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Understanding the Workplace:
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.
For more on maneuvering and handling loads, please see the
Operating the Forklift
module.
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Traveling on Ramps and Grades |
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Potential Hazards:
- There is a danger of tipover when traveling on ramps and grades.
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
- 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.
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Figure 2.
Traveling down ramp without load. |
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Traveling With a Load (Forks Upgrade) |
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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.
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Figure 3. Traveling with a load. Note that ramps should have railings or bull
rails.
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Figure 4.
Traveling up ramp with load.

Figure 5. Traveling down ramp with a
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.
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Traveling Empty (Forks Downgrade) |
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Forklift
operators should follow certain procedures when traveling on ramps and grades
without a load.
Potential Hazards:
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Figure 6. Traveling without a load. Note that ramps should have railings or bull
rails.
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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.
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