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Hand Truck Safety

Hand trucks can make much easier work of moving heavy objects and save people many trips when moving large quantities of goods. As is true of all industrial equipment, it is important to use hand trucks safely and according to manufacturer's guidelines.

  1. Weight

    • When loading a hand truck, position the load so that the truck's axles (rather than the handle) bear most of the weight.

    The Right Tool

    • Hand trucks with hard wheels roll better on soft surfaces while hand trucks with soft wheels roll better on hard surfaces.

    Ramps

    • Always position a hand truck so that it is in front of you when going down a ram and behind you when going up a ramp.

    Shifting

    • Before moving a hand truck, make sure its load is secure and stacked with the heaviest objects on the bottom. Strap the load to the hand truck if it is unsteady or in danger of shifting.

    Vision

    • Try to avoid stacking a load so high that it is impossible to see over it. If it is necessary to load a large item that obstructs the truck operator's view, a second person should assist in guiding the load.

    Storage

    • To avoid a tripping hazard, store hand trucks with the tongues under a pallet or table when not in use.

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