10 Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Hand Truck

Using a hand truck is one of the most efficient ways to move heavy items. Whether rearranging your own home or helping a friend with their move, having the right-hand truck can make the job easier and help prevent injuries.

This blog will detail 10 dos and don’ts for using a hand truck—ensuring that every important task is done safely and correctly! So, if you’re looking to get into do-it-yourself moving with relative ease or just curious about proper safety protocols during a lift job—you’ve come to the right place. Read on for everything thing you need to know!

Dos And Don’ts Of Using A Hand Truck

Let’s start with the basics. Here are 10 dos and don’ts for using a hand truck, no matter what your experience level is:

Do’s Of Using A Hand Truck

1. Get The Right Hand Truck For Your Cargo. 

Before moving any object, it is essential to make sure that you have a hand truck capable of supporting its weight. Although the design of many hand trucks ensures they are robust and robustly built, it is best to always double-check with the manufacturer’s recommendations before using it to be sure it will not only support your load but also that it won’t be put at risk in the process.

Making sure you have selected the correct tool for the task is even more important when dealing with fragile or valuable items, as it could help prevent costly damage.

2. Pack Your Items Securely.

It’s important to ensure that your cargo is tightly packed and secure before you attempt to move it with a hand truck. Make sure nothing shifts around or slides while you’re in the middle of a lift, as this can cause instability and potential injury.

3. Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back.

When using a hand truck for lifting and carrying, it is essential to use your legs to provide the majority of the power. Failing to do so can lead to overexertion and strain or injury, which could prevent you from performing even the simplest of tasks.

Utilizing your leg muscles for heavy lifting is beneficial for many reasons;

• They are stronger and more dependable than your back,
• You’ll experience better balance and stability in the process.

It’s important to remember that while your arms do help adjust the weight, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a primary contributor when trying to move something heavy. Following these tips will help you stay safe while making lifting much easier and less strenuous on your body.

4. Inspect The Area Before Use.

Before you move your hand truck or any heavy furniture, it is important to take a few moments to identify any obstacles you may encounter in the moving process. Awareness of any terrain changes, such as steep inclines or steps, can help you plan the best path to manoeuvre your goods safely and efficiently.

5. Do Grip With Both Hands

Using two hands to grip the handle of your hand truck is essential for proper balance and control. Not only does a two-handed grip afford you a better view of where you are going, but it also helps to evenly distribute the weight that is carried by your hand truck, allowing for smoother transport of goods over uneven ground.

Furthermore, using two hands to grip the handle gives you greater control over direction and speed, which can help prevent you from taking careless turns or accidental spills that could damage equipment or injure yourself or others.

6. Securely Lock The Wheels When Not In Use.

Always lock the wheels when the truck is not in use. This helps ensure that the truck doesn’t roll away unexpectedly or cause a hazard for others. While it may seem like a small task, taking this precaution will benefit everyone and make work environments much safer overall.

7. Store The Hand Truck In A Dry Place.

The most important concern when storing a hand truck is keeping it in a dry and safe place. Not only will this help protect the hand truck from rust and other forms of damage, but it will also help you keep your hands and arms safe.

8. Get Help If Necessary.

If you’re lifting an item that is too heavy for just one person to carry, it is best not to risk injury by attempting to move it alone. Instead, ask for help from others or use a larger machine, such as a forklift.

9. Do Inspect the Wheels For Wear & Tear.

Keeping the wheels of your hand truck in good condition is essential to ensure it works properly and safely. To do this, it’s a good idea to check them regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or flat spots. The wheel’s structure needs to be maintained to carry its maximum load and move smoothly.

If you find any wear and tear on the wheel, it’s time to replace it without delay for optimal performance. Failing to do so could easily lead to an injury or damage to property if the wheel gives way unexpectedly.

10. Do Stack Objects Based on Size

When loading up your hand truck, start with the largest items and then stack smaller ones on top. This will help you maintain balance and stability during transport.

Don’ts Of Using A Hand Truck

1. Overload The Hand Truck.

Paying attention to your hand truck’s weight limit is extremely important, as exceeding it can cause it to become unstable or hard to control. You are putting yourself at risk for accidental injury and creating a situation where you could damage products or equipment. Whenever possible, ensure that the weight you are attempting to transport is well within the recommended limits of your hand truck.

2. Move On Slick Surfaces Without Protection.

When moving on slick surfaces like tile or linoleum, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure the wheels don’t slip out from under you—such as using rubber mats or other protective materials beneath the wheels of your hand truck.

3. Lift Unbalanced Cargo.

Be sure that whatever you’re carrying is balanced properly before attempting to lift with a hand truck; otherwise, it could be difficult (or even impossible!) to move safely controlled manner.

4. Rush Through A Move.

Though it’s tempting to rush the process when using a hand truck, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. Take your time when navigating up and down stairs, over curbs, and around obstacles. Hurrying can lead to serious injuries or unfortunate accidents if you’re not careful.

Follow all safety protocols and keep your load balanced for the best results — ensuring the proper use of a hand truck quickly becomes second nature with practice. There’s no need to take risks when moving items from one place to another––so slow down and take your time!

5. Balance The Load On The Handles.

Never attempt to balance a load of your cargo on the handles of your hand truck, as this could increase instability and cause an accident. Instead, try adjusting the weight evenly within the tray for better support during movement.

6. Ignore Safety Equipment.

The proper safety equipment should always be worn when using a hand truck to reduce the risk of injury and ensure that workers or individuals stay safe while performing their regular tasks. Depending on the task, this can range from simple items like gloves and protective eyewear to more specialized fit-for-purpose gear. 

Wearing the right safety gear will ensure that users stay safe without compromising comfort and productivity.

7. Neglect Maintenance.

Be sure to perform regular maintenance on your hand truck, such as checking for any broken or worn parts. This will help ensure that your hand truck is safe and reliable for years to come.

8. Use For Unsuitable Purposes.

When using a hand truck for transporting heavy items, it is imperative that you only use it for what it was designed to do. Utilizing the apparatus in any other way may potentially cause damage to not only your belongings but also yourself–since it can throw off your centre of gravity and elevate the risk of falls.

9. Neglect To Check Surroundings.

It’s always important to ensure you assess your environment before using a hand truck. Taking the time to glance around and check for potential obstacles is crucial, not only so it is easier to push and pull the hand truck safely and easily but also to protect yourself from personal injury or damage to property.

10. Take The Wrong Route.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, do your research beforehand to take the most efficient route possible. Taking a wrong turn can add time and energy and – even worse – put you in an unsafe situation.

Following these dos and don’ts for using a hand truck will ensure that you remain safe and can easily move your cargo. Whether you’re a professional mover or need to transport items around your home or workplace, being mindful of how you use your hand truck will help keep you safe and able to complete the job.