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Free course · 3 hours · RD 487/1997

Manual handling course in Spain free, with certificate

For warehouse staff, shelf stackers, cashiers, couriers, kitchen, cleaning or care workers: how much weight is too much, at what height and distance, how often, how to push a trolley and how to lift without hurting your back. 30-question test and a PDF training certificate, no sign-up.

How much weight can you lift by hand at work in Spain? Royal Decree 487/1997 sets no weight. The INSST technical guide (2024) gives the reference: in ideal conditions, 25 kg for men aged 20 to 45 and 20 kg for women of that age (20 and 15 kg outside that age range), and from 3 kg the risk must be assessed if the load is handled in poor conditions. This course explains it in 8 modules, with a 30-question test and a PDF training certificate. It does not assess your job: that is done by your employer's prevention service.

Note: this is theory only and not a course recognised by any authority. It does not assess your job: the assessment is done by your employer's prevention service, which must also give you practical training for your loads.

FreeCourse, test and certificate, no sign-up
8 modulesAbout 20 minutes each
30 questionsPass with 24, with explanation and source
Theory onlyThe technique for your job, with your employer
  1. StudyThe 8 modules, at your own pace.
  2. Take the test30 questions; you can retake it.
  3. Download the PDFWith your name, the date, the syllabus and a code to check it.

Start the course

The course: 8 modules

Each module has its own page: the text, a practical example, the rule it comes from and a few review questions. Your progress is saved in this browser.

  1. 1What manual handling is and why it hurts your backHandling a load means carrying or holding it by hand, by one or more people: lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling or…20 min
  2. 2What the employer must doThe employer must take technical or organisational measures to avoid manual handling, above all with mechanical…20 min
  3. 3How much weight: the INSST referencesIn ideal conditions (load close to the body, at hip height, straight back, no twisting or bending, good grip and good…20 min
  4. 4Distance, height and twistingThe annex of the decree counts as a risk a load held away from the trunk or with twisting or bending.20 min
  5. 5Frequency, pace and restThe annex counts as a risk efforts that are too frequent or prolonged, insufficient rest, excessive distances and a…15 min
  6. 6Pushing and pulling: trolleys and pallet trucksPushing and pulling are also manual handling (article 2).15 min
  7. 7The environment, clothing and your personal factorsLittle space, especially headroom. An uneven, slippery, sloping or unstable floor.20 min
  8. 8How to lift step by step and when to speak upThe INSST guide calls for safe techniques adapted to each task.20 min
  9. ✓Final test and certificateFinal test: 30 questions

Frequently asked questions

Are the course and certificate really free?
Yes. The 8 modules, the test and the PDF certificate are free and you do not need to sign up. LaborIA is funded by ads.
Will it help me get a job as a warehouse worker or shelf stacker?
It helps you show that you know the rules and good practice. Theory and practical training for your specific job (its loads, trolleys and racking) must be given by your employer, free and during working hours (Royal Decree 487/1997, article 4). The employer decides whether this certificate is useful to them.
Is it an official or recognised certificate?
No. It is a free-format training certificate: it lists the content, the rules, the date and your score, with a code to check it has not been altered. No authority recognises it.
What is the maximum weight I can be made to lift?
The law sets none. The INSST guide takes 25 kg (men aged 20 to 45) and 20 kg (women of that age) as maximums in ideal conditions, and less the worse the conditions. If your task exceeds those references, ask for it to be assessed: the employer must avoid or reduce the risk (article 3).
Does the course assess my job?
No. The assessment is done by the prevention service with technical methods (for example, those in ISO 11228) looking at your real task. This course helps you understand it and know what to ask.
Do you store my name or ID?
No. The PDF is created in your browser: your name and document are not sent to LaborIA or anyone else.

Check a certificate

For employers: type the details exactly as they appear on the certificate. Your browser checks that the code matches that name, ID number and date. LaborIA stores no data, so this confirms the certificate has not been altered, not who took the test.

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Rules and official sources

Texts read on 23 October 2026. General information: your employer must also give you the training for your specific job.