Driving on Ramps and Grades
Forklift operators should follow certain general rules of the road when traveling on ramps and other inclines. Traveling up and down ramps and grades can be quite dangerous because the forklift can more easily tip over. Be sure to follow these safety practices when operating the forklift on ramps and grades:
- 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.
- When traveling with a load, the load should point up the incline, regardless of direction of travel.
- When traveling without a load, the forks should point downgrade, regardless of direction of travel.
Driving onto Trucks, Trailers, and Railroad Cars
Forklifts are often driven onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars over a dock board (also known as a bridge plate) at loading docks. If the truck, trailer or car is not secured to the dock or otherwise chocked, it may move forward. The dock board can then fall between the trailer and the dock as the forklift crosses it.
You can secure wheel chocks with chains at each loading dock bay and tell truck drivers that they must place them in front of the rear wheels. Another way of securing the trailer is to use a vehicle restraint system mounted to the dock that clamps onto a bar below the trailer as it backs into place. This system will signal when the restraint is engaged or if there is a problem.
The pavement at some loading docks slopes downhill toward the loading dock. This is not a substitute for chocking wheels.
Check out this short audio clip by Dan Clark of theSafetyBrief.com. Loading dock safety is difficult to manage because of constantly moving vehicles, people and materials. Listen to this podcast for tips on improving safety at your loading dock.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-7. Which of the following is TRUE when driving a forklift on a ramp?
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