Your Ultimate Guide On How To Safely Unload Pallets With A Pallet Truck / Pump Jack…

Here in the UK, the safety of loading and unloading pallets with a pallet / pump truck is very important in order to avoid injury. In order to protect yourself and others who are working nearby, here are some very useful tips on how to safely unload pallets using a pallet truck / pump jack.

Essential advice on how to safely unload pallets whilst operating a pallet truck

Firstly, you must never attempt to unload any pallets before the pallet truck (also known as a pump jack) is completely stationary.

In order to do this, you should bring the pallet truck to a complete stop and ensure it is facing the load vertically (head on). It is also critical that you line up the pallet truck’s forks/arms with the pallet which is to be unloaded from the truck, and then insert the forks into the pallet. Following these simple steps will give you much more control over the handling truck, and you will confidently be able to see that the goods on the pallet being unloaded are securely placed on the pallet truck / pump jack, ready for you to move it.

Secondly, never rush!

You need to concentrate, and really take your time whilst operating a pallet truck, as goods can become damaged when they’re being moved if you’re not careful. More-so, manoeuvring the pallet truck too quickly can also endanger yourself and others around you if you lose control of the truck, and cannot stop safely and in a timely manner. So, whilst loading goods onto your pallet truck, you need to slowly insert the forks until the load is resting against the back of the pallet truck, and is securely loaded.

Next, never remove the load from the pallet truck if the forks are not correctly inserted into the pallet.

If, for instance, only one of the forks is inserted into the pallet, or the forks are not inserted far enough (the full load should sit up against the back of the truck) then you must never attempt to remove the load, and should take measures to re-adjust the forks (arms). If you continue to try manoeuvring the load if the forks aren’t correctly inserted, you risk the load tipping or falling, which can cause damage and put yourself and others at risk of injury.

Remember, never forget to check your surroundings.

Prior to reversing a pallet truck (pulling it towards you), and when you are operating it, you should always pay crucial attention to your surrounding area, and always look around to check for any obstructions or employees who may be in your way.

Do not forget to lower the forks and tilt the load backwards.

Once you are in the position you need to be to unload safely, you should stop the pallet truck and only then, lower the fork arms and tilt the load backwards. This is so important, as if you do not tilt the load backwards, you risk the load sliding or slipping off of the forks.

Never reverse until your path is clear!

Before reversing to drop the load off where you wish it to be, you should always double check that the area behind you is clear in order to avoid any accidents or injuries. It is also vital that you do not to move the pallet truck too quickly, as this will pose a further risk to damaging the load and potentially harming yourself and others.

You must never exceed the load limits of a truck

It is absolutely vital that you never exceed the maximum load limit when using a pallet truck, as overloading a truck can lead to injury to yourself and others around you, damaging the load, tipping the load and/or truck over, causing damage, or lead to an accident in the surrounding area.

You must always be very careful when operating a pallet truck, and follow health and safety precautions (which you will have been taught on your course).

Looking to purchase a pallet truck for your business?

If you are looking to buy a manual pallet truck, electric pallet truck, handling equipment, or lifting equipment for your business or workplace, then here at Go-EPT, we have everything you could possibly need. We keep a large stock of trucks and a large range of handling and lifting equipment to suit every need. Please take a look at our vast range by clicking here. If you are not quite sure which piece of equipment would best suit your needs, please contact our friendly sales team on 0333 772 7726 or email us info@go-ept.com and they will be happy to assist you.