Safe Operating Procedure – Pallet Jack

This manual handling aid can be used to lift both light and heavy (not more than rated capacity)
workloads. DO NOT use this manual handling aid unless you have been trained in its safe use and
operation.

Potential Hazards
• High force • Sprains and strains injuries • Crush and pinch injuries
• Awkward posture • Slip trips or falls Collisions

Personal Protective Equipment

Aisle and work area must be kept clean and Enclosed and/or non-slip
accessible footwear must be worn

Do not tilt the unit

Workers must also apply appropriate PPE as per other information such as:
• Safety data sheets • Manual handling aid SOPs
• Labels

Pre-operational Inspection
Before use:
1. Check forks for scratches, bent parts or cracking
2. Check the smooth movement of wheels and rollers
3. Check the lever is operational
4. Check all the bolt and nuts are tightened firmly
Immediately report damage or unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Ensure the pallet jack is
removed from service and tagged with a DO NOT USE tag until necessary repairs have been completed
by a competent person

Pre-operational Safety Checks

1. Check the route you are taking is clear and free from hazards and uneven surface before you begin
to move your load
2. Familiarise yourself with the controls before using the pallet jack and ensure they are undamaged
and responsive
3. If you are carrying a large load that obstructs your view, ask a co-worker to guide you
4. Do not carry loads that exceed the rated capacity (157kg). Overloading beyond its rated capacity can
cause damage to or failure of the pallet jack
5. Do not allow people to sit or ride on the pallet jack
6. Ensure that the forks match the pallet to be lifted
7. DO NOT use a jerking action to get a loaded pallet moving
8. Always keep the load level and as low as possible to navigate ground
9. Use the right product for the job. There are certain applications for which the pallet jack was
designed. Do not modify or use it for a purpose for which it was not intended
10. Failure to comply with the above warnings may result in personal injury and/or property damage.

FBPOPR2074 Standard Operating Procedure V1.0 Page 1 of 2

 Operation:
1. Use proper lifting techniques when loading/unloading and operating the pallet jack
2. Lower the pallet jack fully using the release lever located on the handle
3. Roll the pallet jack through the two slots on the front of the back of the pallet
• Moderate force will be needed since the jack has to go over parts of the pallet
• Always ensure the load to be moved is centred (back to front and side to side) on the forks
• Move the load slowly to ensure safety in case your surroundings change
4. Raise the pallet jack by jumping the handle, until the pallet is clear of the floor underneath. The
release needs to be off. The lever should stick out horizontal from the handle
5. Move the pallet to the new location, pull the pallet using the handle of the pallet jack
• Always push the load (never pull the load)
• When going down on an incline go in reverse
6. Lower the pallet jack, using the release lever
• Be wary of pinch points to avoid injuries to your hands
7. Remove the pallet jack from beneath the pallet
In an emergency grab the fork release lever and lower the load to stop the pallet jack.

Housekeeping
1. Wipe down the forks and handle
2. Ensure no leakage from the previous or current load has weakened the structure of the pallet
3. Return all tools and equipment including PPE to the correct storage location
4. Ensure walkways and work area is clean and tidy
5. Put all rubbish in suitable waste bin
Always leave the working area in a safe, clean and tidy state.

FBPOPR2074 Standard Operating Procedure V1.0 Page 2 of 2