To help you become more familiar with pallet safety let’s review the basics because many people all over the world experience injuries from mishandling and misusing pallets. Wooden pallets are the most common so we’ll use wooden pallets as our examples in this training program. Pallets come in different sizes. Depending on the industry the most common size is 48 inches by 40 inch four-way pallet, which is also known as the GMA pallet. On a 48 inch by 40 inch pallet both forklifts and pallet jacks may pick up the pallet from the 40 inch side, however only forklifts should be used to pick up this size pallet from the 48 inch side. As you can see pallets have different measurements, specifications, stringers, and different weight capacities, and if you mishandle, or misuse, or overload pallets you’re creating a potential injury. Rarely do equipment handlers pay attention to the specifications of pallets, however each size and construction of the pallet has different load and weight ranges, and most be used according only to your company’s rules and regulations. If you’re not sure about a pallet’s specifications and load limits ask your supervisor. The size of the pallet can also affect the forklift or other material handling equipment. Let’s say you have a 48 inch by 48 inch pallet. The load center of an evenly stacked load is 24 inches. The load center is measured from the center of the load to the vertical face of the forks. This load center is extremely important because the load center directly affects the lifting capacity of the forklift. If the forklift’s maximum capacity load limit is 5,000 pounds when lifting a 24 inch load center, if you extend the load center to say 30 inches this forklift cannot safely lift the same 5,000 pounds. A 60 inch pallet evenly loaded would have a load center of 30 inches, which greatly reduces the safe lifting capacity of the forklift. You don’t have to remember all this, but you must be aware that different sized pallets do have an affect on the safe lifting capacity of lift equipment.

Right now let’s look at some basics when handling and using pallets. Certainly each company has specific rules and standards for handling pallets, however the information provided here can give you the basics of pallet handling, and add to your knowledge and safety awareness to help prevent pallet injuries. The first rule of handling pallets is always wear appropriate gloves to help prevent hand injuries. Before you use a pallet check it to be sure it can be safely stored in a rack with a heavy load. It should be constructed of hard wood, be in good condition, with top and bottom boards in place. Boards should be the proper thickness, at least five eights of an inch and solid. Boards should not be cracked or have any pieces missing. Stringers as shown here must be in good repair, and if they’re damaged they should be properly repaired with plugs or mending plates. There must be no protruding nails or slivers of wood on the pallet. This may look like a lot to inspect, however, if you gain experience a quick glance will determine if a pallet is in safe condition. If you determine that a pallet is unsafe to use take it out of service until it can be repaired. When moving pallets across the floor, stand it up on its edge and slide it, pulling it from the end and lay it down. Don’t lift and carry pallets as they weigh approximately 65 pounds and are quite awkward to carry. Do not throw pallets. Several bad things can happen when you throw pallets. Obviously back, and ligament injuries can occur, and the pallets can be damaged. Do not throw pallets. Do not store pallets on its edge or end. So many injuries are caused by pallets falling so don’t store pallets on edges or ends. Stack them properly. When positioning a pallet on the floor don’t drop it or throw it because it can be damaged. A damaged pallet can break when a heavy load is put on the pallet, and can be quite dangerous especially if a damaged pallet is stored on a rack. Don’t walk on pallets. Walk around pallets because the chances of slips, trips, and falls increases on a pallet. Boards can break. Your feet can slip between the openings and other hazards. Don’t walk on pallets.