Trolley, ladders, pallet jacks safety checklist

*Is there a reporting procedure for damaged equipment?

*Is there a procedure to notify others not to use this damaged equipment? Is there any metal swarf damage on the equipment? This can cause lacerations.

*Sufficient numbers of ladders/ steps?

*Are trolleys in good condition? (inspect handles, castors, platforms for ease of use, build-up of dirt etc)

*Are trolleys appropriate for use? Are the types of handles appropriate? Are the trolleys too high to see over?

*Is there a way to identify the SAFE WORK LOAD for the equipment?

*Employees trained in using the workplace equipment?

*Are the employees monitored to ensure their competency in using the workplace equipment?

*Sufficient numbers of trolleys?

*Is flooring kept clear, clean and free of debris/ obstructions to allow ease of trolley use?

*Are pallet jacks (manual or motorised) used?

*Are staff trained in appropriate use of pallet jacks?

*Are pallet jacks in good condition & regularly maintained?

*Are pallet jacks stored in safe, accessible location to encourage use?

*Are pallet jacks labelled with a safe working limit?

*Are pallets overloaded with stock, causing excessive push/pull forces required for moving pallets with pallet jacks?

*The type of ladder is appropriate to the task. Do not use ‘domestic’ or ‘home-made’ ladders.

*All ladders must comply with Australian Standard/New Zealand, AS/NZS 1892 series and users should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on safe use;

*The ladder is in good condition. Before it is used, the ladder should be inspected for faults, such as broken rungs, rails and footing. Consult the manufacturer’s checklist, if available;

*Damaged ladders are removed from service;

*The ladder is on firm, stable and level ground;

*The ladder is the correct height for the task to avoid reaching or stretching. Keep the body centred between side rails at all times. Never over-reach;

*The ladder is not too close or too far from the support structure. The distance between the ladder base and the supporting structure should be about 1 metre for every 4 metres of working ladder height.

*The ladder is secured against displacement (i.e. slipping or sliding) and/or there is another person holding the base of the ladder

*All the locking devices on the ladder are secure;

*The ladder is always faced while climbing up or down;

*Materials or tools are not carried while climbing the ladder.

*Only light duty work is undertaken while on the ladder, where three points of contact can be maintained and tools can be operated safely with one hand;

*No person should stand on a ladder (single) any higher than 900 mm from the top of the ladder; or as specified from the manufacturer’s instructions.

*No other person is allowed on the ladder at the same time;

*Slip resistant base, rungs or steps are provided;

*Slip resistant shoes are worn;

*Metal or wire bound ladders are never used close to energised power lines; non-metallic ladders should be used instead;

*Ladders should not be used in access areas or next to doors

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