Avoiding Tip-Overs

Tip-overs occur when a forklift's center of gravity moves beyond the stability triangle. The center of gravity can shift to one side of the forklift's stability triangle (laterally) in the following circumstances:

• Turning a corner
• Having an unbalanced load
• Driving into a pothole
• Traveling on a sloping surface

The center of gravity can shift to the front of the forklift's stability triangle (longitudinally) in the following circumstances:

• Carrying a maximum load
• Stopping abruptly
• Quickly accelerating in reverse
• Driving up a ramp
• Forward-tipping of the mast

Any combination of the foregoing circumstances increases forklift instability. Tip-over risks are high in the following circumstances:

• Turning a corner while driving up a ramp
• Being forced to stop abruptly while moving forward with a capacity load
• Hitting a pothole while turning a corner with an unbalanced load

Note that before you start the engine of a forklift, make sure that you have your seatbelt on. Never operate a forklift without wearing your seatbelt.

Knowing in advance what to do if the forklift you are driving tips over can be critical in your surviving the tip-over without serious injury. If you experience a tip-over, you should take the following actions:

• Do not jump out of the forklift. Stay in the forklift.
• Hold tight to the steering wheel.
• Brace your feet.
• Lean away from the impact.

Note that the recommendations for what to do when other types of forklifts tip over may vary.

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.