Pallet trucks, despite their simple appearance, are powerful machines that can pose serious hazards if used incorrectly. Every year, thousands of workplace accidents occur due to improper use of pallet trucks; these accidents can result in crushings, fractures, and serious injuries. Ensuring safety in your business is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to protect your most valuable asset: your employees. Remember, a safe work environment is also a productive one. Here are 10 essential safety rules that everyone should know and follow, and are vital for both manual and electric pallet truck users.
1. Never Skip the Pre-Use Inspection: At the beginning of each shift, perform a quick visual inspection of the pallet truck before use. Inspect for any damage, leaks, or abnormalities in the wheels, forks, control lever, or hydraulic system. If you notice anything suspicious, never use it and report it immediately to your supervisor.
2. Always Follow Capacity Limits: Every pallet truck has a maximum carrying capacity. Exceeding this limit could cause the pallet truck to tip over, its chassis to buckle, or its hydraulic system to burst. If you are unsure of the weight of the load you are carrying, do not risk it.
3. Position and Balance the Load Properly: When placing the load on the forks, ensure that the center of gravity of the pallet is centered between the forks and that the forks are fully inserted under the pallet. The load should not be placed on the tips of the forks. Ensure the load is balanced and will not tip over during transport.
4. Always Keep Your Visibility Clear: If you are carrying a high load and it obstructs your vision, pull the pallet truck (by reversing) instead of pushing it. This allows you to see obstacles, other workers, or corners ahead. Slow down and use your horn (if equipped) when going around corners and through doorways.
5. Be Extra Careful on Hills and Ramps: When descending a ramp, the load should always remain above you, at the top of the slope. This way, you can prevent the load from rolling towards you if you lose control. When going up a ramp, the load should be below you, at the bottom of the slope. Never use or park the pallet truck sideways on a ramp.
6. Move at a Safe Speed: Especially in crowded areas, narrow aisles, and wet surfaces, adjust your speed so that it does not exceed walking pace. Avoid sudden stops and sharp maneuvers.
7. Keep Your Hands and Feet Out of Danger: While using the pallet truck, keep your hands and fingers away from the lifting mechanism, chains, and other moving parts. Take extreme care not to get your feet caught under the wheels or lowering forks. Therefore, steel-toed work shoes must be worn in areas where pallet trucks are used.
8. Never Use the Pallet Truck to Transport Passengers: Pallet trucks are designed only for carrying goods. Riding on them, carrying someone else on them, or using them like roller skates is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents.
9. Park Properly When Not in Use: When finished, park the pallet truck in a designated area where it won't obstruct traffic. Lower the forks completely to the ground. This eliminates the risk of tripping and falls and reduces pressure on the hydraulic system.
10. Get Training and Follow the Rules: No one is born fully qualified to operate a pallet truck. Be sure to receive formal training provided by your employer. Learn your business's specific safety procedures and always follow them.
Safety is a Habit
These rules provide a basic framework for making pallet truck use safer. Making safety an integral part of your daily work routine, not a chore, will protect both you and your colleagues.
At Izmir Demir Lift, we not only provide quality equipment but also make it our mission to educate our customers on the safe use of this equipment. We are always here to provide you with a safe and productive work environment.
