Figure 2. Slow down to a speed at which you can maintain control. Figure 3. Maintain contact with ground by crossing uneven areas at an angle.

• Danger of skidding when traveling on oil, grease, water or other spills.
   
• Danger of tipover when traveling on ice, snow, mud, gravel and uneven areas.

• Avoid the hazardous surface, when feasible.
   
• Spread absorbent material on slick areas that you cannot avoid.
   
• Cross the slippery area slowly and cautiously.
   
• Report the area to prevent others from slipping.
   
• Post a sign or warning cones until the area can be cleaned.
   
• Drive slowly! (Figure 2)
   
• Maintain contact with ground by crossing uneven areas at an angle. (Figure 3)
   
• Clean up the oil or grease spill before proceeding. Driving over an oil or grease spot will enlarge the hazardous area.

Figure 4. Get off the forklift and remove the obstruction.

• Danger of tipover when traveling over obstructions.
   
• Danger of tipover in holes and bumps.

• Keep all aisles clear.
   
• Watch out for overhead obstructions.
   
• Avoid the obstruction or get off the forklift and remove the obstruction. See Parking.
   
• Never drive straight across speed bumps or railroad tracks. Cross slowly at a 45 degree angle.
   
• Maintain steering control by keeping contact with the ground at all times.
   
• If an area is cluttered, walk the route first to spot problems.
   
• When a person or group of people walk across your planned route:
  • Operate ONLY as fast as conditions safely permit.
  • Be constantly alert to changing or unusual conditions.

Figure 5. Forklift weight exceeded the load limit of the flooring.

• Danger of collapsing floor.

• Observe posted floor loading limits.
   
• Inspect the condition of the floor. Look for holes or weakened flooring, loose objects or obstructions, protruding nails or boards.
   
• Inform supervisor immediately if flooring is defective.
   
• Do not travel over surface that cannot support the weight of the lift truck, its load and its operator.
   
• Do not enter a box car or semi-van without inspecting its floor and knowing its load limits.

For additional information, see Load Handling: Truck Trailers and Railroad Cars.

Figure 6. Ensure adequate overhead clearance.

• Damage to lights, stacks, doors, sprinklers, pipes.
   
• Damage to load.
   
• Danger of tipover.

• Be aware of the height of fixtures.
   
• Do not travel with loads elevated.