Hand Pallet Safety Tips

Hand Pallet Safety Tips

Hand pallet are a vital tool for any warehouse. They help workers move heavier materials across short distances in tight spaces where a forklift wouldn’t fit.

A quality hand pallet has non-marking nylon load rollers & steer wheels. They also need to be sturdy to withstand regular use. Independent researchers compared 17 different models moving loads of 500kg and 2000kg. The results were shocking!

Lightweight

Compared to a full-size forklift, hand pallets are considerably lighter and easier to maneuver. Because of this, they are often used in retail environments to help employees move merchandise quickly and efficiently around customers without creating any safety hazards. This also allows them to pass through standard doors and building entrances with ease.

Most hand pallets can handle a variety of load sizes, and you can select a model that is appropriate for your business needs. However, it’s important to choose a model that will be able to lift the specific load you have in mind. This will help to ensure that you can maximize efficiency. Additionally, if you will be using the manual pallet jack for weighing purposes, you should consider opting for a model that features a built-in scale.

A standard manual pallet jack is typically made from high-grade steel, which means that it can be easily maintained and lasts for a long time. It also has a low weight, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

There are some models available with polyurethane wheels that are ideal for retail settings, as they offer quieter operation and reduce the risk of floor damage. Moreover, these wheels are surrounded by a soft layer of polyurethane, which helps hand pallet to protect the pallet from any potential damage caused by rough warehouse floors.

Easy to Operate

Unlike forklifts, which have complicated controls, hand pallets are simple to operate. You control them by pushing and pulling the metal handle. You can even use a ride-on model, which eliminates the need to walk behind it. If you’re interested in purchasing one, it’s important to understand how it operates and its safety requirements. You can learn a lot about it by reading this manual, which also provides tips on how to maintain your equipment.

Hand pallet trucks are ideal for narrow aisles, lorry loading areas, and steep ramps. They are easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and you can lower the prongs for navigating uneven ground. You can easily transport heavy loads weighing up to 200 kg over short distances with this equipment. Just make sure to check its mechanical parts, such as wheels and bearings, for signs of wear and tear.

While a hammer and pry bar are useful for dismantling a pallet, a recip saw is the most helpful tool for cutting wood pallet planks. Be sure to wear eye protection and gloves. A crowbar is also helpful for creating a gap between the planks for the recip to cut down and through. If you don’t have a recip saw, ask a neighbor or friend to borrow one – they likely have a pair they aren’t using anyway!

Easy to Maintain

Taking the time to do a few simple maintenance tasks can make your hand pallets last longer, saving you money in the long run. Regular cleaning and sweeping is essential to ensure that no debris gets trapped in the wheels, which can wear them down more quickly. It’s also a good idea to inspect the tires regularly for damage. If the tires are worn out, your workers will have to use more arm and hand force when pushing them around.

You should always sand down any wood that’s used for the top and bottom planks of your pallet to keep it smooth and free of splinters. This is especially important if you’re using them in an area where children or guests may be coming into contact with them. The sanding process can be done manually or with a power tool, but either way, it’s an easy step that will help to improve the safety and longevity of your pallets.

If your pallet jacks/trucks have hydraulic pumps, it’s crucial to check the level of fluid frequently. A de-lubricated pump can cause it to malfunction or even rust and corrode, which is easily avoidable by applying a light coating of the right kind of oil. Similarly, the fittings and bearings on your hand pallet truck will need to be kept well-lubricated too. Using something too thick can lead to clogging, so it’s best to stick with the recommended type of lubrication.

Safer

Many accidents are caused by improper handling of pallets. A major factor in this is a lack of hand pallet proper training. Injuries affecting hands and feet account for the majority of these accidents. They are often caused by stepping on or getting run over by the load or by the truck’s wheels when they are raised and lowered. The right safety gear reduces these hazards and ensures that employees are able to perform their duties safely.

Proper inspections help prevent these injuries, as damaged pallets may not be able to adequately support the load and could cause a hazard to workers’ safety. Regular, efficient inspections make it easy to find and remove any faulty or unsafe pallets from use. This will increase productivity and reduce the time employees have to spend away from work due to injuries.

For those businesses that need to move large and heavy loads over longer distances, an electric hand pallet jack is a great choice. This type of vehicle eliminates the need for manual transport, reducing physical strain and making it easier to handle larger loads. Typically, these are smaller than a forklift and can fit into narrow aisles. They can be steered using a tiller arm and have a platform that is adjustable for pedestrian or ride-on operation. Some models even have a folding protective sidebar.