22 October, 2025 Lee Miller

Optimum Unloading Procedure for Heavy Furniture

A repeatable, scratch‑free method for unloading heavy, fragile or top‑heavy furniture when tail‑lift use is impractical. Replace risky carries with a controlled slide and a strapped dolly move.

At-a-glance

Typical UK internal stair pitch ≈ 30–38° (max 42°). Even modest mass feels heavier on slopes (×(1 + sinθ)).
Unload chain: HDPE skid in van → HDPE‑lined ramp → piano dolly → strap & roll.
Goal: use gravity under control — friction & geometry do the work; people steer and brake.

Equipment checklist

HDPE skid sheets (2–5 mm): cabinet base & ramp liner
Long non‑slip ramp / tail‑lift extender (aim ≤ 25°)
Piano dolly, large soft wheels + wheel chocks
Ratchet straps: belly + cross‑strap
Floor/edge protection, blankets, foam blocks
Rope tail / brake line and anchor point
Rubber underlay (ramp anti‑creep) & stop block
Camera/phone for quick condition photos

Pre‑site survey (5‑minute TILEO)

Task: mass, COG, fragile faces; tail‑lift feasible?
Individual: requested handlers; width may cap side supporters.
Load: dimensions vs stair/door clear widths; packaging adds width.
Environment: stairs pitch & landings; ramp angle achievable (≤ 25° target; >30° escalate).
Organisation/Other: parking distance, weather, lift capacity, floor limits.

Record quick measurements; run the Stair & Ramp Effort Calculator for per‑person load and angle advice.

Set up the slideway

Lay ramp; add rubber underlay, then HDPE liner (smooth side up).
Ensure van HDPE overlaps ramp HDPE by ~50 mm (no step).
Fit rope tail to the van HDPE through an anchor for belayed braking.
Create a soft stop zone at ramp toe (rubber block / folded blanket).

Controlled slide transfer

Loosen transit straps; keep a safety strap or rope on the base as a brake.
Roles: Lead (commands), Brake (van end), Stabiliser (lower corner).
Let gravity start the slide; brake and steer — don’t lift.
Pause when the base is aligned at planned dolly height.

Transfer onto the piano dolly

Pre‑position dolly; apply wheel chocks; overlap ramp HDPE onto dolly by ~50 mm.
Slide until the centre of gravity is above the dolly; keep one hand on brake line.
Apply a belly strap and a cross‑strap; perform a gentle rock test.
Remove chocks and roll away under spotter guidance.

Move to final position

Protect floors (ram board/pads); widen turns; mind thresholds.
Slow, even pace; calls: “Slide”, “Stop”, “Strap”, “Roll”.

Decision gates (escalate or refuse)

Escalate to powered aid / extra handlers when:

Ramp/stair angle > 30–35°; or
Per‑person load > policy target (e.g., 25 kg) even with width‑capped handlers; or
Tall/top‑heavy, glass/marble, or narrow landings/turns.

Use the Weight Risk Tool to evaluate risk.

Refuse / ground‑floor only when:

No safe ramp angle achievable (uncontrolled descent risk);
No width for required handlers or equipment;
Client declines risk controls (straps, protection, extra crew).

Condition documentation

Photo & item ID before unstrapping
Photo after transfer to dolly
Photo on placement (front & key edges)

Emergency (if the load starts to drop)

Shout “STOP — DOWN!” and switch to a controlled descent.
Do not try to catch a falling load; prioritise people over property.
Keep feet and fingers clear; park the face to a wall if possible.
Re‑assess plan before retry (angle, handlers, aids).

This SOP aligns with HSE manual‑handling principles (avoid → assess → reduce) and push/pull force control on slopes. Always escalate to mechanical aids where required.

More Info?

Contact me (Lee) on 077 888 211 21 or email lee@venture-logistics.co.uk

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