How do you drive a forklift on a slope?

Forklift Slope Driving Tips

Avoid steep slopes. Make sure the load always points uphill. When going down a slope, be careful about the load falling off. Always drive with a lift “forks first” down a hill or slope (this puts more weight on the braking wheels, so the driver has more traction)

How should you travel up a slope with a loaded forklift?

Requirements and Recommended Practices
  1. When traveling with a load, the load should point up the incline, regardless of direction of travel.
  2. Going up the incline: Drive forward. Forks pointed upgrade. Use a spotter if load blocks the driver’s view.
  3. Going down the incline: Drive in reverse. Turn head and face downgrade.

Can a forklift go uphill?

NEVER. Leave a forklift on a slope, except in an emergency. … When you have finished working park the forklift in a safe place, on level ground; never on a slope. These forklift safety tips regarding forklift operation with slope and ramp surfaces will help you and those you work with stay safe around forklifts.

When driving up a ramp with a load should the forks be?

4. Driving Direction on Grades. New drivers are sometimes curious and ask, “Which direction should the load face when traveling up a ramp?” The answer is, you should always drive a loaded forklift with the forks pointed upgrade. This will help prevent the load from sliding off the forks.

How should you travel up a slope with an unloaded forklift?

When traveling on a ramp with an unloaded forklift, always travel with the forks pointed downgrade, regardless of whether you are ascending or descending the ramp.

How do you drive a forklift up a ramp?

When traveling with a load on a forklift the load should be lifted?

Lift the load and tilt it back a little more before traveling. Keep the forks 6 to 10 inches above the ground to avoid potential hazards on the ground. Remember that forklifts are top-heavy. Carry the load low and tilted back.

When stopping a lift at the end of your shift What should you do?

Lower the forks to the floor when parking the forklift. Make sure that the forks touch the ground when you are leaving. Apply the parking brake when it is the idle position. All operational controls of the truck must be in the neutral position before the driver alight the forklift compartment.

Do forklifts need to be painted yellow?

Painting forklifts bright colors like yellow and orange make them more visible to pedestrians and other operators, increasing the likelihood that they will be noticed. This reduces the risk of collisions and other accidents that can cause damage to property or injuries to people.

When a forklift gets loaded or unloaded what shifts position?

As a load moves upward, it shifts the truck’s center of gravity forward. A safe load at 4 inches off the ground may tip the forklift at 4 feet up. That’s why OSHA training documents instruct operators to always “carry the load at the lowest position possible, 4 to 6 inches from the ground.”

When traveling down a ramp or incline on a forklift?

When going down a ramp, drive in reverse with the load and keep the forks pointed up the slope. When traveling without a load, the forks should always point down the slope. The forklift operator should also drive in reverse up the ramp or drive forward when going down the ramp.

Why do you tilt the load back when traveling?

Tilting the mast back reduces the load distance and makes the load safer to carry. Figure 7. Tilting the mast forward increases the load distance and makes the load less stable.

What should you not do when a load is elevated?

Operating Safely

Never raise a load or turn on an uneven surface. In such cases, your center of gravity will quickly move outside of the stability triangle. While traveling empty on a ramp, your forks should always point downhill.

How should you drive when a tall load obstructs your vision?

Travel in reverse when a load blocks your vision and always look in the direction of travel. Check for adequate overhead clearance when entering an area or when raising the forks.

What are 4 things that can reduce the capacity or stability of the forklift?

These are load size, weight distribution and position — all of which can affect the machine’s stability at any time.

What position do you place the forks when parking your forklift?

tilted downward position
Forks should always be in the tilted downward position when parked. The best way to achieve this is for the operator to tilt them forward before lowering them to the ground.

What is the first thing you need to do before raising or lowering a load?

Check that the overhead clearance is adequate before raising loads. Do not raise or lower the fork unless the lift truck is stopped and braked. Lift loads straight up or tilt back slightly. Do not lift a load that extends above the load backrest unless no part of the load can possibly slide back toward the operator.

Which side of the forklift is supporting more weight?

An empty forklift has most of its weight in the rear, but when a load is placed on the lift, the weight distribution moves forward.