• Operators must follow procedures to ensure safety when operating PITs on ramps and inclines.

Many injuries occur when forklift operators lose control while driving on ramps. For example, an operator was backing a forklift out of a warehouse and came too close to the side of a ramp. The forklift went over the edge of the ramp, tipped over, and crushed the operator.

Operators should be aware of procedures to follow when traveling on ramps and other inclines with a load. These include:

• When traveling with a load, the load should point up the incline, regardless of direction of travel. This keeps weight on the wheels to allow for steering, and helps secure the load.
• When traveling without a load, the forks should point downgrade, regardless of direction of travel.

When walking with a pallet jack with or without a load, generally the forks should be pointed downgrade, regardless of direction of travel.