ISO 11228-1:2003 specifies recommended limits for manual lifting and carrying while taking into account, respectively, the intensity, the frequency and the duration of the task. ISO 11228:2003 is designed to provide guidance on the assessment of several task variables, allowing the health risks for the working population to be evaluated.

ISO 11228-1:2003 applies to manual handling of objects with a mass of 3 kg or more.

ISO 11228-1:2003 applies to moderate walking speed, i.e. 0,5 m/s to 1,0 m/sec on a horizontal level surface.

ISO 11228-1:2003 does not include holding of objects (without walking), pushing or pulling of objects, lifting with one hand, manual handling while seated, and lifting by two or more people. Holding, pushing and pulling objects will be included in other parts of ISO 11228.

ISO 11228-1:2003 is based on an 8 h working day. It does not concern analysis of combined tasks in a shift during a day.