes must be

determined at the point in the action sequence wherein the largest degree of asymmetrical twist is encountered

(see Figure C.1).
3.13
reference mass

mass considered appropriate for use with an identified user population during the application of the risk-

assessment method described herein
3.14
cumulative mass
product of the carried mass and the carrying frequency

NOTE The cumulative mass for carrying is defined in kilograms per minute to represent the risk for short term,

in kilograms per hour to represent the risk for medium term and in kilograms per 8 hours to represent the risk for

long term carrying
3.14
recovery time

used for determining the work/recovery pattern which is the period of light work activity (e.g. monitoring

activities, light assembly work using the upper limbs, work not involving lifting/lowering, carrying of > 3

kg or pushing/pulling)
4 Risk reduction for manual lifting or carrying tasks
4.1 General

Risk assessment is the overall process of risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation, the results

of which are ultimately used in the effort to reduce risk. The goal in manual materials handling risk

reduction is to take measures to improve the design of the task, the object and the working environment

relative to the characteristics of the individuals performing the work.

In those cases where manual handling cannot be avoided, a risk assessment shall be completed to

determine if and to what extent, modifications are recommended. The risk assessment takes into

account the mass of the object, the grip on the object, the position of the object relative to the position

of the body, and the frequency and duration of a specific task.
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ISO/DIS 11228-1:2019(E)

The risk assessment is accomplished using the step-by-step approach illustrated in Figure 1 (Step

Model). With each successive step, the evaluator analyzes the interrelated aspects of the tasks.

If recommended limits are exceeded, the task shall be adapted in such a way that all questions in the

step-by-step approach are satisfied.

Employees engaged in manual handling shall be provided with adequate information and training on

how to perform these tasks safely. The provision of this information and training will not, in isolation,

ensure safe manual handling in all cases, however it is an integral part of the ergonomics approach,

and the risk of injury can be reduced by adopting safe ways of manual handling (see Annex A.7).

4.2 Risk assessment (step model)

The step model illustrated in Figure 1 describes the steps involved in beginning and working through a

risk assessment of manual handling tasks. It illustrates the step model
...