How to Use a Pallet Jack on Ramps
A pallet jack, or pallet truck, is an inexpensive material handling device for lifting and transporting goods stacked on a pallet. A worker can safely move considerably more stock with a pallet truck than by hand. Certain precautions have to be followed when pallet trucks are used on loading ramps. Use the proper techniques when transporting stock on a pallet truck up or down a ramp to avoid injuries, breakage and lost work time.
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Things You'll Need
- Helper
- Banding, bungee cords or heavy tape
- Safety gear
- Steel toe footwear
- Protective eyewear
Instructions
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Wear protective gear to perform material handling. Use steel toe footwear and eye protection whenever transporting goods in a warehouse, store, lab or factory.
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Reduce the weight of a load on a pallet jack if the goods are transported over a ramp. The load should be no more than the operator, or operators, can carry by hand.
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Secure the load. Use banding, bungee cords or heavy tape to strap the load to the pallet jack before rolling over a ramp.
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Pull up loading ramps but push down. The handle should be extended in the up direction of the ramp in either case.
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Get a helper to bear some of the weight of a load to be transported up or down an incline. Position at least one helper behind the loaded pallet jack whether going up the ramp or down. The helper can push on the way up or exert force to ease the weight of the load for the operator holding the handle on the way down.
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Position loading ramps at an appropriate pitch. The grade of a ramp should be 6 percent or less for pallet trucks. Steeper pitches increase the weight of loads and can cause the lifting forks to bottom out between the wheels.
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Tips & Warnings
Push a loaded pallet truck instead of pulling it. Pushing takes considerably less force and is less likely to cause lower back strain.
Get help moving any load that is too heavy to carry comfortably.
Do not play with pallet jacks by lifting or carrying people on the forks.
