8/10/2018 Forklift Safety for Ramps, Slopes and Inclines | ProLift

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FORKLIFT SAFETY FOR RAMPS,

SLOPES AND INCLINES

Have a speci c question about your ramp, slope or

incline? Contact the ProLift Training Team to share!

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A ramp, slope or incline is de ned as an angle that exceeds 10%, or approximately one foot rise for every
ten feet of ramp or incline. OSHA 1910.178(n)(7) addresses regulations for ramps, slopes or inclines that
must be followed any time a powered industrial truck is on a de ned incline.

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1910.178(n)(7)(i) When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall be
driven with the load upgrade.

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1910.178(n)(ii) On all grades the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back if applicable, and
raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.

HOW RAMPS AFFECT FORKLIFTS

Climbing excessive grades can have a negative effect on battery cycle time, fuel consumption,
component temperature, longevity and reliability of the machine. While the ability to reliably climb a
ramp is important, safely descending a ramp when carrying heavy loads is equally concerning. The forklift
must be able to safely stop on the required grade.

FORKLIFT GRADEABILITY
Gradeability ratings apply to a particular make and model of machine and are legitimately supplied only
by the manufacturer. The ratings identify on which grade a machine is capable of climbing and stopping
with a full capacity load. For example, a Toyota 8FBCU25 forklift is rated at approximately 20% which is
only 12 degrees. However, some 4-wheel drive rough terrain forklifts have as much as a 30-40%
gradeability rating.

CONVERSIONS
The conversion chart below can help in converting from degree to percentage.

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gradeability 
is rated on degree of angle but you may also  calculate the percentage by
measuring the height and length of the ramp at your facility.

Do you have questions about your ramps, slopes or inclines? Contact our Training Team for information about
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