People Moving & Handling Course
Healthcare Patient Handling Training - 1 Day - TILEO - 2-Year Certification - On-Site or Public
Book a Public Course
This course is available as a public scheduled course at our training centre in Longford, open to individual bookings. View upcoming dates and secure your place.
Course Overview
A 1-day practical course for healthcare staff covering safe patient and resident handling. The course uses the TILEO risk assessment framework and supports HSA, HSE, and HIQA requirements for moving patients and residents. Learners practise with the equipment itself: profiling beds, hoists, sliding sheets, and wheelchairs. The course combines theory with hands-on practice. We deliver on-site across Ireland or at public courses in our Longford training centre. The first option should always be to remove or reduce the need for manual handling. Training alone will not cut injury rates. It needs support from good work organisation, risk assessment, and the right equipment.
Who Should Attend
For all staff who move and assist people during their working day in healthcare and residential care.
Nursing Staff
Registered nurses and student nurses who transfer, reposition, and assist patients and residents to move.
Healthcare Assistants
Care assistants, ward assistants, and support staff who assist patients and residents with daily movements and transfers.
Care Workers
Staff in nursing homes, residential care facilities, and disability services who move and handle residents as part of their role.
Home Care Staff
Home care workers and community care staff who assist clients with transfers, mobility, and daily activities in their homes.
Disability Support Workers
Staff who support people with physical disabilities, including assisted transfers and specialist equipment.
Ward & Portering Staff
Hospital porters, ward assistants, and support staff who transport patients and handle equipment.
Topics Covered
Need an online refresher instead? See our online Moving and Handling People course.
- Anatomy of the spine and musculoskeletal system
- Common causes of manual handling injuries in healthcare
- TILEO risk assessment framework (Task, Individual, Load, Environment, Other)
- Eight principles of safe moving and lifting
- Five basic manual handling lifts
- Safe working height of beds and profiling bed techniques
- Logrolling technique
- Sitting patient/resident up in bed (3 techniques)
- Moving patient/resident up the bed using sliding sheet
- Sit to stand and stand to sit transfers
- Transfer from bed to chair (various methods)
- Use of banana board and other transfer aids
- The falling patient/resident - control techniques
- Demonstration and practice in the use of hoists
Course Details
Delivery
On-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland, or at scheduled public courses at our training centre in Longford.
Duration
7 hours (1 full day) - includes theory, practical demonstration, equipment practice, and individual assessment.
Certification
Phoenix STS Training Certificate valid for 2 years. Complete refresher training before it expires to keep your skills current.
Maximum Learners
10 learners per session. The small class size gives everyone enough hands-on practice with the equipment and an individual assessment.
Prerequisites
No formal entry requirements. You need fluent English. Wear comfortable clothing for the practical work. Tell us about any medical conditions that may affect physical activity.
Blended Learning
You can complete the theory online through blended learning, then attend the practical session in person. Contact us for details.
Why Choose This Course
Practical, HIQA-compliant training that protects both staff and patients.
TILEO Risk Assessment
Every learner uses the TILEO framework - Task, Individual, Load, Environment, Other - to assess risk before any handling task.
80% Hands-On Practical
Most of the training is practical. Learners work with profiling beds, hoists, sliding sheets, and wheelchairs in realistic scenarios.
Healthcare-Specific Focus
Unlike general manual handling, this course focuses on the patient and resident handling used in healthcare and residential care.
HIQA & HSA Compliant
Meets HIQA requirements for patient handling in designated centres and HSA requirements under the General Application Regulations 2007.
Expert Healthcare Instructors
Instructors hold QQI Level 7+ qualifications, People Moving Instructor certification, Infection Control, and Safeguarding Adults qualifications.
Dignity-Focused Techniques
Safe handling techniques that protect the dignity and comfort of patients and residents during transfers and movements.
What's Included
Your course fee includes everything needed for the 1-day programme:
Course Materials - printed handouts covering safe handling principles, TILEO framework, and legislation
Phoenix STS Training Certificate - valid for 2 years from date of completion
Theory Session - anatomy, legislation, risk assessment framework, and eight principles of safe handling
Practical Session - bed-based techniques, transfers, hoist demonstration, and sliding sheet practice
Individual Assessment - each participant assessed on safe handling technique and competency
Equipment Practice - hands-on training with profiling beds, hoists, sliding sheets, and wheelchairs
Post-Course Email Support - direct access to your instructor for guidance after the course
Renewal Reminder Service - we'll contact you before your 2-year certificate expires
Equipment Required On-Site
For on-site delivery, your facility must provide: a profiling bed (or hospital bed), a wheelchair, a hoist, and sliding sheets. For public courses at our Longford training centre, all equipment is provided.
