|
Using Pallet Trucks Safely
Pallet trucks make moving large, heavy items or large quantities of
products around. The health risks involved with carrying these
things without aid are much greater than carrying them with a pallet
truck. However, if you don't know how a
pallet truck should be
manoeuvred then they can pose some safety risks.
Moving the truck
To ensure that you do not injure yourself when move a pallet trucks
be sure to pull the truck, most new ones have mechanisms that allow
finger tip control so you have to exert yourself less. Always make
sure to walk forwards pulling the truck behind you so you can see
where you are going. If you do find that you can't see where you are
going then ask a colleague to be a "spotter" for you to keep an eye
out for anything that may get in your way.
Storing the Truck
When storing the truck ensure that the forks are up and where
possible under a table or pallet to reduce the tripping hazard: The
reason for this is that a person is less likely to trip over a
raised pallet or table than they are over forks. Tripping hazards
are especially common in warehouses which can some times get very
dark, always make sure everyone knows exactly where the trucks are
stored. Having a storage area for the trucks is also a good idea as
those who work around them will always know where they are which
greatly reduces the tripping hazard.
Also always remember to leave the handle up, this makes the truck
more visible and also make sure that the handle does not become
another hazard.
Maintaining the truck
All pallet trucks should have a service every so often this is to
ensure that they move correctly, do not have any faults and are able
to take the weight of their loads. Have a truck that distributes the
weight of a load unevenly can result in a loss of control, more
effort exerted on the carrier and a danger of floor contact.
Tandem Rollers
Having tandem rollers as opposed to single rollers ensure weight
distribution is spread more evenly across the forks. This makes it
easier move the truck and also helps to cut ground contact loading.
This means that there is less effort exerted by the operator leading
to a safer truck all round. When
buying your pallet trucks have a
look at the rollers they are on as a sound investment would be to
get one with tandem rollers so your staff have less chance of
injuring themselves.
|
