December 12, 2018
Safety tip: Do you push or pull a pallet jack?
Pallet jacks are commonly used in material handling and almost as often operators run into dangerous challenges working with them. Unfortunately, even when employees attempt to use them safely, they can create problems by overloading and leaving the operator to handle too big a load alone.
A pallet jacks is a quite simple device that allows a person to pick up and move a palletized load which can weigh several times that of the operator. A typical manual pallet jack consists of a small frame that supports two low forks that are designed to fit under a pallet.
A handle or tiller, connected to the frame should provide a method telling if you push or pull a pallet jack, to steer it and a way to hydraulically elevate the forks. This article will focus on the principles of operation and instructions for safe use of different types of pallet jacks.
Do you push or pull a pallet jack? A person can push almost four times the weight they can pull. That’s why when the choice to push or pull a pallet jack arises, it’s generally safer to push it. A worker is strongest when pushing with his legs for a foundation. The physics follows the same principle as in lifting, lift using your legs for balance, not your back.
Do you push or pull a pallet jack: Push or Pull (Physic)
People who get hurt moving the weight often ignore the body mechanics involved in moving weight safely.
Using both arms to pull a pallet jack behind you is a recipe for being run into by the pallet if you must stop suddenly. By pulling, you also risk the need to twist your body to control the device, which increases the possibility of hurting your lower back. By pushing you have a better control to steer and manoeuvre away from obstacles and they can stop quicker.
It takes less energy to push a pallet jack compared to pulling it.
There are two types of pallet jacks namely manual or electric. The only difference is that an electric jack operates when you are in the pulling position.
Key questions after the question: Do you push or pull a pallet jack?
Do you push or pull a pallet jack: Elevate
Move the handle on a pallet jack up and down pressurizes a hydraulic cylinder that raises the forks of the pallet jack.
Is it ergonomically better to push or pull a loaded pallet jack?
Pushing a pallet jack and load is the preferred way to apply force to the load.
When a pallet jack is not being used, how should it be stored?
When a pallet jacket is parked, the forks should be in their lowest position, the handle should in the upright position for visibility and it should not block exits or access to emergency equipment such a fire extinguisher.