Workplace-Specific Handling — Manual Handling Practice

Sample questions

1. 01What is the approximate weight of a standard 500-metre drum of 2.5 mm twin and earth cable?

   • A100 kg
   • B17-20 kg
   • C50 kg
   • D5 kg

   Why: A 500-metre drum of 2.5 mm twin and earth cable typically weighs between 17 and 20 kg. While this is within the guideline weight for some workers, the awkward shape and size of the drum mean that manual handling risk assessments should still consider the grip, posture, and carrying distance involved.

2. 02What is a drum jack primarily used for?

   • ACutting the cable to length while the drum stays on the ground
   • BMeasuring how much cable is left remaining on the drum
   • CStrapping the cable drum securely to a pallet before transport
   • DLifting a cable drum off the ground so it can rotate freely for cable dispensing

   Why: A drum jack (or cable drum stand) lifts a cable drum off the ground and supports it on an axle, allowing the drum to spin freely. This enables controlled cable dispensing without the need to manually lift and unwind the cable, significantly reducing manual handling effort.

3. 03When rolling a large cable drum across a site, what is the safest technique?

   • APull the drum towards you from the front, walking backwards along the route
   • BRoll it as fast as possible so that the distance is covered quickly
   • CKick the drum from behind at each turn to keep it moving at a steady, controlled pace along the route
   • DPush it with straight arms at the mid-point of the drum, controlling speed and direction, with a clear path ahead

   Why: Rolling a cable drum should be controlled by pushing at the mid-point with straight arms, maintaining a steady pace. The route must be checked in advance for obstacles, slopes, and other workers. Uncontrolled rolling or kicking creates serious risk of crush injuries to feet and hands.