What features should hand trucks have when loading or unloading 150 lb chlorine cylinders?

When loading or unloading 150 lb chlorine cylinders, the most crucial feature that hand trucks should have is a retaining or safety chain. This is because chlorine cylinders are heavy and potentially dangerous; ensuring that they are securely fastened during transport is essential for safety. The retaining chain helps to prevent the cylinder from falling off the hand truck, which could lead to injuries or the release of hazardous materials.

Using a safety chain is particularly important because of the risk associated with chlorine gas; any uncontrolled release could have serious health and environmental impacts. The chain provides an added layer of security that is critical when handling such hazardous materials.

While heavy-duty wheels, shock absorbers, and a folding design may contribute to the overall efficiency and ease of use of a hand truck, they do not address the immediate safety concerns associated with transporting heavy and hazardous materials like chlorine cylinders. Heavy-duty wheels are useful for stability and maneuverability, shock absorbers can enhance comfort during transport, and a folding design may facilitate storage or transport in tight spaces, but these features do not provide the essential safety measures needed when dealing with hazardous chemical cylinders. Therefore, the retaining or safety chain stands out as the most vital feature for the safe handling of these cylinders.