Forklift Safety Tips For Driving On Ramps And Inclines

Forklift Safety Starts with Solid Training… and Some Common Sense

Every forklift operator faces the task of driving a forklift up or down a ramp or incline, generally when loading or unloading a truck or railcar. It’s Forklift Safety 101 and, although not too complicated, the task requires a good bit of care and knowledge on the part of the operator r to safely and efficiently move loads up and down ramps. 

This is not skiing – No slaloms allowed!

Once you’ve reviewed these tips for safely navigating your forklift up and down a ramp or incline, check out these other resources for general Forklift Safety and best practices for loading and unloading tractor-trailers.

Safety Tip #1: Know the Grade

A ramp or incline is a sloped surface. We define the grade as the slope’s height divided by the slope’s length–often referred to as the rise vs. the run. 

The result is usually expressed as a percentage so that a 5 ft. rise over a 25 ft. run is a 20% grade. Generally, operating a forklift on a ramp with a grade greater than 10% requires considering all the points made here. However, heavy loads can be challenging on a long ramp, even with less than 10% slope. Most manufacturers provide a spec for maximum loaded and unloaded “gradeability” – that is, the steepest grade the vehicle should be used in a loaded or unloaded condition. For example, the 8,000 lb. capacity Clark S40L has a loaded gradeability of 37% and an unloaded gradeability of 32%. Never exceed the manufacturer’s spec for forklift gradeability. 

Safety Tip #2: Look in the Direction of Travel.

When moving a load up or down a ramp, always have the load uphill from the body of the forklift, and always look in the direction of travel. That means when you’re descending a ramp, you need to be in reverse. If you can’t maintain good visibility, have a spotter help you out.

When traveling a ramp with an unloaded forklift, do just the opposite–always have the forks pointed downhill, and be sure that you’ve raised them enough to clear the ramp. 

Safety Tip #3: Observe Spacial Awareness and Speed

Navigating a ramp with a heavy load can be dangerous. Proceed slowly and cautiously. 

• Never turn a forklift on a ramp, whether it’s loaded or unloaded. I’m sure some of you have seen golf cart cowboys try to drive sideways on a slope. Oops.  
• Always stay a safe distance from the edge of the ramp. Visibility with an oversized load is often impaired, so take extra caution to avoid tipping over the edge of the ramp. 
• Use a spotter if you have limited visibility. 

Safety Tip #4: Pair the Best Equipment with Proper Training

If you are in a position to choose the ramps your company uses, or are assessing existing components for their suitability, be aware of the following:

• Use the proper ramps for your operation. Equipment that is exposed to the elements can get oily, wet or icy. Ramps that are grated or feature high-traction surfaces are best.
• Check that your ramps have the capacity to handle the loads being moved up and down. 
• Consider ramps with curbs or railings to prevent forklifts from going over the edges.
• Ensure that ramps are securely fastened on both ends.
• Make sure ramps are correctly maintained and cleaned. Don’t use ramps that are structurally damaged or that have compromised anchors. 

Get the prescribed training for driving a forklift on an incline. As we’ve seen, it can be a tricky maneuver, but with proper training and knowledge, it’s a safe and routine operation.

Apex Material Handling can supply your company with everything it needs to make loading and unloading an efficient and error-free operation. From operator training to ramps. Make Apex your preferred supplier of material handling and warehouse products in the greater Chicago area.