Hand truck makes the task of carrying and moving objects easier and faster
Hand truck or hand trolley is a wheeled cart with long handles that is useful for material handling in industrial, commercial and office environments.
Basically, a hand truck helps employees to maneuver heavy objects and loads from one place to another.
Regardless, there has been a lot of accidents reported at the workplace due to improper handling of material handling equipments which also include hand trucks.
Therefore, to ensure that material handling is both safe and efficient for employees, we have listed out 5 tips to handle hand truck safely.
5 Safety Tips to Handle Hand Truck
Proper workplace safety precautions are required to avoid accidents, reduce stress and effort and minimize the time spent and distribution.
When it comes to hand trolley, there are various aspects the operator must consider to ensure safety:
Suggested read: Effective Warehouse MHE Safety Tips for 2021
Beware of Slope
When going up and down a slope, be extra careful as there is a chance of the truck tipping over.
To avoid this, make sure the loads are evenly distributed and your grip on the truck is firm enough.
Besides, please be mindful that if the slope is too steep or the loads are too heavy, the truck may also tip over.
Applying Force
Apply proper amount of force to safely maneuver a loaded hand truck. Usually, the amount needed is roughly 2% to 3% of the entire weight.
Nevertheless, this also depends on other factors such as such as the surface, wheel type, and the operator’s strength.
In addition, you can also apply more force to the truck by leaning your body weight into the loads in order to make the work easier.
Dealing with Uneven Surface
In the warehouses, storerooms or outdoor, there are high chances that you will come accross uneven surfaces when pushing the truck.
Softer grounds, like sand or mud, will likely need more force. Plus, ensure that you use the right wheel for certain surface to avoid accidents.
Loading Hand Truck
Proper lifting technique is required to avoid injuries when loading hand trolley.
While lifting, keep your back as straight as possible. If it is necessary to bend down, bend at your knees, not at your waist, and avoid twisting your body.
Another important tip is to always place the heaviest loads on the bottom and the lightest on top.
Unloading Hand Truck
When unloading, gently tip the load forward with one hand, while pulling the base of the hand trolley out with your foot under the axle.
It may take some time to get used to this technique, but it will save you a lot of frustration when you get the hang of it.
The Top Hand Truck Supplier in Malaysia
Bullmax offers a wide range of material handling equipments including hand trucks.
Our products provide the material handling industry with versatility and superior maneuverability. Not only that our equipments are durable and crafted with utmost care.
So, reach out to our friendly customer service team to know more details about the best hand truck in Malaysia.
Suggested read: The Top Material Handling Equipment Supplier in Malaysia
