Electric Pallet Truck Safety

Electric pallets trucks are one of the most useful pieces of material handling equipment.

If used correctly, they are highly efficient and are easy and safe to operate as long as the guidelines below are followed:

• Prior to operating an electric pallet truck, always carry out the daily pre-operation inspection. This will ensure you are using an electric power truck that is in good mechanical condition. If the electric power truck does not pass the pre-operation inspection, do not use it and report the malfunctioning equipment to your supervisor immediately who will take it out of service until the identified faults have been rectified by a competent person.

• Always be cautious of the wide swing of the electric power truck. Keep your body, especially your feet and ankles clear of the truck.

• When operating the electric pallet truck always face the direction of travel, do not walk backwards.

• An electric pallet truck should never be operated on a ramp. • The red button on the operation handle/tiller arm is an emergency reverse. • The electric pallet truck, with a full load, can weigh as much as a car. You cannot stop, push,

or drag the electric pallet truck. Never use your body to stop the electric pallet truck.

Remember all lifting equipment comes under the LOLER regulations and must be thoroughly inspected regularly by a competent person and the records kept.

• People Lifting equipment such as scissorlifts and cherry pickers or forklift attached man baskets must be thoroughly inspected every 6 months.

• Material lifting equipment such a forklifts and telehandlers (without manbaskets) must be thoroughly inspected every 12 months.