7 Easy Ways to SafelyUse Carts & Racks

Rolling DangerCarts and racks are a vital part of any processing operation. Moving product into and out of ovens and

smokehouses, transporting product from one work area to another, allowing product to cool — all necessary in food processing — make carts and racks indispensable to an efficient operation.

However, when used improperly, carts and racks can pose a safety hazard to your employees.

Over loading a cart, placing hands in the wrong places, not properly balancing the cart load can all lead to both musculoskeletal disorders and immediate injury.

Common Risks• Trips and Falls: pushing the cart or rack too quickly, getting the cart or rack stuck on waste on the

floor, pushing with an obstructed view, all can lead to employees tripping and falling while using a cart or rack.

• Crushed Fingers: placing hands on the sides of carts or racks, rather than on the handle bars, can lead to accidentally crushing fingers against walls and other machinery.

• Overexertion: an overloaded or heavy cart will require a lot of force to get it rolling, which can lead to overexertion — a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders.

Follow TheseSafety Tips

Balance Cart LoadAn imbalanced cart puts employees in awkward positions when pushing, requiring them to push more on one side than the other. Always evenly balance the cart load — place heavier objects on lower shelves and even out weight distribution from left to right. This will make the cart easier to push.

#1

Always PushDo Not PullAttempting to pull a cart can cause serious injury. Not only does it require more force to pull than to push, it also puts your employees in the path of the rolling cart. Many workers have been injured by getting hit with a moving cart. Pushing eliminates that danger, and reduces the amount of force to get the cart rolling.

#2

No Items Sticking OutProduct extending beyond the sides of a cart pose serious risks not only for the employee pushing the cart, but also for employees working in the vicinity of the moving cart. Over hanging product might be difficult to notice, especially if an employee isn't facing the oncoming cart. Getting hit with such product can result in injury.

It also can make it difficult to move through doorways and tight areas — putting the employee pushing the cart in danger of the cart stopping immediately, and running into it.

Always make sure all product is contained in the cart sides to avoid such risks of injury.

#3

Park Neara WallWhen parking carts and racks, always place them out of the way and near a wall. Never park carts and racks near doors, exits, or walkways. Doing so creates an obstruction in operational flow and can pose a safety risk in the case of an emergency.

#4

LubricateWheelsAlways follow the manufacturer's recommendation on lubricating casters and wheels. Some may not require lubrication and much as others. Keeping wheels properly lubricated make pushing carts easier, as the wheels start rolling more easily.

#5

Place Handson HandlesEmployees should always place hands on cart handles. Placing hands on the sides of carts increases the risk of hands and fingers getting smashed when going through doorways, entering ovens and chillers, or passing by other moving equipment. The handles are the safest place to place one's hands, so use them!

#6

Do NotObstruct ViewCarts and racks should be loaded in a way that allows employees to see where they are pushing. Obstructed views are huge safety risks, as it does not allow for proper reaction time should the employee be pushing in the path of other workers, equipment, or objects that may be in the way. Having a clear view of where you are going is the safest choice for everyone.

#7

Purchase Carts & Racksfrom Fusion Tech!Want to reduce the risk of injury even more? Purchase your carts and racks from Fusion Tech. We custom design our carts and racks with features that make them easier and safer for employees to use. Every cart and rack is made to fit the needs of your specific application.

Bonus Tip:

Download our Catalog

Fusion Tech custom designs and fabricates a wide array of carts, racks, and trays for food processing and packaging facilities. Our Carts, Racks & Trays Catalog allows you to see everything we do at glance – from standard carts, racks, and trays to optional features to custom designed options that fit the needs of your specific application.

Download Today!

Reduce the RiskFollowing the seven tips above will greatly reduce the risk of employee injury when

it comes to using carts and racks throughout your processing plant.

Carts and racks might not seem dangerous, but improper use puts your employees at risk of injury. Print these tips out, give them to your employees, and train them how to properly operate carts and

racks. It will save you the time and money involved in settling an employee injury.

About Fusion Tech

About Fusion Tech Fusion Tech Integrated, Inc. is a custom metal fabrication company with 15 years of experience and expertise in creating steel solutions for a variety of clients in the food processing, pharmaceutical, transportation, mining, renewable energy, and agricultural industries.

We specialize in providing innovative solutions for the food processing industry.

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t. 309.774.4275f. 309.774.4161

600 Stevens Port Dr, Ste 112Dakota Dunes, SD 57049

t. 605.242.6070f. 605.217.6001