When placing a load onto racks, what is the best practice for using the forks?

Moving slowly to position the raised load is the best practice when placing a load onto racks. This approach enhances safety and precision. Traveling at a slow speed allows the operator to maintain better control of the load and the equipment, reducing the risk of accidents or dropping the load. It also gives the operator ample time to assess the path and make any necessary adjustments as they approach the racks.

This practice minimizes the potential for jostling the load, which could cause items to shift or fall, and ensures there’s less chance of colliding with other objects or personnel in the vicinity. When loads are lifted, maintaining a reduced speed is particularly important since it helps prevent tipping or instability, especially when navigating around obstacles or during tight maneuvers.

In contrast, other options present practices that are either unsafe or inefficient. For instance, raising the forks while driving forward can compromise visibility and control. Having a spotter stand under the forks poses significant safety risks to the spotter, and tilting the load forward while raising could destabilize it, leading to potential accidents. Each of these alternatives does not align with optimal safety and operational guidelines set by OSHA.