Rank: Guest 
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I was asked a question recently by a person who works for a large company that uses hand pallet trucks. The company had decided to save on maintenance costs by removing the brakes on these as apparently they kept sticking on. I did give advice to the individual and wondered what the management was thinking!
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Rank: Guest
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Wait for the first accident to occur and see the fun and games then
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I'd be interested to hear the manufacturer's thoughts on this.
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Rank: Super forum user
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i guess if you could give proof that the trucks where more dangerous because of the brakes causing a fault than they are with them removed then possible you might have an argument. If the reason is because of cost then you have no defence, i think they would need to do a risk assessment to show that with the brakes removed you haven't increased the risk or likelihood of injury. Which might come down to what and where they are transporting on the trucks.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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My advice (tongue in cheek) to the employee would be to load said pallet truck with pallet of v. expensive stock, find a clear slope / loading ramp and let go.
Might cause the management to have a rethink without the need for an injury accident.
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Rank: Guest
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I suppose what they carry on these trucks does make it even worst, as it is different loads with different packaging including glass bottles. I just can’t comprehend how much it is supposed to save compared to the potential loss, that anyone with a little commonsense can see.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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As most hand pallet trucks don't have brakes. What was their reason for buying ones with brakes in the first place? Need based or overspec'd?
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Rank: Guest
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Good point but by removing the brakes aren't they making the equipment defective?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Are the users aware of this or will they only find out when they go to use them? I would suggest that they be fully removed following a risk assessment and training / awareness be delivered and evidenced.
Or why not just fix them?
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Rank: Forum user
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The basic point is that the employer has removed/disabled a safety device without apparently consulting the manufacturer or supplier or carrying out a risk assessment (at the very least). This appears to be a clear breach of S8 of HASAWA.
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