# Safety Guide for Preventing Rollover of Rough Terrain Forklifts

Forklift Rollover Prevention Safety Guide for Rough Terrain Operation When operating a rough terrain forklift on uneven ground, rollover is one of the most dangerous accidents. The following are rollover prevention safety measures that professional operators must master: I. Pre-Operation Preventive Measures 1. Equipment Inspection Check tire pressure and wear (pneumatic tire pressure must meet terrain requirements). Verify hydraulic systems for leaks (especially steering and lifting systems). Test the braking system and parking brake. 2. Environment Assessment Survey the route in advance and mark hazardous areas (such as soft mud, steep slopes, and gullies). Clear large obstacles (rocks or tree roots with a diameter >15 cm). Plan the most stable path (prioritize routes with a slope <10°). II. Loading Specifications (Key Rollover Prevention Factors) Load center of gravity: Correct method — keep the load tight against the carriage with the center of gravity close to the front wheels; Incorrect example — load extending forward beyond one-third of the fork length. Load height: Correct practice — keep forks <30 cm above ground while traveling with the mast tilted backward; Incorrect example — traveling with a raised load (>1.5 m). Load distribution: Correct practice — symmetrical loading, avoiding offset loads (left-right deviation <5%); Incorrect example — one-sided overloading (e.g., significantly more load on the right side than the left). Securing measures: Correct practice — use straps to secure loose loads (such as steel pipes or lumber); Incorrect example — relying on the load's own weight for stability. III. Rollover Prevention Techniques While Driving 1. Golden Rules for Slope Operation Uphill: Forks face the top of the slope, mast tilted backward, strictly no turning. Downhill: Forks face the bottom of the slope, engage low gear, use engine braking. Side slopes: Must unload when the slope exceeds 5°; if unavoidable, keep the load on the downhill side. 2. Speed Control Soft ground: ≤5 km/h. Gravel or hard dirt roads: ≤10 km/h. Reduce speed to walking pace (3-4 km/h) when turning. 3. Steering Precautions Avoid sharp turns (steering wheel rotation speed ≤45° per second). Slow down before turning, then steer. Use progressive steering on soft ground (make multiple small-angle adjustments). IV. Emergency Handling 1. When Feeling a Lateral Tilt Immediately make slight steering adjustments in the opposite direction of the tilt. Never slam on the brakes (this worsens center-of-gravity shift). Slowly lower the fork height when conditions allow. 2. When a Rollover Is Unavoidable Grip the steering wheel firmly (do not attempt to jump out). Lean your body in the direction opposite to the rollover. Secure your body with the seatbelt (statistics show seatbelt use reduces the risk of serious injury by 75%). V. Response Plans for Special Terrain Soft mud: Risk — one-sided sinking causing tilt; Countermeasures — use the differential lock and maintain steady straight-line travel. Gravel slopes: Risk — tire slippage causing lateral skidding; Countermeasures — clear large rocks in advance and take a zigzag route. Mixed terrain: Risk — sudden center-of-gravity shift at transitions between hard and soft ground; Countermeasures — stop and inspect at transition zones, shift to low gear and pass slowly. Clay after rain: Risk — hardened surface with soft underlying layers; Countermeasures — test load-bearing capacity (pass through unloaded first), avoid sudden acceleration or braking. VI. Personnel Training Requirements At least 8 hours of hands-on rough terrain training annually (including simulated rollover scenarios). Master the 20° slope test method: practice extreme slope operation in a safe area. Learn to read the equipment's tilt sensor data (modern rough terrain forklifts are typically equipped with these). Note: According to OSHA statistics, 62% of rough terrain forklift accidents result from improper slope operation. Strictly implementing the above guidelines can reduce rollover risk by more than 80%. It is recommended to assign an observer for real-time direction when operating in extreme terrain.