All businesses need a safe, robust way of transporting goods. A heavy-duty flatbed is the perfect tool for the job. These can be tailored to meet your specific needs and accordingly come in different styles and functionalities.
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Types
A flatbed trolley can be a) manual or b) electric and equipped with a non-slip
platform, flat bottoms and swivel wheels. The flatbed offers convenience and
can reduce goods damage.
Safety
The Health and Safety Executive has recognised the place of flatbed trolleys in
the safe transportation of goods – https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg398.pdf. The risk of employee injury owing to
overexertion and common strain injuries to back, shoulders and arms can be
minimised with the safe operation of flatbeds.
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When purchasing and using a flatbed trolley a number of factors are relevant;
1. There are many different types of flatbed, with variations in load capacity
and height and other specifications. Application to your particular business
need is important to ensure use of the optimum flatbed. You should consider
bulk, weight and size of the trolley load.
2. Create an efficient, safe and flat
pathway within your premises to ensure flexible maneuverability
This will reduce delivery times and optimise the safe use of trolleys. It can
also increase the longevity of your trolley. Flatbeds should have adequate
space to move within a manufacturer’s store space, having particular regard to
the layout of your premises. Factors such as frequency of journey and distances
to travel should be considered as well as type of terrain and the specifics of
the trolley, for example, wheels or casters. Where possible, aisles within the
premises should offer maximum ease of passage and optimum width.
3. Consider the weight of items being
transported
This will safeguard that goods are moved in a safe and efficient fashion and
are guided by industry accepted numerical safety standards.
4. Invest in maintenance
As with all manufacturing stock in trade, good maintenance of flatbeds is
essential. Ensuring that staff are sufficiently trained to use and maintain the
trolleys safely is also an important consideration.
Flatbed trolleys come with many benefits to enable you to move goods safely
within your business premises. Warehouses, factories and retail stores are
obvious outlets but use can also be made in the home setting as well, for
example during a house move or a simple domestic reorganisation.
