SAFE WORKING PRACTICES 322 Materials Handling Equipment Guide to Safe Working Practices It is recommended that a full risk assessment is undertaken prior to the use of any Manual Handling Equipment. This should include: • Suitability – Choosing the right product for the application • Load - Weight, Shape and Distribution (UDL) – Point loads subject to user discretion • Distance, Terrain and Visibility • Capability of the operator • Frequency and Duration A full check/Inspection of the equipment should be carried out prior to use and should include: • Structural integrity including all welded and mechanical joints • Handles, Grips and Guards • Wheels, Tyres and Castors – including wear, pressure and any play • Toe Plate, Load Plates, Platforms and Shelves • Axles (Fixed and Moving) • Mats, covers and Protectors • Accessories and Restraints Any wear, faults or damages should be addressed prior to use Published Frame Load (PFL): This is the maximum weight at which the frame has been tested under controlled conditions Safe Working Load (SWL): This is the maximum weight at which the truck should be used following completion of the onsite and operator Risk Assessments Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL): This is the maximum load that can be evenly distributed across shelves, beams, toe plates, load plates, platforms or other load bearing part or parts of a product or assembly This document is published as a reference guide to best practices only and should always be used in conjunction with your in house Health and Safety Policies, Procedures and Risk Assessments.
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