Hand Pallet Jack Safety Tips
A hand pallet jack, also known as a manual hand truck, is the workhorse of the warehouse. Standard models feature a hydraulic pump and steer wheels that are operated using the control lever handle.
When moving the jack, be sure to keep the control lever in the neutral position. Review the product manual for detailed information about operating your particular model.
Safety First
Although they are simpler than forklifts, hand pallet jacks can still be dangerous if the operator doesn’t follow simple safety tips. These include:
Anyone who will operate the pallet jack should perform an inspection before starting to ensure it’s ready to be used. This includes checking the steering mechanism, forks, horn, and wheels for damage. It is also important to look for spills and obstacles that could interfere with operation. Finally, the person operating the pallet jack should ensure that they are wearing personal protection equipment such as heavy-duty gloves and hard-toe boots.
Next, walk the area you plan to use the pallet jack in and remove any obstacles that might prevent safe operation. This should include stray construction materials and electric cords. It is also important to block off any intersections where a pallet jack might run into a large drop-off, such as at loading docks. Finally, the person should make sure that they are using the pallet jack at its rated capacity and not exceeding it. If they are, the operator should report it to a supervisor before continuing to use the pallet jack.
Read the Manual
Although hand pallet jacks seem simple and straightforward to operate, they can be dangerous for anyone that does not follow the basic guidelines. These tips can help reduce accidents that lead to crushed toes, scraped knuckles and other injuries to personnel.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the operation manual for your pallet jack. Then inspect the jack to ensure it is in good working order. Check the hydraulic pump, steer wheels and load wheels for any damage or other issues.
Also consider where the jack will be used. For example, if it will be used in freezer or harsh environment, there are specialized pallet jacks available for those conditions. Also, if your application requires going up and down stairs, there are models designed to do so safely. Also, if you want to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, an electric pallet jack might be a better choice for your business. It can lift loads hand pallet jack much faster and reduce operator fatigue. It can even be recharged while it is in use to increase productivity. You can find them at material handling dealers who carry brands like Raymond, Toyota and CLARK.
Perform an Inspection
Whether your workers use manual or motorized pallet jacks, it’s important to perform routine inspections on them. This will ensure that they’re working well and safe to operate.
Look for damage to the wheels, handles, and hydraulic system of your pallet jacks. If you find any of these items damaged, have them repaired by qualified personnel, or contract a repair service to do so.
Also, be sure to lubricate the critical points of your pallet jacks each month. This can help them last longer, and reduce wear and tear.
When storing a pallet jack that isn’t in use, keep its forks lowered on the ground. Raised forks are a trip hazard. They can also block fire extinguishers, equipment, or exits. Always park unused pallet jacks in areas that aren’t frequented by customers or civilians, and make sure they don’t block any entrances to the work area. This can help avoid unnecessary accidents and damage to merchandise. Moreover, it can save your workers time and effort.
Plan Your Route
A pallet jack is a simple, but highly useful piece of equipment. They are used in warehouses, stockrooms, and lifting equipment factory other industrial environments to transport rough wooden platforms known as pallets or skids with loads of materials. Pallet jacks are less expensive than forklifts, require no fuel, and are easy to maneuver.
When using a hand pallet jack, it is important to plan your route before starting. Check to make sure the path you are taking is free of obstructions such as stray construction materials, electric cords, or other hazards. Since the jack is designed to move on flat surfaces, avoid routes with uneven surfaces that could damage the machine or create a safety hazard for you and your team members.
Also remember to always park and move the pallet jack with its forks down. Keeping the forks up can create a tripping hazard and reduce mobility. It is also recommended that you use steel-toed shoes when operating the jack. It is possible that the load might shift and break your feet if you wear soft-soled shoes.
Load the Pallet
Pallet jacks reduce the amount of strain it takes to lift heavy materials. As a result, the risk of back injuries is significantly reduced and business expenses are cut. These benefits make hand pallet jacks an excellent investment for any warehouse or distribution center!
When using a hand pallet jack, it is important to understand how the equipment operates. This will help you avoid crushed toes, trip hazards, scraped knuckles and other issues. These tips may seem simple, but they can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents and damage to your equipment.
Before you begin lifting a load, stand behind the pallet jack and place your hands on the metal handle. Position them toward the prongs (the two horizontal pieces of metal that will actually lift your pallet). Push the handle down to raise the prongs off of the ground. If you notice the forks are not lowered enough, push down on the plastic release lever that is located in the middle of the rounded handle. This will lower the forks and allow you to place your load on top.
