FAQ on Material Handling: Safety, Equipment, and Best Practices

Material handling safety is crucial to prevent workplace injuries, protect employees, and maintain efficient operations. Proper safety practices reduce the risk of accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls, and prevent damage to materials and equipment. Ensuring a safe working environment also boosts employee morale and productivity, leading to a more effective and harmonious workplace.

Hand trucks are typically made from materials like steel, aluminum, and sometimes plastic. Steel hand trucks are known for their durability and strength, making them suitable for heavy loads. Aluminum hand trucks are lighter, making them easier to maneuver while still offering good strength. Plastic hand trucks are lightweight and resistant to corrosion, ideal for lighter loads and environments where moisture is a concern.

Dock boards are used to bridge the gap between a loading dock and a truck or trailer, providing a safe and stable surface for loading and unloading goods. They help accommodate differences in height and ensure smooth transitions for forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment, preventing accidents and damage to goods.

Material handling supplies can be purchased from industrial supply stores, warehouse equipment suppliers, and online retailers. By utilizing The Caster Guy, you get access to experienced sales reps with years of knowledge on material handling products.

Pallet jacks work by sliding the forks under a pallet and using a hydraulic pump to lift it off the ground. The operator pumps the handle to raise the forks, allowing the pallet to be moved easily. Steering is typically done using the handle, which also controls the lowering mechanism. Pallet jacks are essential for efficiently moving pallets within warehouses and loading docks.

The weight capacity of pallet racking varies depending on the design, materials, and manufacturer. Generally, standard pallet racking can hold between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds per beam level. It’s important to check the specifications provided by the manufacturer and ensure the racking system is properly installed and used within its rated capacity to prevent accidents and structural failure.

The easiest way to move pallets is by using a pallet jack or forklift. Pallet jacks are ideal for short distances and smaller loads, while forklifts are better for heavier loads and longer distances. Both tools allow for efficient and safe handling of pallets, reducing the physical strain on workers and speeding up material handling processes.

A hand truck is a class one lever in motion. The wheels act as a fulcrum that helps distribute and mitigate heavy weight on one side. This lever design makes it easier for you to push and move heavy, large objects with ease.

The use of wheels to carry heavy loads has been in existence throughout history. Historical records show us that people used wheeled objects as far back as 4500 BC. Hand trucks, in particular, became popular during the 1700s as they became a main transport tool for the shipping industry. Eventually, they caught on in other industries before becoming a common object.

How To Use a Hand Truck

When using a hand truck, put the objects you want to move on the horizontal load-bearing side and secure them to the upright lever portion with straps or rope. The rope ensures that the item stays safe as you are moving it with the hand truck.

Once the item is secure, tilt the hand truck backward toward your body with a firm hold, using your foot to keep the bottom of the hand truck from moving in an unintended direction. In the case of very large objects, we recommend getting some help to keep the hand truck balance.

Now that the load is balanced over the wheels, you can move the item. Make sure to use steady and slow movements as you’re moving the hand truck. If you do quick hard turns or rapid motions, you could end up damaging the cargo or injuring yourself.

Keep in mind that the weight capacity of a hand truck depends on the manufacturer’s specifications. Some heavy-duty hand trucks can handle 1,000 lbs or more. As a general rule, most hand trucks can hold at least 600 lbs. Overloading a hand truck could result in serious injuries or damage.

No Pulling

A handtruck’s design is for pushing only. Pulling will only lead to damage or injury. If you’re going downhill, do not go in front of the handcart to try and catch the weight. Instead, ask for help to hold the hand truck as you transport it down.

Hand Truck Applications

The hand truck is very useful for places where there is a constant movement of items or equipment. Daily deliveries and transportation can be a grind, and using a handtruck can lighten the load. They are also convenient as they take up little space and navigate better than a large dolly or cart. Some of the places where you often see a hand truck used include:

• Warehouses
• Logistics facilities
• Office spaces
• Factories
• Marketplaces

Specialized Hand Trucks

Some hand trucks have specialized designs to cater to difficult environments. For example, stair climbing hand trucks help carry equipment up and down the stairs. They also work with uneven surfaces. You can often find these handtrucks on docks. They have a manual or electric controller that can lift heavy loads to lessen the weight burden further.

There are also platform hand trucks that have adjustable platforms. You can set the platform higher or lower, making it act like a small forklift. The design allows the user to load equipment precisely without extra effort.

