When you have quantities of goods to transport from one place to another, a pallet is a good way of packing the consignment. Pallets are a popular and affordable method of transporting goods, as they are less likely to get damaged. Goods on pallets are easy to move using forklifts, which reduces the risks of manual handling injuries amongst employees.

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Accidents can still happen, however, and are often as a result of poor stacking and wrapping.
According to the Health and Safety Executive guidance on warehousing and storage, all pallets should be inspected each time they are used. The guidance makes clear that pallets should be loaded correctly, as this is vital to ensure stability.

Here are some important tips on how you can prepare your pallets safely.

Selecting the best pallet

Before you organise a same day courier service in Birmingham for your shipment from a company such as http://allaboutfreight.co.uk/same-day-courier-service/same-day-courier-birmingham, it is vital that you select the most appropriate pallet for your consignment.

Measure the maximum width and length of your goods and choose a pallet that is big enough for them. The goods should not over-hang the pallet at any point, as this will increase the chances of breakages.

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The pallet needs to be strong enough to take the weight of your goods and must be in good condition, with no broken boards or nails protruding.

Stacking pallets safely

Before stacking the pallets, pack the goods in new cardboard that is strong and sealed securely. If there are any empty spaces around the items, these should be filled with bubble wrap or polystyrene to stop them moving around and getting damaged during transit.

Place the heaviest items at the bottom by stacking boxes in columns. This gives the load the most strength. The weight needs to be distributed evenly, with a slip sheet or pallet liner inserted after every three layers.

Securing goods to the pallet

The goods need to be secured to the pallet with strapping or banding. This needs to be drawn tightly and fixed in place.

A stretch wrapping material is sometimes used. This is applied around the whole load and the pallet from top to bottom. If needed, the stretch wrap can be twisted into a rope.