Pallet Jacks: 3 Safety Tips To Follow To Prevent Accidents From Happening
Posted on: 16 September 2015
When moving heavy items, you can never go wrong with using a pallet jack in most circumstances. A standard hand pallet jack can lift anywhere from 3,300 to 6,600 pounds. With a pallet jack, it's possible for one person to move a load that would have otherwise taken multiple people. When lifting and moving heavy items using a pallet jack, it's easy to pull a muscle or sprain a tendon. Here are 3 safety tips to follow to protect yourself from sustaining any injuries.
Inspect the Pallet Jack Before Using It
Before you even use the pallet jack, inspect it to see whether it is still in good condition or whether anything needs to be repaired. When inspecting the pallet jack, you want to pay special attention to the wheels to ensure that they are not worn down or cracked. If the wheels are in poor shape, it will result in poor handling. It also increases the risk of the load becoming unstable mid-journey, which in turn will increase the risks of an accident happening.
You should also familiarize yourself with the controls. Make sure you run through the controls ahead of time to identify whether all of the controls are functioning properly. Once again, accidents can easily happen if you find out the controls are unresponsive or damaged mid-journey.
Always Push and Never Pull
Ask the experts, and the consensus is that you should always push the pallet jacks, and never pull them. When you push on the pallet jack, you are using both your leg and back muscles to support the load. On the other hand, if you pull on the pallet jack, you are supporting the entire load with just your back muscles. If your back is positioned poorly, you will increase your chances of spraining a muscle.
Pushing the pallet jack instead of pulling it will not only activate more muscles, but it will also increase your overall capabilities. There is also less of a risk of overexerting your body. In addition, keep in mind that you can push almost 4 times more than what you can pull. When pushing the pallet jack, make sure you never place your feet underneath the machine.
Clear a Route Ahead of Time
Making sure you have a cleared route for moving the pallet jack will also help reduce chances of an accident happening. Make sure you walk through where the pallet jack will go, and look for cracks on the floor or signs of unevenness. If you spot any cracks or unevenness, place a mat overtop these areas to level off the floor. Pushing the pallet jack over these areas when a mat is placed overtop will improve overall handling.
You also want to look out for wires or any debris that may become an obstacle for the pallet jack. If possible, take the time to sweep or vacuum the floor ahead of time. Check for other hazards as well. If there is anything obstructing your view, have a co-worker guide you when you are moving the pallet jack. It's always to be safe than sorry. This way, you can avoid bumping into anything.
If you're using a pallet jack, chances are you're moving something that's relatively heavy. Keep in mind that your body has a threshold to the amount of weight it can support. It's extremely easy to strain your muscles, tendons or ligaments if you overexert yourself or if you aren't safe. Know your limit, and don't be shy to ask for assistance from a co-worker. On top of all that, follow the safety tips mentioned above to reduce the chances of any accidents happening, and you'll be fine.
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