10 Ways To Use Pallet Truck Safely
Hand pallet trucks, also called pallet jacks, are pivotal tools in warehousing, retail, and manufacturing industries. Pallet trucks are cost-effective efficiency tools that can lift as much as 5,500 lbs which makes it extremely important to follow health and safety guidelines when operating these tools. Lack of pallet truck safety training or improper use can lead to serious injuries and fatal accidents. Here are some essential pallet truck safety tips to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to safely operate hand pallet trucks.
1. Conduct Pre-Operational Inspections
It is important to thoroughly inspect the pallet truck for any potential damage to the forks or wheels before putting it to use. As it’s a hand-operated tool, the handle must be functional and move smoothly. On the other hand, electric pallet trucks are dependent on their batteries for even the most basic functions including breaks so you must check the batteries before loading it up. Ensuring all safety features including horns are working properly can help prevent accidents and other operational hazards.
2. Load the Pallet Correctly
Whether a load is light or heavy, falls or trips can pose serious health hazards and even lead to fatalities. It is extremely important to ensure manual pallet jack safety starts with properly stabilizing and balancing the goods when loading. Overloading or incorrect positioning compromises the overall operation of the pallet truck. Placing both forks fully under the pallet and balancing the load right on the center can help maintain even weight distribution and avoid instability during transport.
3. Push, Don’t Pull
It is always recommended to push the pallet truck and not pull. This allows you to keep your eyes in the right direction to know what is in front of you and have better control. Pulling, especially with relatively heavy loads, makes it difficult to control the pallet truck and puts strain on your back which increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Pushing not only keeps the operation safe but allows you to operate at maximum efficiency.
4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques
It’s crucial to use proper lifting techniques when operating manual pallet trucks. When pumping the handle to raise the forks, use your legs to push down and keep your back straight. Hand pallet trucks are designed to handle heavy loads, however, when physically handling load for balancing and adjustment on the fork, avoid bending the knees and use your legs with a straight back to lift the load. It is also important to maintain balance while lifting the load to prevent tipping and reduce the risk of any injuries.
5. Ensure a Clear Path
Before initiating transport with a pallet truck, clear the path by ensuring that there’s no obstacle or other transportation equipment on your intended path. Uneven or slippery surfaces can also cause the pallet truck to get caught up or tip over. If the load is too high and hinders the line of sight, seek help from your co-workers to assist you in navigating your way. Operators must be fully aware of their surroundings and other co-workers in the area to avoid accidents and fatal collisions.
6. Control Speed and Maneuvering
Keeping good control of your speed while operating a pallet truck plays a major role in avoiding unforeseen obstacles and hazards. Operators must maintain a steady speed to avoid sudden movements, sharp turns, or jerks, especially with heavy loads or spaces with sudden stops or turns. Most hand or finger injuries occur while trying to stop a moving pallet truck from hitting an object or obstacle. Understand your operational area to determine the techniques and protocols required to safely maneuver the truck pallet with efficiency.
7. Keep Forks Low When Moving
During the transport, raise the fork just high enough to clear the floor and maintain maximum stability. It negatively impacts the movement when the forks are raised too high which may result in the load to drop or tip off. Forks must only be raised high when lifting or setting down the pallets. Even when stationary, Lifting loads to heights can compromise the balance and stability so it’s important to take precautions and maintain the least height possible.
8. Be Cautious on Inclines
Operating a pallet truck on inclined planes, especially with heavy loads can be challenging so it’s important to know the basic tips and reduce the chances of accidents or safety hazards. You must always move straight up or down when using a pallet truck on a ramp or slope. No other angle is feasible and can result in losing control of the pallet truck, posing serious safety risks. Also, remember to keep the load right in front of you and push when moving uphill. If moving downhill, you must keep the load behind you to keep the control and operate safely. Never stand directly in front of a loaded truck on a slope and ensure the path is clear...
9. Park the Pallet Truck Properly
When not in use, a pallet truck must not be left unattended until it’s parked safely at the designated spot. Lower the forks to the ground and ensure it’s parked without obscuring the pathway or posing a tripping hazard. For electric pallet trucks, remove the key and disconnect the batteries before leaving the pallet truck unattended. However, never undermine the importance of designating a secure and feasible area as the parking station that not only prevents safety risks but improves the overall performance of the operations.
10. Get Updates and Training to Stay Aware
A Pallet truck seems a simple and easy-to-use tool, but that is completely not true. It is typically used when it is not feasible for a machine or a vehicle to move the load and requires human intervention. Proper theoretical knowledge about the operation, its parts, and the safety techniques and protocols along with supervised hands-on experiences with a trained professional is important to ensure the operator is ready for the task with confidence and safety. You must also attend regular training updates and refresher courses to keep yourself fully updated with new pallet truck safety tips and safety regulations.
Conclusion
It is important to adhere to essential safety rules and regulations that start with keeping the pallet trucks properly maintained and well inspected, ensuring the operator is fully trained with loading and maneuvering techniques as well as well informed with the latest health and safety regulations and operating protocols. By following these pallet truck safety tips, you not only avoid potential financial penalties but achieve a best-performing and risk-free work environment.
