PITO Ramp, Grade & Dock Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When traveling on a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, the load should be positioned:
- Facing uphill at all times (Correct answer)
- Facing downhill for better visibility
- Elevated to clear the ramp surface
- Tilted forward for stability
Correct answer: Facing uphill at all times
OSHA requires that when traveling on grades with a load, the load must face uphill to prevent the load from tipping forward and to maintain traction.
Question 2: What is the generally recommended maximum grade that a standard counterbalanced forklift should travel on?
- 5%
- 10% (Correct answer)
- 15%
- 20%
Correct answer: 10%
Most manufacturers recommend a maximum operating grade of 10% for standard counterbalanced forklifts, though operators must always consult the nameplate and manufacturer's guidelines.
Question 3: When descending a ramp with a loaded forklift, the operator should:
- Drive forward at a slow, controlled speed
- Back down the ramp with the load uphill (Correct answer)
- Turn around at the top and coast down
- Raise the forks to improve forward visibility
Correct answer: Back down the ramp with the load uphill
When descending with a load, the operator should back down the ramp so the load remains uphill, preventing forward tipping and maintaining control.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of wheel chocks on a truck trailer before loading or unloading?
- To level the trailer floor with the dock
- To prevent the trailer from rolling away during operations (Correct answer)
- To protect the trailer tires from forklift damage
- To signal to the driver that loading is in progress
Correct answer: To prevent the trailer from rolling away during operations
Wheel chocks prevent the trailer from rolling forward or backward while the forklift operates inside, which could cause the trailer to separate from the dock and create a fall hazard.
Question 5: When crossing a dock plate or bridge plate, operators should:
- Cross at an angle to reduce impact forces
- Stop at the plate edge and check its rating before crossing (Correct answer)
- Accelerate slightly to cross quickly and reduce deflection time
- Ensure forks are raised above the plate surface
Correct answer: Stop at the plate edge and check its rating before crossing
Operators must verify the dock plate's weight rating before crossing to ensure it can support the combined weight of the forklift and its load.
Question 6: Before driving a forklift onto a truck trailer, the operator must verify:
- The trailer has a full fuel tank
- The trailer is chocked and the landing gear or dock lock is secured (Correct answer)
- The trailer doors are fully removed from the opening
- The cab-over truck is positioned at least 10 feet from the dock
Correct answer: The trailer is chocked and the landing gear or dock lock is secured
Securing the trailer with chocks and/or dock locks prevents creep or separation from the dock, which could cause the forklift to fall between the truck and dock.
Question 7: How high should the forks be raised when a forklift is traveling on a ramp?
- At standard travel height of 6–8 inches off the ground (Correct answer)
- High enough to clear the ramp surface by at least 12 inches
- Fully raised to maximize ground clearance
- Forks should be lowered flat to the ramp surface
Correct answer: At standard travel height of 6–8 inches off the ground
Forks should be carried at standard travel height (6–8 inches) on ramps — raising them higher shifts the center of gravity upward and increases tip-over risk on inclines.
PITO Ramp, Grade & Dock Operations 1
When traveling on a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, the load should be positioned: