Proper Pallet Handling Is A Key Element of Forklift Safety
As a forklift operator, you know that safety is Job One. Most forklift tasks involve the placing, picking, and moving of pallets. These versatile platforms are the linchpin of material handling and can accommodate a wide range of products, from cartons of small items to large pieces of capital equipment. Understanding how to safely store, retrieve, and transport palletized products is key to operating a safe and efficient warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing plant. These 9 forklift safety guidelines for safe pallet handling will help you achieve that goal.
1. Important Inspections
Before bringing pallets to a palletizing station, inspect them for cracks, missing parts, broken stringers, or exposed screws or nails. Only use pallets that are completely intact and not worn out. Do likewise if you are picking up a load stored on a rack. A faulty pallet can cause a major disaster. If a pallet seems dissimilar to the ones you’ve been using, check with a supervisor before attempting to use it.
Your forklift operator should be conducting thorough daily inspections of the vehicle before beginning each shift. Download our forklift inspection checklist for a thorough, easy-to-follow process.
2. Use Proper PPE When Handling Pallets
Wood pallets take a beating and are prone to splintering or losing their integrity. If you have to physically handle a pallet, be sure to wear approved safety gloves that resist puncture from exposed nails, screws, or splinters. Wear proper steel-tipped safety shoes to prevent foot injuries from dropped pallets.
3. Confirm Load Weight
Make sure the forklift you’re using has the capacity to handle the palletized load you intend to move. Guessing could lead to a tipover.
4. Stabilize the Load
Ensure the pallet is properly loaded and secured to prevent cartons or boxes from falling off during transport. Proper shrink-wrapping helps keep the load stable and prevents loose plastic or cartons from creating hazards. Be mindful of loads that overhang the pallet dimensions, as they can catch on racks or make it difficult to navigate narrow warehouse aisles.
5. Carefully Engage the Forklift With the Pallet
When approaching a pallet with a forklift, take care to stop the forklift, properly align the forks with the pallet, and slowly insert the forks. Attaching and inserting the folks on the fly can cause product damage or lead to an improperly balanced load. Be sure that the load is in contact with the load backrest to avoid “short-forking,” which can cause the pallet to break.
A side shifter is a great attachment that will improve the efficiency of entering a pallet. Speak with your Apex representative about forklift accessories for your vehicle’s make and model.
6. Lift and Tilt With Care
Once the forks are engaged, slowly lift the pallet and extract it from the rack. Once you’ve cleared the rack, tilt the load toward the forklift slightly to ensure load stability. Before moving, inspect the load to make sure it’s laterally balanced, secure, and safe to move. Confirm that the load’s center of gravity is far back enough to allow safe transportation. You don’t want to risk a tip-over.
7. Drive Carefully
Follow these tips to keep your pallet loads secure.
- Keep the load low: Always lower the load before driving to maintain stability.
- Take it slow: Drive at a safe speed and stay mindful of pedestrians and obstacles.
- Tilt forks back: Slightly tilt the forks to prevent the load from sliding forward during sudden stops.
- Be cautious on corners: Slow down and avoid sharp turns to prevent tipping.
- Use your tools: Make the most of mirrors, cameras, and sensors—pay attention to alarms.
- Brake smoothly: Stop gradually to keep the load secure on the forks.
- Clear the path: Watch for hazards like debris or stray pallets; good housekeeping helps prevent accidents.
8. Set the Load Down Easy
Don’t slam the load to the floor. Doing so could cause the pallet to break, damage the product, or cause boxes or cartons to tumble from the pallet. If you are depositing a load in a rack, use caution to place the load on the rails properly.
9. Don’t Bulldoze Pallets
Forklift bulldozing, as the name suggests, involves using a forklift to push or drag a pallet instead of lifting it properly. While this may seem like a time-saver, it can actually damage the pallet. To ensure safety and efficiency, use a forklift and pallet as they were designed: insert the forks, lift the pallet, move it, and set it down.
Much of safe pallet handling is based on common sense. Still, a significant portion also relies on a solid understanding of the forklift-pallet system –knowledge that can only be acquired through proper training. At Apex, we offer comprehensive training for forklift operation and pallet handling. Apex is your nationwide source for new and pre-owned forklifts, maintenance services, spare parts, and forklift training.