Avoiding injury while using your folding hand truck

Feb 2
09:15

2010

Rupert Smith

Rupert Smith

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Using a hand truck to lift heavy object will save your back from injury, help you lift faster and protect the objects you are moving from damage. A folding hand truck is a specific type of hand truck, often known as a convertible hand truck.

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When looking to purchase consider space limitations because since the hand truck fold its less of a storage hassle than its heavier,Avoiding injury while using your folding hand truck Articles bulkier counterparts.  Consider your load weight and if you are handling very heavy loads folding hand trucks are not the most ideal -  folding hand trucks don’t carry the same weight load as non-folding hand trucks.

Also take into consideration how often you plan on using your folding hand truck and if its frequently then you will be needing something more sturdy and stable.The 2-in-1 convertible hand truck unfolds into a hand truck and a platform truck therefore can have two or four wheels. They are usually aluminum or steel, with 8- or 10-inch wheels.

Stairs

Make sure you maintain your convertible hand truck well and look for dents, cracks or fractures as well as wear in the glides and wheel punctures because damage can cause regrets.   Centre your load and don’t exceed the maximum weight it can hold and secure the straps if it has any.

If you are needing to ascend stairs with the load angle the folding hand truck keeping the load steady – is it comes equipped with plastic glide strips on the back make sure these are at the base/lip of the stairs.     To avoid unnecessary neck strain keep your head up and don’t look at your load while steadying it up the stairs keeping your own fame sturdy and well balanced. Tilt the load comfortably toward your body and while descending take one step at a time so you don’t forego the load or your balance. 

Avoiding injury

A smaller load does not mean its lighter – as an employer you don’t want to be hauling out cash for medical bills that could have easily been avoided.  Back injuries last long and proper carrying techniques allowing for the careful handling of heavy objects can guard against back injury.

Folding hand tucks minimize risk but one still needs to be careful with them - push the hand truck forwards at all times instead of backwards.  Keep an eye out also on your environment so don’t carry something where you may slip or trip, clear the path beforehand, this means no soap, oil spills or obstacles.

Magna Cart

If your wheels are getting stuck its time for a new folding hand truck – investing in a Magna Cart convertible hand truck at this juncture is something you will be pleased to have been aware of for the future.  As far as manufacturers other than Magna Cart,  Safco ‘s research and development have also come a long way so you can be assured that  expect the best quality merchandise when you buy their products. Folding and the convertible  hand trucks are great for  lightweight work on occasion but if you are doing more industrial heavy duty stuff rather opt for a dolly or even manual or electric hand trucks instead.