This complete Manual Handling Powerpoint presentation can be purchased here
manual handling. load shape
Under the manual handling regulations, handling tasks should be planned. this is particularly true when the load has a strange shape.
The question should be asked, "do I need someone to help me lift it"? Assuming there is help available someone should be in charge of the lift making sure that everyone understands what is going to happen. For example do I say "one.two three, lift" of do I say "one, two three". Getting it wrong means that someone could be left holding the load alone!