Rank: Forum user 
|
Manual pallet/pump trucks
Just reviewing our policy on the use of pallet/pump trucks, we are now running in-house documented training on these units. But a warehouse practise came to my attention the other day that I was not happy about and just wondered if any other members had come across this and how they handled this.
One of our warehouses does not have a elevated loading dock so some of the drivers delivering from other company's sometime need the use of one of our pump trucks in the back of their containers, we lift the truck into the back of the container by means of a forklift for the driver to use. I spoke to some of the delivery drivers about this practise and they all stated that it was quite a common practise in a lot of company's.
What's the members thoughts on this, I feel this is not good safety practise but if I stop it what's the alternative.
Steve w
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Hi Steve,
why do you consider this bad practise?
Holmezy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Hi Holmezy
When we use external contractors within our units, for insurance purposes we are not allowed to let them use our equipment i.e. ladders etc. So how can I let external lorry drivers use our equipment such as pallet trucks to move pallets etc around in a situation that can be classed as working at height.
I'm I being paranoid or do I have a point.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Steve w
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user 
|
Steve
It can be common practice but not necessarily a particularly safe practice.
I have seen them lifted on the forks alone , so metal to metal, brakes on they slide off, might hit a punter.
Seen them lifted on by pallet, slightly more friction, not great, then a curse sometimes for the driver to get off in the container.
We got a skid made up with pockets that the forks locked into, pallet truck rolled into and was secured by a gate to stop it rolling out and toe boards each side to stop it sliding off. Easy for the driver to open and roll out in the truck.
Manage it with rules or design it out but unless it is locked onto the forks some way that makes you happy its coming off the first time the brakes are dabbed or a curtain is snagged.
Just my opinion, take it or leave it buddy.
Jeff
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Steve W wrote: so some of the drivers delivering from other company's sometime need the use of one of our pump trucks in the back of their containers...Steve w
And what method do the other drivers employ? The real problem here is that you don't have a loading dock.
Whether it's a pallet truck that comes with the vehicle, or it's yours - sooner or later someone will come a cropper and the blame will rest squarely with the Warehouse employer.
A convincing Risk Assessment argument needs to be brought to the attention of the controlling mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Steve – can I presume that the PT is placed in the container to manoeuvre pallets to enable a FLT to take them out off the container?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Steve, when you say 'insurance purposes', do you mean there is a specific clause in your insurance that contractors may not use any of your equipment? Or are you just assuming this isn't allowed?
I have risk assessed this same practice and the main issue for me was the physical effort required. I recommended side loading / offloading where possible. With some trailers this isn't possible. Sometimes it is possible but more inconvenient.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
OP, more information is needed on the task in hand.
Is it a fixed sided trailer, curtain sided trailers, flat bed?
As already mentioned, what specific task are they using the pallet truck for? What is the (presumably palletised) load that is being moved around?
If it's a container, working at height is just one (but not the main in my opinion) risk factor. Consider the lift of the MHE (you could palletise and band the pallet truck to the pallet for load stability, I'd never recommend lifting anything directly on the forks) and the manual handling aspects of a pallet truck. If it's a curtain-sider then the entire load could be loaded via forklift.
If it's a fixed sided vehicle delivering to ground level, why doesn't it come with a tail lift? Could this be arranged with the supplier?
Instead of a pallet truck you could consider providing and training the drivers on using electric pallet trucks that are in my opinion safer (obviously from a manual handling point of view) but also from a control point of view.
Task lighting inside the "container" should also be a consideration if not installed already.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.