Electric Pallet Trucks over Manual Pallet Trucks has long been a subject discussed and shared over the years. Whilst the cost of the equipment can be a fundamental element of the purchase decision, additional factors are equally important in the electric vs manual debate. In particular, in this article we shall assess if Electric Pallet Trucks are better for employees’ safety and physical wellbeing.
Manual pallet trucks have existed for over 100 years, simple in design, and effective at moving pallets of product from one location to another. However in reality the evolution of the manual pallet truck itself has been rather limited. The mechanisms and shell have become more durable, reliable and effective, yet the lack of motors and technology restricts the speed and levels of evolution of the Manual Pallet Truck. The emergence of the Electric Pallet Truck in reality is the evolution. In essence it completes the same objectives of a Manual Pallet Truck, yet is more efficient, ergonomic and the latest innovations enhances operator safety. All whilst allowing for heavier loads to be safely moved from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’.
Repetitiveness
For those who have cranked the tiller-arm of a Manual Pallet Truck, understand the repetitive nature cannot compete with a key switch option you find on an Electric Pallet Truck. You will also understand the frustration of a Manual Pallet Truck creeping into your private space before coming to a halt, courtesy of part of your anatomy below the knee. Thankfully, the Heli Electric Pallet Truck includes an Anti-collision Switch, Electromagnetic Braking System and an Emergency Stop Switch. All to assist operators to improve safety and reduce such collisions that inevitably invoke a release of self-medicating profanities.
Physical Strain
In addition to gravity, the additional risks of a Manual Pallet Truck includes the physical strain to the operator, in particular in narrow spaces, when moving heavy loads, the operators musculoskeletal system (also known as the human locomotor system) is especially pushed to the limits. This is put down to the operators’ skeleton bones, muscles, cartilages, tendons, ligaments, joints and connective tissues that spring into action to mobilise the load in various directions, always fighting the gravity pull of the load. For example, if the load was 1.5 ton, the operator would require an initial pull force of between 30-50kg to get the pallet moving. A force which is substantially higher than the EU Manual Handling Regulations recommendation. The human body having to compete with such forces naturally can lead to a number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
MSDs can arise from the interaction of physical factors with ergonomic, psychological, social, and occupational factors. The Heli Electric Pallet Trucks design is focused on these factors to therefore reduce the operator strain and reduce the risk of MSDs. The Heli Electric Pallet Truck becomes the mule, it reduces the physical exertion required to move the load, both in a forward and reverse direction. The electromagnetic braking system then combats gravity to safely bring the load to a stationary position and again reduce the strain on the operator.
Safety Tests
Interestingly, Electric Pallet Trucks are far more regulated than a Manual Pallet Truck and must undergo a number of mandatory tests that a Manual Pallet Truck is not required to complete. Every Electric Pallet Truck operating in the UK must have undergone stringent CE safety tests for ramp usage under EN 3691. It is not just the Electric Pallet Truck that requires regulating, it is a powered piece of equipment and under PUWER regulations it is your responsibility as an employer to ensure that staff receive suitable and sufficient training. Since that training has been codified by the ABA (Accrediting Bodies Association) it is the benchmark against which you will be held to account in the case of an incident that is investigated by the HSE. At Grant Handling, we can provide your operators with the necessary training, training that will provide your operators with the knowledge on how to reduce risk and utilise the equipment safely whilst increasing productivity.
Interested in knowing more about our training solutions? Read more here: Forklift Refresher Course, Operator Training & Novice Course
Wish to upgrade from your Manual Pallet Truck to a Heli Electric Pallet Truck? Buy here: Heli Electric Pallet Trucks
