Checklist for Using Machinery Skates Safely

Want to move heavy equipment without accidents? Here's how to use machinery skates safely:

• Inspect Before Use: Check wheels, bearings, fasteners, and hydraulic systems for damage. Stay within 80% of the skate's weight limit.
• Prepare the Path: Clear obstacles, ensure 24-inch clearance, and keep ramps under 5° slope.
• Gear Up: Wear steel-toed boots, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.
• Operate Carefully: Move slowly (under 3 mph), avoid jerky movements, and use spotters to monitor blind spots and hazards.
• Post-Use Care: Inspect for damage, clean, oil, and store skates in a dry, level area.

Quick Tip: Always follow this checklist to avoid injuries, equipment damage, or costly repairs.

Safety Checks Before Use

Inspect for Damage

Take a close look at all parts of the equipment, paying particular attention to these areas:

• Wheels and bearings: Ensure they rotate smoothly and aren't cracked or overly worn.
• Load-bearing surfaces: Check for any warping or damage that could affect strength.
• Fasteners and connections: Confirm all bolts and nuts are securely tightened.
• Hydraulic systems: Look for leaks or damaged seals.

If you notice cracks, bends, rust, or any other issues, consult a technician before using the equipment.

Verify Weight Limits

Add up the weight of the equipment and materials, and make sure it stays within 80% of the manufacturer's stated capacity.

Skate Type	Typical Load Capacity	Minimum Safety Margin
Light-duty	Up to 6,000 lbs	1,200 lbs
Medium-duty	6,000-12,000 lbs	2,400 lbs
Heavy-duty	12,000-20,000 lbs	4,000 lbs
Extra heavy-duty	Over 20,000 lbs	5,000 lbs

Staying within these limits ensures safe operation and reduces the risk of accidents.

Clear the Path

Make sure the route is free from obstacles and meets these conditions:

• At least 24 inches of clearance on all sides.
• Floors are clean and free of debris.
• Hazard zones are clearly marked.
• Turns are planned in advance.
• Ramp slopes do not exceed 5°.

Once the path is clear, you can secure the load on the machinery skates.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

Equip yourself with the following protective gear:

• Steel-toed boots meeting ASTM F2413-18 standards.
• Hard hats compliant with ANSI Z89.1 Type I or II.
• High-visibility vests (Class 2 or 3).
• Cut-resistant gloves.
• Safety glasses with side shields, meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards.

Also, follow any additional facility-specific PPE requirements for added protection.

Setting Up Machinery Skates

Check Floor Safety

Before using machinery skates, take a close look at the floor. Look for cracks, spills, uneven spots, or sudden changes that could cause instability. Once you've inspected the surface, carefully shift the load to ensure everything stays steady.

Operating the Skates

Controlling Speed

Start at a slow, steady pace. Keep your speed under 3 mph to ensure quick stopping ability. If you're moving a load over 2,000 lbs, reduce the speed to 1 mph. Avoid abrupt movements - push or pull smoothly to prevent jerking. When navigating turns or slopes, slow down by at least 50%. Always keep your speed in check, especially in areas with potential hazards.

Staying Clear of Danger Zones

Create a 6-foot safety zone around the operation using cones or barriers. Only essential operators should be within this area while the load is in motion.

Be mindful of these risks:

• Pinch points: Gaps between the load and stationary objects
• Crush zones: Areas where the load might tip or shift
• Transition areas: Doorways, ramps, or uneven flooring
• Blind spots: Corners or areas with restricted visibility

To enhance safety during transit, assign spotters to monitor these zones.

Using Safety Spotters

Have at least two spotters - one at the front and one at the rear of the load. For loads wider than 8 feet or in areas with poor visibility, consider adding side spotters.

Spotters should:

• Maintain clear visual contact and use standard hand signals
• Stay outside the load's fall zone
• Watch for clearances on all sides
• Signal immediately to stop if needed

All spotters must wear high-visibility safety vests. If direct visual contact isn't possible, use radios to communicate. The lead spotter should manage movement instructions and confirm all spotters are ready before continuing with the load.

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How to Use Machinery Skates, Toe Jacks and Roller Skids

After-Use Care

Taking care of your equipment after use is essential to keep it working as it should.

Storage Requirements

Storing machinery skates correctly helps maintain their condition and performance. Here's how to do it:

• Place skates in a clean, dry, and level area to avoid unnecessary stress on the wheels and bearings.
• Keep the storage area temperature between 60–80°F.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals that can damage the rubber components.

For long-term storage:

• Use a breathable cover to protect the equipment and store matching sets together to ensure even wear.
• Rotate the wheels every few months to prevent flat spots.
• Ensure hydraulic systems are kept at the pressure levels recommended by the manufacturer.

Safety Checklist Summary

Here’s a quick rundown of essential safety steps for each phase of machinery skate operation:

• Pre-Use
  • Inspect equipment for any damage.
  • Ensure the load weight is within the skate's capacity.
  • Clear the path of debris and obstacles.
  • Wear required PPE: safety shoes, gloves, and a high-visibility vest.
• Setup and Load
  • Secure attachment points between the load and skates.
  • Double-check that the load is evenly distributed and balanced.
  • Confirm the floor has proper traction.
• Operation
  • Move at a slow, controlled speed.
  • Keep personnel clear of pinch points and potential hazards.
  • Position spotters in key areas for better observation.
  • Continuously monitor the load’s stability during transport.
• Post-Use
  • Inspect for any new damage.
  • Clean and oil the machinery skates as recommended.
  • Store skates in a secure, dry place.
  • Perform maintenance as outlined in the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Always follow this checklist to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents or equipment issues. Regularly review manufacturer instructions and update your training to stay prepared.