Power Pallet Truck (PPT) training is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a powered pallet truck safely and effectively. Powered pallet trucks are used to move and lift pallets and other heavy loads in warehouses, distribution centres, and other industrial settings.
FITAC PPT training includes both theoretical and practical components and covers a range of topics including the following:
Legislation
The Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out the legal requirements for the use of power pallet trucks (PPTs) and other lifting equipment in the workplace in Ireland. The legislation places a duty of care on employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees, and to ensure that lifting equipment is used safely and properly.
Responsibilities
The safe use of power pallet trucks (PPTs) in the workplace requires the active involvement and cooperation of a range of stakeholders, including owners, employers, supervisors, and workers.
Here are the general responsibilities of each stakeholder:
- Owner: The owner of a PPT is responsible for ensuring that the equipment is fit for purpose, maintained in good condition, and inspected by a competent person on a regular basis. The owner is also responsible for ensuring that the equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and any relevant legislation or standards.
- Employer: The employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of employees who use PPTs in the workplace. This includes providing a safe working environment, ensuring that employees are provided with appropriate training, instruction, and supervision, and ensuring that PPTs are operated in a safe and controlled manner.
- Supervisor: The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that PPTs are operated safely and effectively in the workplace. This includes ensuring that operators are adequately trained and supervised and that PPTs are used in accordance with safe operating procedures.
- Worker: The worker who operates a PPT is responsible for ensuring that the equipment is used safely and effectively. This includes following safe operating procedures, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and reporting any defects or hazards to their supervisor or employer.
Specific responsibilities of each stakeholder may vary depending on the workplace and the specific requirements of the job. However, by working together and taking their responsibilities seriously, stakeholders can help to ensure that PPTs are used safely and effectively in the workplace.
Consequences
Training outlines how the unsafe driving of a pallet truck can have serious consequences for both the operator and other workers in the workplace including:
- Accidents and injuries: The most obvious consequence of unsafe driving is the risk of accidents and injuries. The heavy weight and speed of pallet trucks can cause significant damage and injury if it collides with other objects, equipment or personnel in the workplace. This can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, cuts, and bruises.
- Property damage: PPTs can cause significant damage to property and equipment in the workplace if it is driven recklessly or unsafely. This can result in costly repairs or replacements, which can affect the bottom line of the company.
- Loss of productivity: Accidents or injuries caused by unsafe driving can result in lost time and productivity in the workplace. Workers may need to take time off work to recover from injuries or to deal with the aftermath of an accident, which can affect the
overall productivity of the business.
- Legal consequences: If an accident or injury occurs as a result of unsafe driving of pallet trucks, the company or operator may be liable for legal consequences, including fines, legal fees, and compensation payments.
It is important for operators of PPTs to take their responsibility seriously, and to operate the equipment safely and in accordance with safe operating procedures. This includes following speed limits, keeping a safe distance from other objects and personnel, and avoiding distractions while operating the equipment. By doing so, operators can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace, and help to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Pre-shift Inspections
Performing pre-shift inspections on power pallet trucks (PPTs) is an important safety measure that can help to identify any defects or issues with the equipment before it is used. Here are some of the components that should be inspected during a pre-shift inspection of a PPT:
- Battery: The battery should be checked for damage or corrosion, and the water levels should be checked if the battery is not a sealed unit.
- Wheels and tires: The wheels and tires should be checked for damage, wear, and proper inflation. The wheel nuts should also be checked to ensure that they are tight.
- Controls and steering: The controls and steering should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly. This includes checking the brakes, the steering, and the horn.
- Forks and mast: The forks and mast should be checked for any signs of damage or wear, including cracks or bends.
- Chains and hydraulic hoses: The chains and hydraulic hoses should be checked for any signs of wear, including cracks or leaks.
- Lights and indicators: The lights and indicators should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.
- Seat and belts: The seat and seat belt should be checked for any signs of damage or wear.
Operators should also visually inspect the PPT for any other signs of damage or wear, and report any defects or issues to their supervisor or employer immediately.
Performing pre-shift inspections on PPTs is an important step in ensuring the safe operation of the equipment. By identifying any issues before the equipment is used, operators can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Summary
The PPT training program provided by FITAC is comprehensive and covers a wide range of critical areas related to the safe and efficient operation of power pallet trucks.
In addition to the topics mentioned earlier, the program includes important concepts such as the stability triangle/trapezoid, the center of gravity of the load and the truck, and the capacity of low industrial pallets, as well as the reading and understanding of capacity plates.
The training also covers specific hazards and controls when driving a low industrial lift truck and how to respond to an emergency situation involving such equipment.
Additionally, the program outlines specific driving rules related to the use of low industrial pallets and concludes with a learner verification and review in a true/false format with 34 questions.
