Pallet trucks

Injuries when working with pallets can be caused by:

• using a damaged pallet
• choosing the wrong size of pallet for the racking
• handling pallets incorrectly
• exceeding the maximum load for the pallet

Pallet jacks are usually regarded as safer than forklifts, but operators should still follow precautions:

• Inspect pallets before use, looking especially for loose or broken boards or stringers and protruding nails.
• Know the safe load capacity of the pallets in use.
• Use pallets of the correct size. A pallet that is too small for the rack can become a hazard.
• Always inspect the pallet truck before use. Look for severe wear and tear, and check that the hydraulics that raise and lower the forks work well.
• Make sure pallets in use are not damaged.
• Operate the pallet jack at a safe speed. Start slowly and stop slowly.
• Do not steer onto uneven surfaces, and avoid steep inclines.
• Operators usually avoid moving heavy loads up or down slopes, to keep the truck and load balanced.
• Avoid slopes where the equipment and load cannot be controlled safely. Use equipment rated for the route, braking arrangements and the manufacturer's instructions; never position a person where a runaway load could crush them.
• Choose pushing or pulling according to the truck, route, visibility, forces and trapping risks. Moving a load on wheels is still manual handling and needs assessment.
• After removing the load, make sure the forks are lowered and not pointing outwards at an angle, where they become a hazard. Always store the truck in its designated area. If that is not possible, keep it as close to a wall as you can, with the forks not pointing into any hallway or walkway.

People handling aids

In some workplaces workers have to move people, such as hospital patients or those who need help with living in their own homes.

The type and amount of equipment needed vary with the needs of the users. Providers should consider the needs of the individual, helping to maintain, wherever possible, independence and the safety of both the individual and the staff. Necessary equipment may include:

• a selection of hoists, for example to raise fallen people from the floor, standing hoists and mobile hoists
• enough slings of different types and sizes
• slide sheets
• transfer boards to help move to and from furniture, for example seat to wheelchair
• turntables to help turn people
• electric profiling beds for dependent or immobile residents
• wheelchairs
• emergency evacuation equipment
• suitable walking aids, handrails and so on for people who need minor assistance

Safe working procedures must be followed during hoisting to avoid accidents that can cause serious or fatal injury. How the transfer or lift is approached matters as much as the equipment, staffing and workload. Take these precautions:

• Make sure the equipment operators are trained.
• Assess the client before every transfer and make sure the path of the transfer or lift is clear.
• Make sure the furniture and aids the client is moving to are placed correctly and secure.
• Fasten all clips, latches and hanger bars securely during operation.
• Select a compatible hoist and sling and use the base position, attachments and body support specified in the individual handling plan and manufacturer's instructions.
• Check sling size, type, fit and support for this person; there is no universal arm position for every sling.
• Secure receiving furniture as required by the handling plan and instructions. Do not confuse this with locking a mobile hoist's castors during lifting: HSE advises against that unless the manufacturer and handling plan specify otherwise.
• Make sure the weight limits of the lift and sling are not exceeded.
• Use the assessed handling method and required number of trained carers. Do not support a suspended person manually or substitute a posture cue for a suitable hoist and handling plan.
• Position yourself close to the client and make sure your footing is stable.
• Keep eye contact with the client and talk while the transfer is under way.
• Follow a maintenance and safety inspection checklist to find worn or damaged parts that need replacing at once.

Wheelchairs. A wheelchair is a handling aid that helps move people. Some are powered, but most that are used to push patients are simply pushed. Tipping and falling are the most common accidents for wheelchair users. A fall can result from going too fast, unlocked brakes, slippery surfaces, the sitting stability of the user, or hitting a large bump with one wheel so that the chair becomes unbalanced. Basic precautions:

• Read the operating manual and follow all precautions.
• Keep the wheelchair in good repair.
• Always lock the brakes before getting in or out. On power wheelchairs, switch the power off before transferring.
• Lift the footplates before getting in or out.
• If the arm rests or leg rests can be removed, check that they are secure before each use by lifting the arms and gently trying to swing the leg rest away from the chair.
• Avoid putting heavy loads on the back of a wheelchair, which could make it tip over backwards.
• Never remove the anti-tip wheels or bars, which help stop it tipping backwards.
• Use a flag, headlights or flashing tail lights if the wheelchair is used on streets at night.
• Avoid steep inclines and slopes.
• Report instability, castor flutter or other defects and arrange competent assessment before further unsafe use. Do not improvise a repair or change the chair setup without the required competence.
• Set the programming of a power wheelchair so it does not go faster than it can be handled, especially in reverse.
• Check the chair's specified environmental limits and the route conditions. Wet surfaces and water affecting electrical controls can create risks; suitability varies by chair and cannot be decided from a blanket waterproof/not-waterproof claim.

Summary notes for Element 6 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.