What precautions should you take when operating forklifts on wet or icy ship decks?

What precautions should you take when operating forklifts on wet or icy ship decks?

• A. Drive slowly and keep forks low, but do not adjust stopping distance or turns on wet decks.
• B. Drive slowly, keep forks low, increase stopping distance, avoid sharp turns, use anti-slip mats if available, and follow ship procedures for deck conditions.
• C. Drive at normal speed with forks raised for visibility.
• D. Ignore the deck conditions and proceed as on dry surfaces.

Answer: (B)

Operating forklifts on wet or icy ship decks is about maintaining stability and traction. Wet or icy surfaces dramatically reduce grip, so your approach should prioritize slow, controlled movements and a low center of gravity. Keep forks low to lower the load’s center of gravity and improve stability, and leave extra room for stopping because braking distances grow when surfaces are slick. Avoid sharp turns since sudden steering can cause the forklift to lose grip or tip over. If anti-slip mats are available, use them to help grip the deck, and always follow the ship’s procedures for deck conditions, which may include specific routes, speed limits, or other safety measures. Moving at normal speed with forks raised is riskier because the higher center of gravity makes tipping more likely on a slippery surface, and ignoring deck conditions is not advisable in any case.

Operating forklifts on wet or icy ship decks is about maintaining stability and traction. Wet or icy surfaces dramatically reduce grip, so your approach should prioritize slow, controlled movements and a low center of gravity. Keep forks low to lower the load’s center of gravity and improve stability, and leave extra room for stopping because braking distances grow when surfaces are slick. Avoid sharp turns since sudden steering can cause the forklift to lose grip or tip over. If anti-slip mats are available, use them to help grip the deck, and always follow the ship’s procedures for deck conditions, which may include specific routes, speed limits, or other safety measures. Moving at normal speed with forks raised is riskier because the higher center of gravity makes tipping more likely on a slippery surface, and ignoring deck conditions is not advisable in any case.