Views: 220 Author: shunhehandtruck Publish Time: 2025-07-18 Origin: Site
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>> Common Types of Hand Trolleys
● H2: Preparing for Hand Trolley Use
>> H3: Warehouse Environment Checks
● H2: Personal Preparation and Safety Gear
● H2: Proper Lifting and Loading Techniques
● H2: Moving the Trolley—Best Practices
>> H3: Handling Slopes and Ramps
>> H3: Turning and Maneuvering
>> H3: Navigating Obstacles and Surfaces
● H2: Loading and Unloading at Destination
>> H3: Communication and Coordination
● H2: Hand Trolley Maintenance
● H2: Risk Assessment and Emergency Procedures
>> H3: Performing Risk Assessments
● H2: Training and Supervision
>> H3: The Importance of Training
● H2: Advanced Tips for Efficiency
>> H3: Time and Motion Efficiency
● H2: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
● H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. What is the maximum weight I can safely load onto a hand trolley?
>> 2. Should I push or pull a hand trolley when it is loaded?
>> 3. How often should hand trolleys be inspected or maintained?
>> 4. What should I do if my path is blocked or visibility is impaired?
>> 5. Are there specific training requirements for using a hand trolley?
Moving goods in a warehouse is a daily necessity that directly impacts productivity, employee safety, and operational costs. One of the most commonly used tools for manual material handling is the hand trolley—an invaluable piece of equipment designed to transport loads efficiently. However, improper use or lack of attention to safety details can result in injuries, product loss, or damage to warehouse infrastructure. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to use a hand trolley both safely and efficiently within your warehouse environment.
A hand trolley, also known as a hand truck or dolly, is a two-wheeled cart with a flat base and two handles, designed for lifting and moving heavy or bulky items. Used across various industries, its function is to minimize manual lifting and reduce physical strain.
- Standard upright trolleys: Great for boxes, crates, and similar loads.
- Convertible trolleys: Adaptable to larger or irregular-shaped loads.
- Stair climbing trolleys: Designed to navigate steps.
- Platform trolleys: Flat bed, can handle larger quantities in one trip.
Each type serves distinct purposes and comes with specific safety considerations.
Before using a hand trolley, ensure the following steps are taken:
- Inspect the floor: Look for spills, debris, or obstacles.
- Check lighting: Good visibility prevents accidents.
- Plan routes: Choose clear, unobstructed paths.
- Assess floor conditions: Avoid uneven or damaged surfaces wherever possible.
Never assume a hand trolley is in perfect condition:
- Check wheels for damage or wear.
- Examine handles, frame, and axles for cracks or bends.
- Ensure all fasteners are tight.
- Confirm that any braking mechanism (if present) works correctly.
- Test for smooth rolling motion.
Regular inspections prevent equipment-related injuries and breakdowns.
Operators should always wear:
- Non-slip, closed-toe shoes (preferably safety shoes)
- Gloves for enhanced grip and hand protection
- Well-fitted clothing that does not snag or drag
- Safety glasses or PPE as required by specific tasks
Before lifting, ask:
- Is the load too heavy or awkward for one person? If yes, seek help or use equipment.
- Are the contents stable and well-contained?
- Does the packaging have sharp or protruding edges?
1. Bend at the knees, not the waist.
2. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift.
3. Keep the load close to your body.
4. Place the heaviest items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
5. Ensure load stability; if needed, secure with straps.
Overloading is a safety risk: always keep within the trolley's recommended weight capacity.
- Push, don't pull: Pushing uses body weight, leading to better control and reducing strain on your back and shoulders.
- Keep both hands on the handles for stability.
- Walk at a steady, controlled pace.
- Avoid sudden jerks or fast movements.
- Never run with a loaded trolley.
- When going up, keep the load in front and push steadily.
- When going down, keep the trolley ahead of you but maintain a firm grip and lean back slightly to control descent.
- Avoid steep slopes whenever possible.
- Take wide turns to avoid tipping.
- Slow down during directional changes.
- Watch for pinch points—keep hands and feet clear from wheels and the base platform.
- Use extra caution on wet, oily, or uneven surfaces.
- Choose the right wheel or castor type for your floor (solid rubber for smooth floors, pneumatic for rough terrain).
- If a load blocks your view, use spotters or split the load.
- Ensure the trolley has stopped completely.
- Hold the trolley steady with one hand, carefully removing items from lowest to highest.
- Avoid twisting your body; pivot your feet instead.
- Gently pull the trolley's base out from under the load while maintaining balance.
Never drop items from a height and do not overload your trolley for a quicker unload.
- Use clear hand or voice signals when working in a team.
- Assign roles—one person steers, another stabilizes the load.
- Agree on a route and maintain eye contact when negotiating tight spaces.
Teamwork reduces risk of injury and speeds up the moving process.
- Schedule regular inspections for wear and tear.
- Clean wheels and platform after use.
- Lubricate moving parts periodically.
- Replace damaged parts immediately.
A well-maintained trolley operates smoothly and safely.
- Identify hazards in the environment and the condition of loads.
- Anticipate risks specific to the path (e.g., slopes, crowded areas).
- Establish clear reporting procedures for hazards or near-miss incidents.
- Stop all movement and secure the scene.
- Provide first aid if necessary.
- Report the incident according to warehouse policy.
- Investigate and document the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Every employee using a hand trolley should:
- Be trained on loading, moving, and unloading techniques.
- Understand safety limits and emergency procedures.
- Receive periodic refresher training.
Supervisors must monitor compliance and intervene if unsafe practices are observed.
- Plan the shortest, safest route before moving.
- Avoid high-traffic periods and bottlenecks.
- Use warehouse maps or digital guidance systems if available.
- Combine tasks when possible: deliver or pick up more than one item per route without overloading.
- Use staging areas for quick loading and unloading.
- Coordinate with other workers to improve flow.
- Overloading the trolley for expedience
- Using damaged equipment
- Handling with wet or greasy hands
- Ignoring blind spots and pedestrian zones
- Neglecting maintenance schedules
- Pushing or pulling with one hand
Constant vigilance and a safety-focused mindset prevent accidents and promote efficient work.
Always check the manufacturer's capacity rating, typically found on a plate or sticker on the trolley. Never exceed this limit, as overloading increases the risk of tipping, wheel failure, or loss of control.
You should always push rather than pull a hand trolley. Pushing allows you to use your body weight, provides better control, and reduces the risk of back or shoulder injury.
Hand trolleys should be inspected before every use for visible damage. In addition, a thorough maintenance check—looking at wheels, axles, and frame integrity—should be performed at least monthly or according to warehouse policy.
If you cannot see over the load, either reduce the load size or use a spotter to guide you. Never try to maneuver blindly, and always keep walkways clear before moving.
Yes, operators must be trained in proper handling, lifting techniques, weight limitations, and emergency procedures. New staff and those returning after long absences should undergo refresher training.
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[2] https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/ehscitycom-8341993/8341993
[3] https://www.unitran.ca/news/safety-tips-for-using-hand-trucks-in-a-warehouse/
[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN107399345A/zh
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[10] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN206443349U/zh
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