OSHA’s requirements for forklift ramps say that you need to observe particular rules when driving on an incline or decline to keep operators safe and avoid tipovers.
This page talks about slope gradeability, the safest way to travel on a ramp, and frequent mistakes to avoid if you need to utilize dock ramps or other types of forklift ramps safely.
OSHA Forklift Ramp Slope Requirements
When drivers use forklifts on hills, OSHA says they must follow certain safety rules:
1910.178(n)(7): Operators must drive slowly when going up or down, no matter what the gradient is.
1910.178(n)(7)(i): If your forklift is loaded, you must drive with the load upgrade when going up and down ramps that are more than 10% steep, no matter how heavy or light the load is.
1910.178(n)(7)(iii): No matter what the grade is, you should tilt your load back and raise it just high enough to get it off the ground.
For more information, you can always check the forklift’s manufacturer’s guidelines on gradeability.
How to Calculate a Forklift Ramp’s Grade
To figure out the grade of a forklift ramp, divide the height of the ramp (the rise) by the length of the ramp (the run). Then, times that number by 100.
If you have a ramp that is 3 feet high (the rise) and 20 feet long (the run), you can find the slope by dividing 3 by 20. This gives you .15. The forklift’s ramp grade is 15%, which you get by multiplying .15 by 100.
Forklifts and other material-handling equipment have gradeability ratings that show the steepest slope on which the equipment can safely work at full capacity. Before driving your forklift up a ramp, be sure that the ramp’s slope is less than your forklift’s maximum gradeability rating.
Forklift Gradeability Examples
The gradeability rating of a forklift tells you what grade it can safely go up or down while carrying a full load. Different brands and models of lifts have different levels of gradeability. Here are several well-known forklift models, together with information about how well they can handle grades, how much weight they can lift, and how fast they can go up ramps.
How Should You Drive on a Forklift Ramp?
When using a forklift on a ramp, forklift drivers should obey OSHA’s rules. If you drive a ramp the wrong way, the forklift could tip over or the load could fall. So keep these safety tips in mind when you’re on the road, whether you have a cargo or not:
Going up the ramp with something on it:
- The forklift should move ahead (up the slope).
- The prongs should be pointing up.
Going down the ramp with something on it:
- The forklift should go backward (down the hill).
- The prongs should be pointing up.
Going up the ramp without anything on it:
- The forklift should go backwards (up the hill).
- The prongs should point down.
Going down the ramp without anything on it:
- The forklift should move forward (down the slope).
- The prongs should be pointing down.
Safety Considerations When Using a Forklift Ramp
To keep everyone safe, all drivers should have training and certification on how to use a forklift correctly. Before using a forklift on a ramp, remember these safety tips:
- Take it easy on the road. Control the speed of the forklift so that you may stop it simply.
- Go straight ahead. Make sure the forklift goes straight up to the ramp, not at an angle.
- Don’t stop suddenly. This can make the load move or make the forklift less steady.
- Get out of the way. Make sure there are no impediments, curbs, or trash on the ramp or in the area around it.
- Watch out for the weather. Rain, snow, or ice might make the machine skid since they make it less stable.
- Make sure your tires have enough grip. Old tires can slip or become stuck on things that are in the way.
- Find out how much weight and how steep your machine can handle. If you drive a forklift up a slope that is steeper than its specified gradeability, it could become unstable, topple over, or lose its load, which is very dangerous.
- Use a ramp that has guardrails. This will keep forklifts from going off the ramp’s edge.
- Check and fix things on a regular basis. Before you utilize the ramp and forklift, make sure they aren’t worn out, broken, or blocked.
Common Mistakes with Forklift Ramp Slopes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you’ve been trained on safety, it’s still simple to make some typical blunders when using forklift ramps. This list goes over some of those mistakes and how to avoid them:
- If you don’t know what size ramp you need, it’s always preferable to use a bigger one than a smaller one.
- Not getting enough grip: If the lift truck can’t gain enough grip on the ramp, you can add anti-slip surfaces to keep it from slipping.
- Incorrectly installing the ramp: Make sure the ramp is properly attached before using it. If there is a space between the ramp and the trailer, there are several parts or accessories that can fill it in.
- If you don’t clean the ramp, dust or mud can make the forklift skid. Always check that the ramp is entirely clear and tidy.
- If the ramp is excessively steep, you should always make sure that the angle is close to the ground. Steep ramps can be dangerous since they can make it hard to get on and off and can cause falls. Don’t utilize a ramp that is overly steep.
- You should always know which way to drive a forklift, whether you’re going up or down or carrying a load, so you don’t hurt yourself or anybody else.
