Manual pallet jacks help workers but if not used properly they can lead to damaged equipment and serious injuries.
Manual pallet jack safety osha.
Employees move and position heavily loaded pallets of product within the wood shop using forklifts and or pallet jacks.
Additional powered industrial truck requirements can be referenced within osha cfr 1910 178.
Hazards of this task may include.
As specified in california code of regulations title 8 section 3668 all forklift truck operators must complete initial training and be evaluated for operation performance prior to being assigned to operate a forklift truck.
Rules for safe operation of pallet jacks include.
How much weight can i put on a pallet jack.
Treat it with the respect it deserves.
Never operate a pallet jack unless you have been trained to do so.
Manual pallet jacks are hand powered and must be maneuvered solely by the power of the employee.
Occupational safety health administration 200 constitution ave nw washington dc 20210.
This official view changes as soon as a pallet truck is powered by anything besides human muscle.
We provide training resources and materials for safe forklift training and certification.
Overexertion for using manual pallet trucks for handling loads that are too heavy or for locking the wheels.
1 clear safety rules and 2 lots of hands on training.
In the absence of a firm foundation the base of the jack shall be blocked.
Under osha rules manual pallet jacks can be used by anyone without being trained in safe and proper use.
1910 244 a 2 ii the operator shall watch the stop indicator which shall be kept clean in order to determine the limit of travel.
If there is a possibility of slippage of the cap a block shall be placed in between the cap and the load.
These are often supplied by individual employers and there are online certifications available as well.
Wear proper foot protection and gloves.
You can find more information on powered pallet jack requirements under osha 1910 178.
The two keys to locking the door on pallet jack accidents are.
Strikes and entrapments when maneuvering in reverse near walls columns shelves etc.
Hand pallet jack safety occupational hazard.
Never exceed the manufacturer s maximum load rated capacity.
In order to comply with osha safety regulations operators of both manual and electric pallet jacks should complete a certification course.