These hand pallet truck tips will help you operate the machine efficiently and safely.
Hand pallet trucks are used every day in warehouses across the world.
From lifting to moving pallets around, they are a necessary tool for any warehouse or production line.
But as with every piece of machinery, they still pose a risk if used improperly or without proper care.
Therefore, in this article, we will explore some of the best practices that will help you increase safety and efficiency while using a hand pallet truck.
Hand pallet trucks important safety tips
Undoubtedly, getting the job done efficiently is an important part of any job.
However, for those who work with pallet trucks and handle heavy loads, pallet truck safety is also a top priority.
So, here are 8 hand pallet truck tips to help you maximize the efficiency and safety of your material handling equipment.
1. Before use, inspect your hand pallet truck for damage
Before you use your hand pallet truck, make sure it’s in good working order.
A good practice would be inspecting the equipment before each use.
Here are some things to look for:
Wheels
Check the wheels to make sure they are not damaged or worn.
Damaged wheels can cause a hand pallet truck to veer off course or may not roll smoothly.
Hydraulic pump
Test the hydraulic pump by pressing down on it to see if it works properly.
This is an important safety precaution that will prevent injury in case something goes wrong while operating your hand pallet truck.
Frame
Inspect the frame of your hand pallet truck for damage, such as dents and cracks.
If you find any signs of damage, do not use your hand pallet truck until it has been repaired by a qualified technician.
2. Make sure your load is secure and stable
The most important tip of all is to make sure your load is secure and stable.
If a load isn’t placed properly in the pallet forks, it can easily fall out as soon as you try to move it.
This can be dangerous for any workers around because they may get struck by falling items, or worse yet, crushed by a falling pallet truck.
If your load is going to require extra weight on your pallet truck (for example, large quantities of bricks), make sure it’s not too heavy for both the equipment and operator.
Too much weight can cause strain on both parts leading them to break more easily than usual.
3. Always point straight forwards when going up a ramp or incline
To prevent the load from tilting and rolling, make sure the pallet truck is straight when going up a ramp or incline.
If you have to turn while moving up an incline, use one hand on the steering wheel and keep your other hand free to balance your load.
4. Keep clear of sudden stops or uneven surfaces
When you are driving your pallet truck, it’s important to proceed through turns in a controlled manner.
If you have to make a quick stop, avoid sudden movements and always apply the handbrake.
Similarly, if you have to go over rough terrain with your hand pallet truck, make sure your wheels are aligned with each other and don’t scrape against any rocks or other obstacles that could cause damage.
5. Avoid excessive handling, especially when moving the hand pallet truck over long distances
It is important to avoid excessive handling of your hand pallet truck. It is also important for you to know what constitutes excessive handling.
In general, it is considered excessive when the weight on a hand pallet truck exceeds the rated capacity or if it is under continuous use for long periods of time without rest periods in between.
This can cause fatigue and injuries such as muscle strain, sprain, and back injuries among others.
6. Follow proper techniques and posture at all times
Proper technique, posture, and force are important when using a hand pallet truck.
The proper technique will make it easier to move items, prevent injury, and increase efficiency.
Meanwhile, a good posture is essential for the safe operation of the hand pallet truck.
Good posture places the body in a position that does not overexert any muscles to lift or carry loads.
On top of that, you need to use the right amount of force when moving objects.
If you do not use enough force, it will take longer to move loads.
However, if you use too much force, you might cause injury or strain your back muscles unnecessarily.
7. Reduce downtime and prevent costly accidents by educating your team on the proper use of hand pallet trucks
Before you can start increasing efficiency, it’s important to ensure your team is aware of and practicing safe pallet truck handling techniques.
Accidents occur when employees do not follow proper safety procedures.
The most common accidents include lifting a load improperly, failing to secure the load, or losing control while transporting a load.
These simple mistakes can result in costly injuries and damaged equipment, products, and property.
If the accident occurs on-site with customers present, it can have serious consequences for your business as well!
The best way to prevent these accidents?
Provide your employees with thorough training on how to safely handle their hand pallets so they know what they are doing at all times.
8. Store your hand pallet truck safely
To prevent accidents, it is important to store your hand pallet truck safely and securely.
The best place to store your pallet truck is in a dry, well-ventilated area.
If you live in an area with high humidity and rain, consider storing your pallet truck inside.
If you are storing your pallet truck outside, make sure it is on a flat surface and not in direct sunlight.
This will help prevent rusting, which could lead to the malfunction or even breakage of parts like the forks or wheels.
You also want to keep the hand pallet truck away from moving vehicles and electrical equipment (like forklifts).
This will help protect your equipment from damage caused by these other machines, which can lead to injuries for workers using them as well.
Hand Pallet Truck Tips for Your Safety
Get the most out of your truck while minimizing your risk of injury by following these hand pallet truck tips.
Choosing a quality hand truck is also essential to getting the best out of your truck.
Therefore, if you are really serious about working safely, it is always wise to select a high-quality hand pallet truck.
Try Bullmax, the leading material handling equipment supplier in Malaysia.
We offer an extensive selection of the best hand pallet trucks, so contact us today to learn more about our options.
The team at Bullmax is dedicated to helping you make the right choices for your business.
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