How to Operate the Pallet Inverter Safely

The pallet inverter is a simple and useful machine used in warehouses and in other facilities where loading/ unloading activities are performed in various industries, such as: automotive, food, distribution, manufacturing and retail. Most of the merchandize delivered or prepared for delivery is placed on a pallet. On various occasions, the pallet can be damaged too severely to be used and needs to be replaced.

The Key Benefits of a Pallet Inverter: Fast, Simple, Efficient

Replacing a damaged pallet can take a long time if it is done manually. Workers need to unload all the containers and boxes with products, remove the damaged pallet and then restack all the products on a new pallet. The pallet inverter takes over and replaces manual labor with a simple modality of mechanized replacement of the pallet:

• The palletized merchandized is secured between the sides of the equipment;
• The pallet inverter tilts the stack, without letting the products slip and fall;
• The damaged pallet is easily accessible to be removed and replaced with a new one;
• The stack of product is tilted back, with the pallet sitting on the ground.

It seems very simple and straightforward. But just like any other basic logistic equipment, the pallet inverter looks deceptively easy to use and some workers may forget about safety precautions around it.

Heavy Loads Need Careful Handling in All Circumstances

In order to understand the potential risks, it is worth mentioning that a pallet inverter can handle stacks of products which are up to 2 meters high and weigh up to 1,500 kg. Any accident taking place around a loaded pallet inverter can lead to serious injuries, and even death.

It is important, thus, for your company to take all the safety measures in order to prevent the occurrence of such accidents and mitigate their effects. The logistics experts at Logistic Packaging have prepared a list of basic safety instructions for your guidance:

1. Ensure Proper Training for The Pallet Inverter Operators

No piece of equipment should be operated by your employees without proper training, even the simplest ones. There is always the risk of doing something wrong and handling the equipment in an unsafe manner.

Every employee who will operate the pallet inverter must receive training and be issued a certificate to confirm the training.

2. Operators Must Wear Personal Protection Equipment

The hard helmet is mandatory for employees who operate the pallet inverter. There are no excuses and no exceptions from this rule. No matter how secure the load may be in the pallet inverter, a container or box filled with products may fall from the palletized stack.

3. Enforce Clearance Area Around the Pallet Inverter

The pallet inverter has a range of movement which can be easily determined. Add an extra clearance area to this and enforce the rule that no person should stand in this area when the equipment is in operation.

To make sure everyone knows and follows the rule, delimit the clearance perimeter with high traffic grade paint and post visible warnings.

4. Maintain and Repair the Equipment Properly

Accidents can happen when the pallet inverter does not work properly. Thus, the equipment should undergo periodical maintenance. Also, the operator must visually inspect the machine before using it. If there are any signs of rust, loose nuts and bolts, etc. the manager must be notified and the equipment must not be used until it is repaired.

5. Educate Your Employees on the Importance of Safety at Work

All your employees must know and understand their responsibility to keep themselves and their colleagues safe during work. Talking openly about occupational health and safety rules and organizing refresher courses is not just mandatory by law, but also efficient. It helps boost team morale and makes your employees trust each other when working with equipment.

The Logistic Packaging team is committed to help all our clients get the most of the pallet inverters purchased from us. We are here to help you with demonstrations, training and instruction for use as part of our post-sale assistance services.

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