Complete your Manual Handling practical assessment from your own home or workplace, on a live video call with a Rubikon assessor.
The assessment takes place on Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. The assessor watches you through your camera, guides you through each step and gives you your result before the call ends. It takes about 30 minutes, with no travel to a classroom.
Please note: your assessor's time is booked specifically for your session. If your set-up is not as described below, or the lighting is not good enough for the assessor to see you clearly, the assessment will not be able to go ahead. If this happens and your assessment needs to be rebooked, an additional assessment fee will apply.
Who can take part
- You must be 18 or over.
- You must have passed the online Manual Handling theory course no more than 1 month before your assessment date.
- You must complete the online declaration on the Rubikon LMS before your session can be booked.
- Do not take part if you have an injury, pain or a medical condition that affects your ability to lift. Email support@rubikon.ie and we will discuss an alternative.
How it works
- Pass the online theory course. Complete the Manual Handling theory course on the Rubikon LMS.
- Complete the online declaration. Fill in the declaration on the Rubikon LMS so your session can be booked.
- Get your invite. You'll receive a link to join your video call on Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.
- Take your assessment. Carry out the practical tasks on camera while the assessor watches and guides you.
- Download your certificate. If successful, your certificate will be available to download from the Rubikon Training LMS within 2 working days of your assessment.
What you need
Technology
- A laptop, tablet or smartphone with a camera and microphone, set up for the platform in your invite (the Teams app for Microsoft Teams; Google Meet works in a web browser or the Meet app)
- A reliable internet connection in the room you will use
- A stand or tripod, or someone to hold and move the camera for you
Equipment
- A sturdy box of about 5–10 kg, packed so the contents cannot shift
- A table, bench or worktop at about waist height
- A secure, fixed shelf above shoulder height that can safely take the box
- A trolley (for example, a platform or sack trolley) with a load on it, and a clear, level route to push and pull it
Space and clothing
- A clear floor space with at least 3 metres to walk, free of trip hazards
- Flat, enclosed footwear
- Clothing that lets your posture be seen (no long coats or loose layers)
Set up before you join
- Choose a quiet, well-lit room. Have the light in front of you or overhead, not behind you (for example, don't stand with your back to a bright window).
- Place the box on the floor about 3 metres from the table and shelf.
- Have the trolley ready with a clear route of about 3 metres.
- Set the device landscape (sideways), 2–3 metres away and side-on to your route.
- Use the self-view to check that your whole body, head to feet, is in view at the box, the table, the shelf and along the trolley route.
- Test your camera and microphone before the session.
- Only you, and a helper if you have one, should be in the room.
On the day
- Join 5 minutes early using the link in your invite, with your camera and microphone on.
- Introduce yourself. Say your full name.
- Confirm you are fit to lift. Say out loud that you have no medical condition that will prevent you from lifting safely.
- Show your space. When asked, slowly turn the camera to show the floor, your route, the table, the shelf, the box and the trolley.
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Assess the load out loud. Before the first task, say what you are checking under each of these four headings:
- Task: what you are doing and how far you are moving the load
- Individual: whether you are fit and able to do it
- Load: test the weight by tipping one corner; check the grip and that it is stable
- Environment: the floor, the space, your route and where the load will be set down
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Carry out each task when the assessor asks. Wait to be told to start each one; the assessor will tell you where to place the camera.
- Floor to floor: lift the box from the floor, carry it about 3 metres and place it on the floor.
- Floor to table: lift the box from the floor, carry it to the table and place it on the table.
- Floor to shelf: lift the box from the floor and place it on the shelf above shoulder height.
- Push and pull: push the loaded trolley about 3 metres, then pull it back to the start.
- Describe the team lift. Explain out loud how a team lift should be carried out, from planning to setting the load down.
- Answer a few short questions about safe manual handling.
- Hear your result. The assessor will tell you your result and any feedback before the call ends.
What the assessor looks for
The assessor checks you use the safe technique from the theory course.
On every lift
- A stable base, feet apart and close to the load
- Bending at the knees and hips, with your back kept in its natural position
- A firm grip before you lift
- The load held close to your body
- A smooth, controlled lift using your legs
- No twisting: turn by moving your feet
- Setting the load down by reversing the lift
Floor to shelf
Raising the load in stages, keeping it close and without overreaching or arching your back.
Push and pull
Hands on the handles at a comfortable height, feet apart, using your body weight to move the trolley, a steady pace and a controlled stop.
Team lift
A clear description that covers choosing a leader, agreeing the commands, team members of similar height and ability, planning the route and set-down point, and lifting, moving and lowering together on the leader's command.
The assessor may ask you to repeat a task or move the camera.
Good to know
- If your connection drops, rejoin using the same link. If it cannot be fixed, we will rebook you.
- Stop straight away and tell the assessor if anything feels unsafe or causes pain.
- If successful, your certificate will be available to download from the Rubikon Training LMS within 2 working days of your assessment.
Questions?
For any questions about your video assessment, email support@rubikon.ie.