ETool : Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) - Ramps And Grades

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Understanding the Workplace » Ramps and Grades

Figure 1. Drive loaded trucks forward going up a ramp.
Figure 1. Drive loaded trucks forward going up a ramp.

Forklift operators should follow certain general rules of the road when traveling on ramps and other inclines.

  • Traveling on ramps and grades
  • Traveling with a load (forks upgrade)
  • Traveling empty (forks downgrade)

For more on maneuvering and handling loads, please see the Operating the Forklift module.

Traveling on ramps and grades

Potential Hazard

  • There is a danger of tipover when traveling on ramps and grades.

Requirements and Recommended Practices

Figure 2. Traveling down ramp without load.

  • Always look in the direction of travel.

  • Never turn on a ramp or incline. Turn prior to the ramp or incline to place forks in proper direction.

  • Keep a safe distance from the edge of a ramp.

  • Do not travel on ramps with slopes or other conditions that exceed the manufacturer's recommendation.

Traveling with a load (forks upgrade)

Figure 3. Traveling with a load. Note that ramps should have railings or bull rails. Figure 4. Traveling up ramp with load. Figure 5. Traveling down ramp with a load.

Forklift operators should be aware of procedures to follow when traveling on ramps and other inclines with a load.

Potential Hazards

  • Danger of tipover.

  • Danger of losing load.

Requirements and Recommended Practices

  • When traveling with a load, the load should point up the incline, regardless of direction of travel.

  • Going up the incline:

    • Drive forward.

    • Forks pointed upgrade.

    • Use a spotter if load blocks the driver's view.

  • Going down the incline:

    • Drive in reverse.

    • Turn head and face downgrade.

    • Forks pointed up the grade.

NOTE: When walking with a pallet truck with or without a load, the forks should be pointed downgrade, regardless of direction of travel.

Traveling empty (forks downgrade)

Figure 6. Traveling without a load. Note that ramps should have railings or bull rails.

Forklift operators should follow certain procedures when traveling on ramps and grades without a load.

Potential Hazard

  • Danger of tipover.

Figure 7. Traveling down ramp without load.

Requirements and Recommended Practices

  • When traveling without a load, the forks should point downgrade, regardless of direction of travel.

  • Going up the incline:

    • Drive in reverse.

    • Turn head and face upgrade.

    • Forks pointed downgrade.

  • Going down the incline:

    • Drive forward.

    • Forks pointed downgrade.

Tag » When Driving On Inclines Or Grades