FAA Level 2 Award in Manual Handling – Principles and Practice (RQF)

Manual handling activities are a common part of many working environments and can include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, or moving loads and equipment. Incorrect manual handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries within the UK, contributing to significant pain, suffering, lost working days, and increased organisational costs each year. The FAA Level 2 Award in Manual Handling – Principles and Practice provides learners with the practical knowledge and skills required to carry out manual handling tasks safely and effectively within the workplace.

The risks associated with manual handling have long been recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with regulations requiring employers to provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, and training relating to manual handling risks and injury prevention. This regulated qualification has therefore been designed to help organisations reduce the risk of workplace injuries while promoting safer and more efficient working practices.

This practical qualification explores the causes of manual handling injuries, workplace responsibilities, risk assessments, safe movement principles, and the use of manual handling equipment and aids. Learners will not only develop theoretical understanding, but also gain confidence in applying safe manual handling techniques during realistic workplace scenarios and practical assessments.

By completing this qualification, organisations can strengthen workplace safety culture, improve compliance with health and safety legislation, reduce manual handling injuries, and support safer and healthier working environments across their workforce.

Who This Course Is For

This qualification is suitable for employees across all industries and workplace sectors where manual handling activities take place.

This includes:

• Warehouse and Industrial Staff
• Care and Support Workers
• Healthcare Staff
• Facilities and Maintenance Teams
• Hospitality and Retail Staff
• Delivery and Logistics Personnel
• Construction and Trade Workers
• Office Staff involved in moving equipment or materials
• Any employee required to carry out manual handling activities within the workplace

Learners must be a minimum of 14 years of age to undertake this qualification.

Key Learning Outcomes

By enrolling your team in this course, they will master how to:

Understand the Importance of Safe Manual Handling

Develop an understanding of the injuries and ill health associated with incorrect manual handling and recognise the importance of safe working practices.

Understand Workplace Responsibilities

Learn about employer and employee responsibilities relating to manual handling safety and the consequences of failing to follow safe working procedures.

Understand Manual Handling Risk Assessments

Explore how manual handling risk assessments contribute to improving workplace health and safety, including the identification of hazards, risks, and suitable control measures.

Apply Safe Manual Handling Principles

Develop practical skills in safe lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, and team handling techniques to reduce the risk of injury during workplace activities.

Use Manual Handling Equipment Safely

Gain awareness of the different types of manual handling equipment and aids available within the workplace, including the importance of testing, servicing, and maintenance requirements.

Promote Safer Working Practices

Build confidence in applying safe movement principles and contributing towards safer, healthier, and more efficient workplace environments.

Flexible Delivery to Suit Your Organisation

We understand that organisations require flexible training solutions, which is why this qualification offers multiple delivery pathways.

Classroom-Based Delivery

Delivered over a minimum of 6 guided learning hours and completed within 1 day or across a maximum of 3 weeks. Classroom delivery includes trainer-led learning, practical activities, written assessment, and practical demonstrations of safe manual handling principles. Learner ratios are capped at 16 learners per trainer/assessor to maintain high-quality interaction and support.

Distance Learning Delivery

Remote delivery is available through self-study supported by webinars (3 guided learning hours), or continuous live video training (6 guided learning hours). Total Qualification Time is 7 hours, including independent study. Both routes must be completed within 3 weeks, with a maximum of 20 learners per trainer/assessor. Remote assessment uses a professional discussion and practical demonstration of safe manual handling. Contact us to discuss the route and any learning or access needs before booking.

Important Details

Regulated Qualification

This course leads to the FAA Level 2 Award in Manual Handling – Principles and Practice (RQF), awarded by First Aid Awards (FAA) and regulated by Ofqual.

Entry Recommendations

Learners must be at least 14 years of age. It is recommended that learners hold a minimum Level 1 literacy standard or equivalent to support successful completion of the qualification. Learners must also be physically able to demonstrate safe and effective manual handling techniques during assessment.

Qualification Validity

This qualification does not have an expiry date; however, ongoing CPD and annual refresher training are strongly recommended to ensure learners remain up to date with evolving legislation, workplace procedures, and best practice guidance.

Progression Opportunities

Learners who complete this qualification may progress onto additional FAA qualifications in Fire Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid, Safeguarding, Food Safety, and First Aid for Mental Health, alongside further workplace safety and compliance training