Powered Pallet Truck Safety
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1. Use the correct PPT
This guide covers powered pallet truck safety. Use only the type you are trained and authorised to operate. Never ride on a pedestrian truck or on the forks.

2. Check before use
Before operating, complete and record the pre-shift checklist. Inspect the forks, load wheels, drive wheel, tiller, controls, brakes, horn, battery or energy source and general condition in line with the manufacturer's instructions. Isolate and report an unsafe truck.

3. Check the rated capacity
Know the weight of the load and confirm from the truck's capacity plate that the powered pallet truck can carry it. Never estimate or exceed the stated capacity.

4. Position the load correctly
Check the pallet is sound and the load is stable. Insert the forks fully and centrally so the pallet is supported and the load cannot easily shift.

5. Protect your feet and body
Use a stable walking position and keep your feet clear of the wheels and frame. Do not let yourself become trapped between the truck, the load, a wall, racking or another vehicle.

6. Keep a clear view
Maintain a clear view and look in the direction of travel. If the load blocks vision, stop and follow the approved safe method. Reposition safely or use a trained banksman rather than walking backwards into an unseen hazard.

7. Protect pedestrians
Keep people clear of the truck and load. Slow down and check before doors, crossings and blind corners. Where site procedure requires it, sound several short, sharp horn bursts.

8. Move at a safe pace
Move at a safe walking pace, or the approved riding speed for a ride-on model. Match speed to the route and load, and avoid sudden turns, acceleration or braking.

9. Check the route
Before moving, confirm the route is clear and the floor is suitable. Allow for doorways, dock edges, pedestrians and other trucks. Stop and have debris or obstructions removed.

10. Keep control on gradients
Gradients increase the risk of runaway movement and loss of control. Follow the manufacturer and site rules for load orientation, keep a safe position and never turn across a slope.

11. Load vehicles safely
Before entering a lorry or trailer, make sure it is secured against movement. Check the bed, dock plate, access and support arrangements are suitable for the combined truck and load.

12. Maintain safe separation
Keep enough stopping distance from other trucks and pedestrians. Increase the gap when surfaces, visibility, gradient or the load make stopping more difficult.

13. Use the controls correctly
Use the tiller, brake and emergency-reverse functions exactly as trained for the model. Test safety controls during the pre-shift check and never bypass, wedge or defeat them.

14. Charge and handle batteries safely
Charge or change batteries only in the designated area and follow the manufacturer's procedure. Keep ignition sources away and report damaged cables, plugs or batteries.

15. Park without creating a hazard
Park in the authorised place without blocking doors, fire routes or walkways. Lower the forks fully, switch off and secure the truck using the required key or access control.

16. Stop before taking a risk
Never use your body to stop a moving truck or load. If control is lost, move clear if you can do so safely. This video does not replace practical training and assessment.

Important: This video is theory-support material only. It does not replace practical training,
familiarisation, supervision, manufacturer instructions, site rules or formal assessment.

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