Safety Precautions to Follow when Using an Order Picker
Order pickers are essential pieces of equipment in warehouses, factories, and distribution centres. They are used to lift heavy items and provide a safe way for workers to reach high shelves.
However, the use of order pickers comes with inherent risks that can result in accidents or injuries if proper safety precautions are not followed.
Today, we will discuss some important safety precautions to follow when using an order picker. These precautions should be implemented by both operators and other personnel working in the vicinity of order pickers.
Operator Training
One of the most critical safety precautions is ensuring that all operators are properly trained before using an order picker. This includes understanding how to operate the equipment safely, emergency procedures, load capacities, and how to inspect the equipment for any defects or malfunctions.
Operators should also be trained on how to properly handle and stack materials on the order picker’s platform to prevent tipping or overloading, which can result in accidents and injuries.
Inspecting the Equipment
Before each use, operators should conduct a thorough inspection of the order picker. This includes checking for any damaged or worn parts, loose bolts or screws, and proper functioning of safety features such as brakes and guardrails.
If any defects are found during the inspection, the equipment should be taken out of service immediately and not used until it has been repaired by a qualified technician.
Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment while operating an order picker. This includes hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety glasses, and non-slip shoes.
PPE is essential in protecting operators from falling objects, slips or trips, and other hazards that may arise while using an order picker. It should be worn at all times during operation and when working in the vicinity of order pickers.
Load Capacity
Order pickers have specific load capacities that must be strictly adhered to. Overloading the equipment can cause it to tip over or malfunction, resulting in accidents and injuries.
It is crucial to know the weight of the materials being lifted and ensure they do not exceed the maximum capacity of the order picker. This information can usually be found on a label attached to the equipment or in the operator’s manual.
Safe Operating Procedures
Operators should follow safe operating procedures at all times when using an order picker. This includes keeping both hands on the controls, maintaining a safe speed, and avoiding sudden movements.
Operators should also be aware of their surroundings and use caution when manoeuvring near obstacles or other workers. They should never allow anyone to ride on the equipment with them and should follow all traffic rules and signs within the warehouse.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial in ensuring the safe operation of order pickers. It is recommended to have scheduled maintenance performed by a qualified technician at least once every six months.
However, operators should also conduct daily inspections before each use to check for any potential issues that may arise during operation. Any defects or malfunctions should be reported immediately to prevent accidents or injuries.
Takeaway
Following these safety precautions is crucial in preventing accidents and injuries when using an order picker. It is the responsibility of both operators and other personnel working in the vicinity to adhere to these precautions at all times.
Proper training, regular equipment inspections, use of PPE, adherence to load capacities, safe operating procedures, and regular maintenance are essential for a safe and productive work environment when using order pickers.