Liftgate Safety

Liftgates are potentially hazardous and should only be used by employees who have been trained or familiarized to operate them safely
Common injuries include: amputated fingers and toes; crushed feet; a runaway load that falls over or off the Liftgate onto an employee trying to steady it either next to or below the load
Leaving the Liftgate extended and unattended at truck bed level poses a serious hazard to pedestrians. (Always put the Liftgate all the way up in the vertical position or leave it flat on the ground)
Marking the corners of the tailgate with a fluorescent cone or flashing lights is required
Below are the four major safety considerations when using Liftgates; equipment considerations,pre-operations, operations, and special considerations

Truck Bed and Lifting Gate Equipment Safety Considerations and Preferences

A self-leveling lift-gate that keeps the load level to prevent dropped cargo
whichever is better in the current circumstances.Remember to keep all toes and fingers out of the pinch point created between the gate and the truck
When renting, consider a lift-gate with cart-stops. These devices pop up from the lift- gate surface and prevent cargo from rolling off
If you rent or are using a truck without cart-stops, then remember to equip the truck with several chocks. Chocks should always be used to keep items from rolling or moving while you are moving them in and out of the truck
The Liftgate and truck body floor should form a uniformly flat surface so freight will roll easily in and out of the truck.
Know the weight of your freight and lift-gate capacity. Do not overload

1.

Check records to ensure that the lift-gate has been maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions
2.

Read the lift-gate operator’s manual and follow the directions. Pay special attention to the safety warning decals. Make sure the decals are in place and legible
3.

Visually inspect the lift-gate daily as part of the vehicle’s trip inspection and report any de􀃘ciencies. Maintain lift-gate per manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use the lift-gate if there are signs of abuse, or it fails to operate properly
4.

Before running the lift-gate loaded, run it empty through its full range as a “pre-trip” to verify that it will provide a good landing area for the freight that will be rolled off it

Before freight is loaded, put the right wheels or devices under or on it for safe handling. Use the cart’s wheels and handles to better control the item
Position the load and use chocks underneath the wheels to keep it from rolling
Secure top-heavy loads with strapping preventing the item from tipping or rolling off the end
Consider a ratchet strap into your E-track at the rear and on both sides of the truck. Run it outside the truck to the end of the lift-gate and use it like a seat belt around the item to keep it upright and on the gate
Personnel should not ever attempt to put a piece of freight in motion that is beyond their ability to control once it starts moving. Get extra help if you need it
If crews are in a hurry to get a lift-gate load off the truck, take that as a sign of a problem. If rushed, workers can become distracted. Workers should be focused on the lift-gate zone, without distraction, at all times
Workers should be trained to keep an escape plan in mind. Be prepared to run or jump out of the way to keep from getting hurt yourself. Never… Never… Never sacrifice yourself for the freight
Set the vehicle brakes and wherever possible, operate the lift-gate on a level surface
One employee should coordinate all employees working to load, lower or elevate a load. Work out communication and routines between co-workers, including a“ready” signal without which the gate is not started
If you have by-standers, insist that they must keep their distance

Never use the lift-gate for any purpose other than to lift or lower cargo from the truck (i.e., never use as a personnel lift)
Keep hands and feet clear of all pinch points
There is always a wide shear or pinch point exposure between the Liftgate and truck body during lift-gate operations
Take particular note of where the lift-gate and the truck bed meet. Feet and hands are particularly vulnerable, during raising and lowering of the Liftgate
If you are unloading curbside on a busy street: use safety cones to block the lane and create safe space in which to work or wear reflective safety vests
Use truck flashers and safety lights to mark off the edges of the Liftgate
Make sure the platform is not slippery (e.g., oil, rain, ice or snow). Make sure that slippery Liftgate decks are made slip resistant using mats, chalks, and/or ratchet straps
If it is raining, cover the freight with a waterproof tarp, wrapping it around the freight like you would a furniture pad or shrink wrap. Secure the covering with large rubber bands used by household goods movers. Knowing the shipment is dry allows personnel to take time for cautious use of the gate