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Hand Truck Safety-An Overview

Just like any other piece of equipment the misuse of a hand truck can lead to serious injury. It is advisable to follow good safety practices when using one for any type of job.  The most important thing to remember is to use the hand truck for the purpose intended.  Misuse of equipment is one of the leading reasons why injury occurs, at home and in the workplace.

Safe hand truck practices include:

  • Reading and adhering to the load limits of the particular hand truck you are using.  There should be load limits listed on your hand truck if you are unsure as to the load capacity.
  • Ensuring that the load you have placed on the convertible hand truck is placed soundly and securely on the hand truck.  Strap the load down if you have any concerns on its stability.  Not only can a load that falls from a hand truck injure yourself or a co-worker, it can also be costly is the load is damaged and has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Use the heavy duty 1200 lb. appliance hand truck for the purpose intended.  Many people will use their hand truck for purposes other than what it was built for.  It should never be used as a ladder or “ride.”  While these seem like common sense, many people still use it for those purposes.
  • Always be able to see where you are going. If in the instance your view is obstructed the use of a spotter is highly recommended.  Running into a person or object can cause the load to topple off your steel handtruck on yourself or someone else.
  • Ensure you walk and have steady footing at all times.  To slip or fall can cause the collapse of the hand truck and/or the load.  It can be the cause of injury and/or the destruction of the load you are moving.
  • Keep the heavy objects at the bottom and lighter on top.  Keeping the weight at the bottom of the load ensures it stays are as secure and steady as possible on the hand truck.
  • Store your drum hand trucks out of the way.  People can easily trip and fall over the tongue of the hand truck.  Ensure the tongue is out of the way, preferably under a table or pallet and not sticking out.

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