Hand trucks are an essential tool that can be invaluable for delivery companies that need to move bulky or heavy items up and down stairways. They’re excellent for transporting large and unwieldy items on the stairs or over steps and curbs.

These hand trucks are fitted with a set of three wheels on three spindles. Each of these wheels has its own axle and can spin independently. Furthermore, two three-wheel arrangements are situated on either side of a central axle, wherein the center part is attached.

As a hand truck is typically pushed on a flat surface, two of its three wheels fall to naturally provide mobility. The third one just sits above remaining unused. This allows stair-climbing hand trucks to be very versatile, as they can be used for ascending and descending stairs while also for normal transportation.

How To Use a Stair-Climbing Hand Truck

The first thing you need to do is to stack and place the load on the center of the hand truck. Make sure that you’re not exceeding the maximum weight it can carry. The load should be evenly distributed and then secured with straps that are attached to the hand truck.

Next, slowly angle the hand truck while you keep the load steady. You can then walk it to the base or top of the stairs. Hand trucks that are equipped with plastic glide strips at the back can be used to glide up or down the lip of the stairway.

Make sure you keep your head up to avoid neck strain and avoid looking down at the load. Rather, use the gliders on the hand truck to slide the load as you pull it up or push it down one at a time on each step.

Improved Efficiency

Stair-climbing hand trucks are the best choice for transporting heavy loads that need to be brought either up or down a stairway. Delivery companies that encounter stairs regularly when making deliveries should consider purchasing stair-climbing hand trucks for the ease and convenience they offer.

Your staff will be able to accomplish their deliveries faster and more efficiently while being less fatigued by the end of the day. They also help to prevent injuries that are usually sustained by using force to lift heavy loads manually. Although effort is still needed to carry items using a stair-climbing hand truck, minimal energy is required because of the convenience that the equipment provides.

For those who need to deliver heavy items through stairways, a stair-climbing hand truck is a no-brainer to use nowadays. These types of hand trucks are ideal for couriers or delivery agencies. They can be very useful for home moving as well.

It’s not hard to imagine how much easier it’s going to be to move heavy items with the help of a hand truck compared to using conventional equipment or even worse, by hand.

By learning how to use a hand truck down stairs, you can shift the heavy-lifting work to the equipment itself, and away from yourself and others. The effort normally required to deliver bulky items is significantly lowered.

Using a hand truck is one of the best ways to transport heavy and bulky items from one place to another. It can help you avoid the risk of getting hurt, such as suffering a sprain or muscle strain, and can increase your productivity. Hand truck safety, however, is paramount if you wish to be as effective as possible.

People who use hand trucks should be aware of the types of jobs these tools can handle. This is essential for safe usage. Two common types of injuries often associated with hand truck use are injured hands and feet. That’s why wearing gloves is a necessity even when you’re using a hand truck to transport your load. Most well-equipped hand trucks also possess knuckle guards and hand brakes to add to the safety.

As an owner, you should make sure that you inspect your hand trucks daily before using them. It’s also a good idea to keep them in good shape and conduct regular maintenance.

General Hand Truck Safety Tips

When operating two-wheeled hand trucks, these are the general procedures you should follow to be as safe as possible:

• Make sure that the center of gravity for the load is as low as possible. Place heavy objects at the bottom and lighter ones on top. As you load, keep your feet clear of the wheels to avoid injury.
• Place the load towards the front of the hand truck so that the weight is carried by the axle and not the handles.
• Make sure that the load is placed in a manner that won’t cause it to topple or shift. You should also have a clear view ahead when transporting.
• In the case that a two-wheeled hand truck is loaded horizontally, you should raise it using your leg muscles and keep the back straight. Follow this same approach when you set the load down.
• The hand truck should carry the whole load while the operator simply balances and pushes. Avoid walking backward when using a hand truck even on level surfaces. If going down an incline, keep the truck ahead of you. Pull it behind you when going up.
• Avoid using a hand truck when the incline is greater than 5 degrees.
• Ensure that you move only at safe speeds and keep the truck in control at all times.

Similar operating procedures can be applied to four-wheeled hand trucks. However, additional care needs to be taken when loading four-wheeled trucks to prevent tipping. Most four-wheeled trucks need to be pushed instead of pulled. The only exception is when a truck has a fifth wheel and possesses a handle for pulling.

Additional Hand Truck Safety Tips

Extra care should be taken when going through blind corners and doorways. When you aren’t using the hand truck, make sure that you store it in designated places properly.