What You'll Learn
The course covers five core areas through theory and plenty of practical training.
TILEO Risk Assessment Framework
TILEO is a simple check you run before any people moving task. Task: what does it involve? Individual: who is doing the handling? Load: who is being moved? Environment: where is it taking place? Other: any other relevant factors?
Eight Principles of Safe Moving and Lifting
Think before handling. Adopt a stable position. Get a good hold. Start in a good posture. Keep the load close. Avoid twisting the back. Move smoothly. Know your limits.
Bed-Based Techniques
Safe working height of beds and the logrolling technique. Sitting patients up in bed (3 techniques). Moving patients up the bed with sliding sheets. Sitting patients to the edge of the bed.
Transfer Techniques
Sit to stand and stand to sit. Transfer from bed to chair using various methods. Use of banana board and other transfer aids. The falling patient/resident - control techniques to manage safely.
Equipment Use
Practical demonstration and hands-on practice with hoists, sliding sheets, profiling beds, and transfer aids. You learn when to use mechanical aids and how to operate them safely.
Learning Outcomes
On completing the course, you will be able to:
- Recognise unsafe moving or lifting situations in healthcare settings
- Carry out a manual handling risk assessment using the TILEO framework
- Understand and apply the eight principles of safe moving and lifting
- Perform safe bed-based patient handling techniques including repositioning and transfers
- Carry out safe sit-to-stand, bed-to-chair, and chair-to-bed transfers
- Operate hoists, sliding sheets, and transfer aids correctly and safely
- Protect patient/resident dignity throughout all handling procedures
- Understand the Irish law on manual handling
Course Programme
The 7-hour programme combines classroom theory with plenty of hands-on practice.
Morning Session: Theory and Legislation
- Welcome and course introduction
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and General Application Regulations 2007
- Ergonomics principles and the musculoskeletal system
- Anatomy, structure, and function of the spine
- Common causes of manual handling injuries in healthcare
- TILEO risk assessment framework
- Eight principles of safe moving and lifting
- Posture and body mechanics
Afternoon Session: Practical Techniques and Assessment
- Instructor demonstration: bed-based techniques
- Practical: logrolling, sitting up in bed (3 techniques), sliding sheet repositioning
- Practical: sit to stand, stand to sit, bed to chair transfers
- Practical: banana board use and transfer aid techniques
- Practical: the falling patient/resident - control techniques
- Demonstration and practice: hoist operation and safe use
- Individual assessment: each participant demonstrates safe technique
- Course summary and certification information
Legal Requirements
Employers have clear legal duties on moving and handling people in healthcare:
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
The 2005 Act requires employers to identify hazards, assess risks, and put protective measures in place. In plain terms, that includes the risks staff face when moving patients and residents.
General Application Regulations 2007 - Chapter 4
The General Application Regulations 2007 (Chapter 4: Manual Handling of Loads) require employers to avoid or reduce manual handling where possible, assess the tasks that remain, and provide the right training. Regulation 69(c) requires a risk assessment for every manual handling activity. In plain terms, every lift should be assessed before it happens.
HIQA Requirements
HIQA requires staff in nursing homes and residential care to be trained in safe resident handling. This course supports compliance with HIQA standards in designated centres.
HSA Guidance
The HSA provides specific guidance on manual handling in healthcare. Generic training is not enough. Training must match the actual handling tasks staff perform.
Benefits
For Staff
- Correct posture and techniques to prevent back injuries and other muscle and joint problems
- Confidence to handle patients and residents safely across different scenarios
- Essential certification for healthcare roles and career progression
- Prerequisite for advanced training such as the Evacuation Equipment Training Course
- CPD-accredited certification valid for 2 years
For Your Organisation
- Meet legal duties under the 2005 Act and 2007 Regulations
- Demonstrate HIQA compliance for patient/resident handling in designated centres
- Reduce workplace injuries, absences, and associated costs
- Protect patient/resident dignity through professional handling techniques
- A better case for lower insurance premiums by showing good risk management
Assessment and Certification
Everyone must take part in all the practical work. Each learner is assessed on safe handling technique and confident use of the equipment.
Phoenix STS Training Certificate - issued on passing the course, valid for 2 years
Certificate Validity - 2 years from date of issue
Refresher Training - needed every 2 years to keep your certificate and skills current
Renewal Reminder - Phoenix STS will contact you before your certificate expires
Prerequisite for Evacuation Training: A valid People Moving and Handling certificate is required before attending the Evacuation Equipment Training Course or the Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course.
