Whether you have a warehouse, retail store or logistics facility, pallet jacks are essential equipment for transporting heavy things around. They seem like a simple thing, but misuse can lead to injury or ruin goods.
Here are six crucial tips to assist you in using pallet jacks safely and properly daily.
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Inspect the Pallet Jack Before Each Use
It only takes a fast look before you drive a pallet jack in to avoid big problems down the line. Inspect for any damage or leaks on the wheels, forks, handle, and hydraulic pump. Ensure the forks move freely and the handle grip is undamaged.
Failure to follow this procedure can cause sudden equipment failure under load. Take a moment to inspect your hand pallet jacks. Trucks do these tasks and avoid downtime and potential hazards on the job.
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Use the Correct Lifting Technique
Bad lifting is a pain in your back, and it makes pallet jack control more difficult. Squat when lifting or setting down a load—knees, don’t waist. Keep both feet on the floor and avoid pulling or jerking with the material you are working with.
If the load feels too heavy or awkward, don’t try to handle it yourself. With the right technique, you are always in control and will not suffer work-related injuries caused by overexertion.
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Secure and Balance the Load
Unevenly stacked or loosely piled pallets are often the cause of such accidents. Before you start, lift and check that the weight on your load is evenly distributed between the forks and doesn’t extend too far past the edges of the pallet.
To test that everything is secure and nothing shifts significantly when you start driving, gently push the load at the bottom. If you can, strap the items down or shrink wrap them to keep them secure. When the load is evenly distributed, it provides stable and easy traction for the pallet jack.
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Watch Out for Obstacles and Slopes
Tiny hazards such as cords, slight floor inclines, and ramps can be easily overlooked—until they’re not. Look where you are going before the load starts to move to avoid any sudden lurch or overturning.
The other occasion not to utilise pallet jacks is when going up and down steep gradients, as it’s difficult to manage the speed of both motions. When in the moderate downhill positions of operation, ensure that the load is always downhill of you and maintain a good grip on the handle.
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Operate at a Safe Speed
Even though pallet jacks move slowly, maintaining speed is crucial. Rushing up the risk of personal injury, product damage, or impacting passersby. Run at a moderate, brisk pace and look out for other workers, especially in cramped aisles.
When you change direction or turn a corner, slow down and allow yourself some room. Keeping aware will benefit not only your own safety but also make it easier for others you’re working in tandem with.
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Park and Store Properly After Use
When you are finished with the pallet jack, bury the forks completely and store it in a safe, secure location. Otherwise, the forks sticking up or obstructing aisles could pose a tripping hazard.
Proper storage of equipment can also go a long way in keeping it from wearing out too quickly, and storing it properly contributes to neatness at the workstation. A small amount of prevention at the end of a shift goes a long way towards keeping everyone safe and running efficient operations.
Safety Starts with Smart Handling
Operating a pallet jack is relatively simple, but some smart habits can improve your efficiency. By following the six vital tips listed here, you will improve your overall process and safety at work for everyone involved.
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