Pallet trucks are used for storing, handling, and transporting goods in factories, warehouses, and in many other industries.
Warehouses and factories are busy places, and having safe and suitable equipment is a must. Efficiency is paramount for businesses who handle a lot of goods, and safety is important for compliance with the law and for workers who have to operate equipment.
What causes accidents with pallets and pallet trucks?
- Poor design of the pallet truck
- Using a pallet truck which isn’t suitable for the load that is to be moved or handled.
- Unsafe stacking of items on a pallet truck
- Use of a damaged pallet truck
What to look for when choosing a pallet truck?
- Is it suitable for the items it is going to carry?
- Is it suitable for solids, liquids, or powders?
- Is the load corrosive?
- How much does the load weight? Will you require straps or other restraints to stabilise the load?
What to check before using a pallet truck?
- Make sure the load to be moved or handled is stable
- Pallet trucks should be loaded and stacked appropriately to make sure that the load is moved and handled safely. Add loads to the appropriate pallet truck gradually.
- Check the height of the load
- The height of the load you are putting onto the pallet truck should not be more than the longest side of the base. Making the load stable by shrink wrapping it or using straps can stop it from moving around too much.
- Keep pallet trucks well maintained
- Always check pallet trucks for any visible signs of damage before use, as damaged trucks may not be safe for use, especially if they are dealing with heavy loads.
How to use a pallet truck safely?
In a warehouse or industrial environment, it’s important to constantly risk assess tasks as you go to ensure safe and effective working.
- Plan the task in advance
- Make sure you are able to handle the truck once it’s loaded. It will be more difficult to manoeuvre.
- Make sure you are familiar with how to operate the truck safely.
- Always make sure you wear safety boots and gloves when you operate the truck.
- Make sure that the area in which you are using the truck is safe and clear from obstructions.
- Don’t use a truck if it has obvious signs of damage
- Always ensure that loads are secured and evenly distributed
- Pull the truck rather than push it wherever possible.
Problem:
You have to move a truck over uneven ground
Solution:
Get a truck with suspended castors to absorb shock better, keep the truck stable, and make it easily manoeuvrable.
Problem:
Limited working space
Solution:
Choose a pallet truck which most closely meets your needs. If you need a truck which has a long reach or high lift, this will make jobs easier to do in the space you have.
Traffic Light System
Using a traffic light system can help avoid any nasty incidents and can be used both inside and outside of the truck. Just as it does when driving on the roads, a green light signifies it’s safe to enter the truck whilst a red light means stop. A system such as this can work wonders if you have multiple pallet trucks loading and unloading the same lorry.
Common Sense
Ultimately it is the operator of a pallet truck who has a large influence on whether on the safety during use. Reckless or negligent operator can lead to accidents which is why it is important to ensure that thorough training is carried out for all uses of, and people who work around, pallet trucks. Through training and educating the people you work with you will not only cut down on accidents but also boost your productivity.
Top Tip:
Make sure that you have procedures in place to run training sessions for new members of the team and update existing employees every year.