Operational and Safety Procedures for Hand Pallet Trucks

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What are some safety measures I should take with a hand pallet truck?

Operational and Safety Procedures for Hand Pallet Trucks

Pallets are a big part of warehouse and factory work because they help transfer materials. There are drum pallets, plastic pallets, paper pallets and wood pallets. With all this pallet activity, it stands to reasont that you will need pallet handling equipment such as pallet trucks. If you choose to purchase a hand pallet truck, you should be aware of how to use it and the safety procedures you should follow. For example, what are the three positions on the control lever for? Should you ride a pallet truck "scooter style" or allow a truck to drop from one floor level to another? Here are the answers to those questions and more, courtesy of beacontechnology.com.

Hand pallet trucks have a three-position control lever used to raise, neutral and lower. Here is how to operate each position.

  • To raise: insert the forks into the pallet. Move the control lever into the "raise" position. With an up/down motion, pump the pallet jack up to desired height.
  • Neutral: when finished raising the pallet truck, move control lever into "neutral" or center position. Move the pallet truck to desired location.
  • To lower: move the control lever into "lower" position until desired height has been reached.
Here is some general safety information for hand pallet trucks:

  • Inspect the pallet truck for transit damage before operation. Read the manuals and be familiar with the controls and proper use of them.
  • Never overload the truck. Stay within the rated capacity of 5,500 pounds.
  • Distribute the load evenly on the forks. Do not concentrate loads at one point or load one fork more than the other.
  • Be especially cautious when using the pallet truck to move or set machinery. It is easy to make the mistake of lifting at points that will develop concentrated or unbalanced loads that can damage the pallet truck.
  • Do not allow loaded pallet truck to drop from one floor level to another. Even a drop of one inch more than doubles the effective load momentarily and results in a "shock," which can bend or break components.
  • The main thrust bearing has a zerk fitting that must be greased every 60 days. All other brushes and bearings are pre-lubricated and will last a long time.
  • The pump pisting rod and lifting rams are polished with a hardened chrome-plated finish to provide maximum seal life and minimum oil leakage. Do not allow these surfaces to be nicked or pitted by abuse.
  • Always remove load before making repairs. Completely immobilize pallet truck before working on parts that might pinch fingers or hands if moving.
  • Never allow anyone to ride a pallet truck "scooter style."
  • Never leave a loaded pallet truck unattended.
  • Always lower forks when trucking is completed.
  • Avoid abrasive or corrosive environments and/or movement of abrasive or corrosive materials which can spill onto pallet truck parts.

   

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