3 Pallet Truck Safety Tips
When it comes to hauling pallets around your warehouse, a pallet truck can make things a whole lot easier and more convenient. However, even though these helpful pieces of equipment can be a lifesaver in a warehouse, they can still be dangerous if you aren't careful. Luckily, following these safety tips can help prevent any accidents.
1. Inspect the Pallet Truck Before Use
First of all, before putting your pallet truck to use each day, it is important to give it a quick inspection to ensure that it's in good shape. Check to ensure that the wheels are rolling properly without "sticking" or jamming up, and check for any "pinch points" that might pinch your hands when you are loading, unloading or maneuvering the pallet truck. Checking for problems can help prevent accidents and can also allow you to make repairs when needed, which can help the pallet truck last longer.
2. Be Mindful of Weight Restrictions
As with most things, pallet trucks generally have weight restrictions and can only be loaded with a certain amount of weight. Adding more weight than what a pallet truck is designed to hold can make for difficult steering and can cause equipment failure, which can be dangerous. The maximum weight should be printed in a visible place on the pallet truck, but if it's not, you should be able to consult the manual or the manufacturer for this information. If you frequently find yourself nearing the weight maximum on the pallet truck, it might be time to invest in a newer and bigger model that is capable of handling more weight.
3. Load the Pallet Truck Properly
Another thing to consider is how you load the pallet truck. If it is loaded unevenly, something could fall off of the pallet truck, or the pallet truck might be unstable when you are maneuvering it. Additionally, if pallets are not placed evenly in the middle on the pallet truck, they could be more prone to falling off. Take your time when loading to make steering easier and to help prevent accidents.
Even though it's a rather simple piece of equipment, a pallet truck can be dangerous if it is not used properly. However, it can also be a very helpful piece of equipment in any warehouse. As long as you follow these tips and any safety instructions that might be provided in the manual, you should be able to cut down significantly on the risk of an accident when using a pallet truck.