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FAQs for Musculoskeletal (MSD) Assessment Tool

Q: What are the MAC, ART, and RAPP tools and their purpose?

A: MAC (manual handling assessment charts) tool was developed to help the user identify high-risk workplace manual handling activities and can be used to assess the risks posed by lifting, carrying and team manual handling activities. It is designed to help you understand, interpret and categorise the level of risk of the various known risk factors associated with manual handling activities. It incorporates a numerical and a colour-coding score system to highlight high-risk manual handling tasks.

ART (assessment of repetitive tasks) tool was developed to help risk assess tasks that require repetitive moving of the upper limbs (arms and hands). It helps you to assess some of the common risk factors in repetitive work that contribute to the development of upper limb disorders (ULDs). Repetitive tasks are typically found in assembly, production, processing, packaging, packing and sorting work, as well as work involving regular use of hand tools.

RAPP (risk assessment of pushing and pulling) tool was developed to identify high-risk pushing and pulling operations and check the effectiveness of any risk-reduction measures. There are two types of pulling and pushing operations you can assess using this tool:

  • moving loads on wheeled equipment, such as hand trolleys, pump trucks, carts or wheelbarrows
  • moving loads without wheels, which might involve actions such as dragging/sliding, churning (pivoting and rolling) and rolling.

Q: Why use these digital versions of the tools?

A: The MAC, ART and RAPP Tools have been digitised to simplify the process of completing each assessment, with a logical step by step approach, saving assessors time in populating the results manually. The assessor can then understand, interpret, categorise and communicate the level of risk all from one easy to use system.

Q: How do I use/purchase the tools?

A: The MAC, ART and RAPP Tools are available either for free or as enhanced premium versions.

The free tools are available online and enable organisations to complete single risk assessments for MSD related tasks - ideal for all types of businesses large or small:

Free MAC Toollink opens in a new window (opens in new window)

Free ART Toollink opens in a new window (opens in new window)

Free RAPP Toollink opens in a new window (opens in new window)

The premium tool is for organisations who conduct multiple assessments throughout the year and want to consolidate into one easy to use system. You can then filter the report and analyse the assessments by assessor, location, task etc. For licence pricing, please contact TSO customer service team who will be able to assist you. Call +44 (0)333 202 5070 or email hseorders@tso.co.uk

Q: How many times can I use the free online versions?

A: There is no limit. You can complete as many MAC, ART and RAPP assessments as required. However, for organisations who conduct multiple assessments, it is advised to use the premium version for efficiencies and to ensure assessments are being completed correctly.

Q: How can I get the most out of the system?

A: The tool is self-serve, and we have many videos and content to support a tool user via the help pages. The TSO customer service team are all fully trained in using and operating the MSD tools. Therefore, we are available to support you with any questions you may have. Please call +44 (0)333 202 5070 or email hseorders@tso.co.uk.

Q: How is access to the assessments managed and how many administrator licences are provided?

A: This video demonstration provides a comprehensive overview of the administration portal and how to access the various sections.

Currently, administrative access is limited to one global user within the organisation. However, we are investigating the development of the system to grant access at local level - for example, access for each country manager, under a global user licence.

Q: How can you guarantee data security?

A: All assessments are stored on a secure server, which is maintained in the UK. HSE inspectors do not have direct access to your data and is only used for research and benchmarking purposes by the science and research division.

Q: Where is the MSD tool data hosted?

A: The assessments and data it records are hosted on a HSE dedicated server in the UK, with UKFast managed by Snap Surveys, who are fully ISO 27001 accredited. More details can be found here:

Q: Are the assessments and administration portal only available on weekdays?

A: The survey and administration portal are available to you 24/7 for the duration of your subscription. Current figures indicate an 99.9% uptime rate.

Q: What internet browsers are supported and does the survey work on mobiles and tablet devices?

Once the assessments have been set-up a bespoke mobile app is available so assessors can complete offline when an internet connection is not available.

Q: Are there regular periods of downtime for essential maintenance?

A: Downtime for maintenance is irregular and will be communicated to you in advance.

Q: What is your process for handling enquiries and your SLA around response times?

A: TSO will be your main point of contact for all enquiries. We will work with HSE and Snap Surveys as and when required. TSO will automatically record any support requests in a customer care database and respond accordingly to enquiries.

TSO customer service team is fully operational Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00:

Telephones answered within 30 seconds: 95% response rate.

Emails replied to within 2 working days of receipt: 100% response rate.

Q: How do we give feedback to you on potential improvements to the system?

A: We are continually improving our products/systems and actively encourage feedback from users. If you have any suggestions, please email hseorders@tso.co.uk.

For more information:


Email: hseorders@tso.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0)333 202 5070

Web: https://books.hse.gov.uklink opens in a new window