Pallet Jack Safety Pallet Jack Safety Hazards Electric

Pallet Jack Safety

Pallet Jack Safety: Hazards � Electric Pallet jacks are: ◦ Motorized to allow lifting and moving of heavier and stacked pallets; Motorized pallet truck video ◦ Self propelled and minimizes the amount of physical operator effort; reduces the risk of injury. ◦ Capacity of 2, 800 lbs – 5, 000 lbs for electric models ◦ Two categories: Walk behind and jacks equipped with an operator platform

Hand pallet jacks � This training information is focused on manual, hydraulic pallet jack safety which is a: ◦ A jack steered by a tiller lever, which is also a pump handle for raising the jack ◦ Small handle on the tiller releases the hydraulic fluid, causing the forks to lower ◦ Front wheels are mounted on levers attached to linkages going to levers attached to the jack cylinder

Pallet Jack Safety: Hazards � Pallet jacks aren’t as dangerous as forklifts � They can still cause serious injuries and damage materials and structures � Pallet jacks help workers safely handle heavy loads � Trying to move heavy material without a pallet jack could result in even more serious injuries � If a pallet jack is not used safely, employees can be injured ◦ Loads can topple from uneven floors, inclines, excessive speed ◦ Striking against door frames, columns, walls and other stationary objects ◦ Trips from exposed pallet jack “forks” ◦ Running over their feet

Pallet Jack Safety: Injuries � Loads tipping/falling on employees resulting in contusions, abrasions, strains and sprains � Back strain from adjusting loads � Injuries from running into other employees � Bodily harm from impacts or from losing control on inclines � Abrasions, contusions or fractures from impacting walls or columns � Load dropped on foot or foot crushed when the pallet jack runs over feet � Strain or dislocation of shoulder due to forceful pulling of a pallet jack � Strains from moving a loaded pallet jack.

Pallet Jack Safety Injury Prevention � Two factors to prevent injuries: ◦ Clear safety rules ◦ Hands-on training. � Pallet jacks seem like simple devices and do not appear to require training � Imperative: Read and follow the safety rules in the manual � Never operate a pallet jack unless you have been trained � Before moving loads, first demonstrate safe operating procedures with an electric or manual pallet jack

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Safe Operation Your responsibility as the pallet jack operator: • Use in the correct manner to ensure your safety and the safety of the people in the vicinity • Familiarize yourself with the controls before using the pallet jack • Ensure controls are undamaged and responsive • Plan your journey before jumping straight into using the pallet jack • Never carry riders or ride the equipment yourself • No horseplay, it can cause serious injuries!

Pallet Jack Safety Rules PPE and body positioning • Wear proper foot protection and gloves. • Make sure you have a secure grip on the load, especially pallet jacks with worn grips • Never place your feet under a pallet jack • Feet, hands or any body part should never be placed underneath a pallet • Use proper lifting techniques loading/unloading and operating the pallet jack • Be wary of pinch points to avoid injuries to your hand

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Forks � Forks: ◦ Center the forks evenly under the load to maintain good balance and ensure stability of the load. ◦ Make sure the forks are positioned completely under the pallet. ◦ Maintain a clearance of about 1 inch between the floor and the pallet. ◦ The load is more stable if it is kept close to the floor

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Forks • Push or Pull? Pulling allows better maneuverability but pulling puts strain on the back, always try to push the load instead if you can • Pushing the load: • Keeps the back and spine straight • Uses the stronger and larger leg muscles and bones • Pulling the load: • Employees pulling pallet jacks are using their backs more than their legs to move the load • Bending forward creating a curvature in their spine making them more susceptible to back injuries • The jack is not designed to be pulled by one or both arms • Exception: Making small adjustments in the positioning of the load, while standing erect

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Inclines/pathways • Difficult to use on slopes, particularly when the load is heavy • Designed for smooth surfaces, difficult to maneuver on uneven surfaces or in areas with debris • Avoid inclines but always be uphill of the load on an incline • If you absolutely must use an incline be extra cautious • Always push when going down an incline and never stand downhill of a loaded pallet jack going down a ramp

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Parking � Park the pallet jack in a level place, forks lowered �Don’t block exits or emergency equipment, i. e. fire extinguishers �Do not leave a pallet jack unattended and elevated �Put pallet jacks safely away in a predetermined storage location when not in use with the handle raised and locked �Keep the jack out of a traffic area, avoid a tripping hazard �Always let pallet jack down when stocking product or anytime the pallet jack is left unattended

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Handling Loads • Pay attention and never exceed the manufacturer’s maximum load rated capacity, never overload �The capacity will be clearly marked on the pallet jack • Keep your back strong and straight • Keep the load under control • Start and stop gradually, prevent the load shifting position • Stop moving your load if someone is in the pathway— don’t assume the person sees and can avoid you. • Use established traffic lanes and exercise caution to avoid collisions at corners • Swing wide on corners to avoid striking the door frames, racking, or other structures, use a spotter if needed

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Pallets � Store pallets in a dry place � Inspect the pallet for loose or rotting sections ◦ Make sure the pallet is in ggood condition and can safely support the load � Ensure no leakage from the previous or current load has weakened the structure of the pallet � Stabilize the load on the pallet �Interlocked stacking, plastic wrap, or straps

Pallet Jack Safety Rules Inspections Make a quick inspection • Inspect pallet jack in general for good working condition • Check brakes, steering, controls, forks, hoists and warning devices • Look for water, oil, or other liquids on the floor • Observe the wheels; ensure they are not worn out and have no cracks • This will prevent poor handling and reduce the risk of an unstable load • Report any problems to your supervisor

Pallet Jack Safety: Fork Operation � Use both forks for lifting a load � Never use one fork to lift a load � Ensure the stability of the load � Maintain good balance, center the forks evenly under the load � Maintain a clearance of about 1 inch between the floor and the pallet � The load is more stable if it is kept close to the floor.

Pallet Jack Safety: Actuating lever � Safe handling requires skill � Raise the forks by pushing the actuating lever down and pumping the handle � Use both hands when jacking up a manual pallet jack to prevent muscle strain � The only time the handle is down is to jack the pallet � Put the actuating lever in a neutral or middle position to move the load. ◦ This position disengages the lifting mechanism and frees the handle from hydraulic resistance, but keeps the forks raised � When the lever is released, it will automatically return to the neutral position

Pallet Jack Safety: Safe Maneuvering Use the neutral position when moving loads, this reduces operator fatigue � Push if you safely can, but pulling allows for increased maneuverability and better control of the load � If pulling the pallet jack, make sure it is in the neutral position to reduce fatigue � Do not turn the handle too fast, can cause the load to shift. � Watch for clearances on both sides of the aisle � Operate at controllable speeds, hand pallet trucks do not have brakes, allow plenty of room to stop � Do not carry riders on the hand pallet truck � Be aware of other people and forklifts in the vicinity �

Pallet Jack Safety: Loading docks � Always be alert on loading docks. Stay away from the edge of the dock. � If you are loading or unloading a truck at a dock, enter or exit the truck squarely � Park the pallet truck out of traffic areas in a safe, level place with the forks lowered. � The handle should be left in the up position to eliminate tripping hazards.