Two-wheeled hand trucks need to be stored on the chisel with their handles leaning against the wall or the truck next to it. Truck wheels that are not in use should be locked.

Hand trucks are used to move heavy loads without putting too much strain on the body. They are a practical form of transport for moving loads across short distances. Hand trucks are also relatively small, so they’re great to use when navigating tight spaces. There are many types of hand trucks available and they each have their own distinct features.

Using a Hand Truck

Hand trucks have an L-shaped structure, which allows you to load an item without having to lift it. Before using a hand truck, inspect it to determine if it is suitable for the load you want to move. Lighter loads fit best on the two-wheel hand trucks, while heavier loads require the four-wheel ones for added support. Once you have a suitable hand truck, check for any defects or damage within each section.

You may need some protective gear to help reduce any chance of injury while handling. Here are some clothing items you may want to wear when transporting:

• Leather gloves: Protect your hands from sharp or rough edges, especially from the objects you are handling.
• Non-slip boots with safety toes: These boots have soles that add friction, reducing the chance of slips. They also have steel or composite toe caps which protect your foot against falling objects.
• Back belt: Adds support to your back so you don’t strain it while pushing the hand truck.

Once you’re ready to begin, using a hand truck is fairly simple. Slide the truck underneath the item that needs moving. Once the object is in place, tilt the hand truck backward, so the item rests at the back. From there, push the load to the desired destination. Some hand trucks come with a hydraulic or mechanical lifting mechanism to help with transport.

Added Precautions

A hand truck is only effective when you are pushing. Pulling a hand truck can lead to injury to you or the items you are carrying. Never step in front of a hand truck when you are traveling downhill. If you’re having a hard time, ask for support from others. You can also use nylon belts to ensure that the object stays in place during transport.

Hand Trucks with More Features

Some hand trucks come with features that add safety or flexibility. For example, the braking hand truck features a hand brake that provides extra support if you’re navigating the hand truck on ramps. It also helps avoid dangerous collisions.

A convertible hand truck can transform a standard hand truck into a two-wheel or four-wheeled version. This hybrid version helps save space while also providing extra functionality for when you need to carry heavier loads.

Is a Hand Truck the Same as a Dolly?

The main difference between a dolly and a hand truck is the way you handle materials. You can slip the hand truck underneath an item, but a dolly requires you to lift the item onto it. Since dollies are only available on four wheels and have two axles, they are ideal for transporting heavy items like large pieces of furniture or a piano.

Differentiating between a dolly and a hand truck can be tricky, but learning the difference is essential to determine which one best suits your needs and requirements. Choosing the right piece of warehouse equipment is the ultimate way to ensure that the process of goods transportation can be completed quickly, efficiently, safely, and effectively — with minimal risk of injury.

You’re here because you’re wondering exactly what the difference is between a dolly and a hand truck. Well, we’ve got all the answers for you!

What Is a Hand Truck?

Individuals often mistakenly refer to hand trucks as dollies, but there’s a simple way to differentiate between the two. For one, hand trucks have an L-shaped design, feature two large wheels, and stand upright.

They’re extremely convenient as their design enables them to simply slide beneath items without physically lifting and placing them by hand. When the items are in place on the loading platform, the hand truck can be tilted backward and easily maneuvered. The L-shaped design is especially useful in moving heavy and tall items, including wardrobes and refrigerators — though smaller items can also be stacked and transported together in one trip.

Hand trucks can also be used with extra wheels or separate attachments for stair climbing or horizontal storage. They come in different styles, but the most common is the two-wheeler.

What Is a Dolly?

A dolly features a flat platform, four wheels, and two axles — a vastly different physical appearance than that of a hand truck.

Dollies are often used to transport heavy items, though unlike hand trucks, these items must be physically placed onto the platform. They can be used to move a variety of items such as boxes, furniture, pianos, luggage, or even small vehicles.

The raised platform and number of wheels make them easy to maneuver and ensures that they remain balanced. They’re also available in various designs and sizes, so it’s important to pick one depending on what you specifically need it for.

What Is the Difference Between a Hand Truck and a Dolly?

Hand trucks feature an L-shaped design with a low loading platform, while dollies have a flat, raised platform and four wheels.

Dollies are also much larger and more commonly used for bulkier, heavier items, while hand trucks are usually small and best-suited to stacking boxes or vertical loads.

They both have their advantages, but the best way to determine which one is right for you is to consider your business needs and requirements when making your purchase. Don’t forget to consider the weight of the items you’re transporting, along with their shape, size, and the distance you’re covering.