Our Instructors
Our instructors are experienced in people moving and handling training in healthcare settings. They combine theory with practice and hold the following qualifications:
- QQI Level 7+ Subject Matter Qualification
- QQI Level 6+ Train-the-Trainer Qualification
- People Moving Instructor Certification
- Infection Control Qualified
- Safeguarding Adults Qualified
Our instructors also hold memberships with professional bodies including IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, and L&DI.
Further Reading
See our guide on manual handling training requirements in Ireland.
Ready to Book Your People Moving Training?
Protect your staff and patients with practical, HIQA-compliant handling training. Places are limited to 10 per course. Secure your place today.
ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPD-accredited training provider (Provider #22657). Over 15 years' experience delivering healthcare training across Ireland.
Compare Our Handling Courses
People Moving & Handling
This course - patient/resident handling
Duration: 7 hours (1 day)
Max Learners: 10
Cert Validity: 2 years
Focus: Patient/resident transfers, bed techniques, hoists, TILEO risk assessment, dignity-focused handling
Ideal for: Healthcare staff - nurses, care assistants, home care, disability services
Manual Handling Course
Object/load handling
Duration: 3 hours
Max Learners: 12
Cert Validity: 3 years
Focus: Safe lifting of objects, loads, and materials. Risk assessment. Workplace-specific practical exercises.
Ideal for: All employees involved in lifting and moving objects
Available Nationwide Across Ireland
Phoenix STS delivers the People Moving and Handling Course on-site at your premises anywhere in Ireland, and at scheduled public courses at our training centre in Longford.
We have delivered this course to nursing homes, hospitals, disability services, home care providers, and residential care facilities. Locations include Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athlone, Sligo, Dundalk, Longford, and all counties across Ireland.
Contact us for an on-site training quotation or call 043 334 9611.
Related Courses and Services
Explore our other healthcare training courses and consultancy services:
- Evacuation Equipment Training Course - practical training on ski sheets and evacuation aids. Requires valid People Moving certificate.
- Healthcare Evacuation Equipment Instructor Course (4-Day) - manufacturer-authorised train-the-trainer programme. 26 CPD hours.
- Manual Handling Course - 3-hour practical course for safe lifting of objects and loads.
- Nursing Home Fire Safety Training - HIQA-compliant, 3-hour, 80% hands-on fire safety programme.
- Evacuation Chair Training Course - 6-hour CPD-certified course for safe stair evacuation.
- Health & Safety Consultancy - risk assessments, safety statements, and ongoing H&S support.
Why Choose Phoenix STS
Ireland's trusted provider of CPD-accredited safety and healthcare training.
Experienced Team
Over 15 years delivering accredited training to healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses across Ireland. Our instructors are qualified professionals with real-world experience.
Irish Owned
A proudly Irish-owned company based in Longford, serving clients nationwide. Our courses are built around Irish law and regulatory standards.
Experts in Health & Safety
ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPD-accredited training provider. All courses meet HIQA, HSA, and Irish legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content last reviewed: March 2026. This page is regularly updated to reflect changes in Irish legislation and HIQA requirements.
Yes. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations 2007 both apply. In plain terms, employers must train staff whose manual handling work carries a risk of injury. That includes people moving tasks in healthcare.
TILEO is a framework for assessing manual handling risks. It stands for Task, Individual, Load, Environment, and Other factors. Before any people moving task, staff should assess these five elements to identify risks and determine the safest approach.
Certification is valid for 2 years. Refresher training is needed every 2 years to keep your certificate and skills current. Refresh more often if equipment changes, procedures change, or problems come up.
The course is mostly skill-based, with hands-on practice on equipment and techniques. A class of 10 gives everyone enough time to practise and demonstrate during the practical modules.
Your facility needs to provide a bed or profiling bed, wheelchair, hoist, and sliding sheets for the practical training. This ensures staff train on equipment similar to what they will use in their daily work.
Yes. You need a valid People Moving & Handling certificate before the Evacuation Equipment Training Course. Staff must know correct posture, lifting technique, and body movement before operating evacuation aids.
Yes. You can complete the theory online through blended learning, then attend the practical training in person. This cuts on-site training time without losing any content.
The eight principles are simple. Think before handling. Adopt a stable position. Get a good hold. Start in a good posture. Keep the load close. Avoid twisting the back. Move smoothly. Know your limits. Together they form the foundation of safe people moving practice.
The course covers logrolling, sitting patients up in bed (3 techniques), and moving patients up the bed with sliding sheets. It also covers sitting patients to the edge of the bed, sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transfers, and bed-to-chair transfers using various methods. Falling patient control techniques and hoist demonstration complete the practical content.
If you have a medical condition that may affect the training, especially the practical work, tell the instructor. We can then adjust the session to keep you safe during the hands-on work.