HSE guidance to baggage handling industry

Date:

11 February 2010

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) works alongside the aviation industry to help develop and provide guidance on baggage handling, and continues to stress the need for increased mechanical support.

Through HSE's continued involvement with the airlines and ground handling companies, we were successful in convincing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to introduce the new lower recommended individual bag weight of 23-25 kilos, introduced in the 2009 edition of the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM).

HSE recognises that the weight of a load is only one risk factor in manual handling and other factors should also be taken into consideration to reduce risks, including work systems and frequency of manual handling.

Head of HSE's Transportation and Safety Unit, Nick Ratty said: "This is an ongoing international issue and HSE has always said that manual handling should be avoided altogether where practicable.

"Basic handling equipment can help reduce the need for manual handling, however HSE is aware of reports of such equipment not being used due to cost issues, or in-hold equipment being removed from aircraft due to its weight and size.

"New technology includes more sophisticated extending belt loaders, which convey bags right into the aircraft hold and would significantly reduce MSD risks. HSE will continue to work with the industry and others to reduce the risks to workers."

Freely-available help and guidance is available on HSE's website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/airtransport/baggage.htm

Notes to editors

1. HSE supported the principles of UNITE's 'Lighten Up' campaign and will continue to support any industry efforts to reduce risks in baggage handling.
2. HSE wants airports, airlines and handlers to take other steps to reduce risks, such as using improved technology and handling aids which are now available and coming into use both in this country and elsewhere in Europe.
3. HSE has guidance on manual handling (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l23.htm), including a hierarchy of action:
   1. avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable;
   2. make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided; and
   3. reduce the risk of injury from those operations so far as is reasonably practicable

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