
When moving forklift pallets, consider the weight capacity of the forklift to avoid overloading, which can lead to accidents and damage.
Ensure the pallet is properly secured to the forklift to prevent it from shifting or falling off during transport.
A standard pallet size is 40 inches by 48 inches, but check the specific dimensions of the pallet and the forklift to ensure a safe and efficient fit.
Load the pallet carefully, taking into account the center of gravity to prevent it from tipping over.
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Pre-Movement Checks
Before moving a pallet, make sure the load is stable and centered. This means avoiding short forking or incomplete entry of the fork tines into the pallet, which can result in deck board separation and a poorly centered load.
An off-center pallet can fall or even contribute to a forklift tip-over. To determine if the load is stable, you can estimate the center of gravity and place forks accordingly.
Make sure to confirm the load weight to ensure the forklift can handle it. Guessing the weight could lead to a tipover, so always check the forklift's data plate to determine its safe lifting capacity.
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Proper PPE Use

Proper PPE Use is crucial to prevent injuries while handling pallets or other equipment. Wear approved safety gloves that resist puncture from exposed nails, screws, or splinters.
Wood pallets can be hazardous, so it's essential to take precautions. Wear proper steel-tipped safety shoes to prevent foot injuries from dropped pallets.
Safety gloves can be a lifesaver, literally. They can protect your hands from puncture wounds caused by exposed nails or screws on pallets.
Confirm Load Weight
Confirming the load weight is a crucial step in the pre-movement checks process. Make sure the forklift you're using has the capacity to handle the palletized load you intend to move. Guessing could lead to a tipover.
It's surprising how often people overlook this simple check, but it's essential to ensure the forklift can handle the weight. You can determine the load weight by checking the pallet itself, but it's also crucial to confirm the forklift's capacity.
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The data plate on your forklift will list its safe lifting capacity, so be sure to check that before attempting to move a load. This will help you avoid overloading the forklift and reduce the risk of a tipover.
By taking a few extra seconds to confirm the load weight, you can prevent accidents and ensure a safe and efficient movement process.
Safe Movement Techniques
To move pallets safely, it's essential to start by securing the unit load before lifting. This means reporting overhanging and underhanging loads to prevent product damage.
Rushing can cause significant damage to both the product and pallet, so it's crucial to position your forklift properly and keep the forks flat before entering the pallet.
To ensure safe pallet handling, keep the load low and drive carefully, especially when traveling on uneven terrain. This will help maintain stability and prevent accidents.
Lowering the load gently and ensuring stability before moving is key to preventing accidents and damage. Slamming the load to the floor can cause the pallet to break or damage the product, so it's best to set it down easy.
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Forklift bulldozing, or pushing or dragging a pallet instead of lifting it properly, can damage the pallet and even harm pedestrians in your path. To ensure safety and efficiency, use a forklift and pallet as they were designed: insert the forks, lift the pallet, move it, and set it down.
Handling and Inspection
Handling and Inspection is crucial for safe and efficient pallet operations. Proper Pallet Handling Is A Key Element of Forklift Safety, so it's essential to get it right.
Before moving pallets, ensure the unit load is secure. This means checking for overhanging and underhanging loads, which can be prone to damage.
Overhanging loads can rub or snag on other adjacent loads or objects, so it's best to take extra care when handling them. A short-term fix is to use extra pallet wrap to protect them.
Underhanging loads can be less stable than loads that fill the pallet's top deck, making them more susceptible to accidents. Extra care and attention are needed when handling these loads.
A better long-term solution is to work with supply chain partners to eliminate these issues. This can be done by redesigning pallets or packaging to prevent overhanging and underhanging loads from occurring in the first place.
Pallet and Load Preparation

To ensure safe pallet handling, it's essential to confirm the load weight before moving the pallet. Make sure the forklift you're using has the capacity to handle the palletized load.
Lower the unit load gently to avoid jarring impacts. This means slowing down before contact with the floor to prevent damage to the pallet, cartons, and products inside.
Make sure the load is stable before moving the pallet. This involves ensuring the load is centered and evenly distributed, and that the fork tines are properly spaced to prevent damage to the pallet.
Use the correct pallet for the product and transportation conditions. Consider factors such as load-bearing capacity and weight distribution to prevent pallet damage and breakage.
Position your forklift properly and ensure flat forks for safe pallet handling. This extra moment of attention helps prevent damage and enhances overall pallet handling safety.
Properly space forklift tines to prevent pallet damage. The tines should fit evenly into a pallet without making contact until the pallet is lifted, and be spaced as far out as possible to ensure even weight distribution.
Safely Moving Compressed Gas Cylinders with a Forklift

Safely moving compressed gas cylinders with a forklift requires extra care. Proper pallet handling is key to operating a safe and efficient warehouse, distribution center, or manufacturing plant.
Before moving pallets, ensure the unit load is secure. Overhanging and underhanging loads can be susceptible to product damage and should be reported.
Mastering safe pallet handling with a forklift involves a series of deliberate steps. Begin by inspecting the pallet's condition and securing the load before lifting to prevent potential hazards.
Proper forklift positioning and maintaining flat forks are crucial to avoid damaging the pallet or its contents. Lowering the load gently and ensuring stability before moving is key to preventing accidents and damage.
Pallets are a critical interface between your unit load and your forklift. By paying attention to the seven steps above, you can work more safely, reduce the risk of injury and damage, and finally, better protect your investment in pallets.
Our gas cylinder pallets provide a safe and efficient way to move bulk loads of high-pressure tanks. These pallets can hold up to 21 tanks and are designed for ease of use.
These pallets range in weight capacity from 800lbs-6,000+lbs and come with a range of accessories to further optimize your processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pallet forklift called?
A pallet jack is also known as a pallet truck or pallet pump, and is a basic form of a forklift used to move palletized loads. It's commonly used in warehouses, distribution centers, and construction sites.
What size are forklift pallets?
The standard forklift pallet size is 48"x40" with 3 1/2" wide by 5/16" thick deck boards. This size, based on GMA standards, accounts for over 30% of all pallets used in the United States.
What are the three types of pallets?
There are three main types of pallets: Block Pallets, Decked Pallets, and Double-Bridge Pallets, each with unique features and designs. Learn more about the characteristics and uses of each type to find the best fit for your needs.
How many pallets can a forklift carry?
A forklift can carry one pallet, but some models can stack two pallets with the right equipment and load conditions. The actual capacity depends on the forklift's specifications and the weight of the pallets.
Sources
- https://www.palletone.com/seven-simple-steps-to-forklift-safety-while-handling-pallets/
- https://www.apexmhc.com/forklift-operation/all-pallets-are-not-created-equal-pallet-handling-tips-by-pallet-type/
- https://www.apexmhc.com/forklift-safety/forklift-safety-a-guide-to-safe-forklift-pallet-handling/
- https://www.connerindustries.com/prevent-pallet-damage-forklifts/
- https://www.absorbentsonline.com/gas-cylinder-pallets.htm
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