When traveling with a forklift, at what level should the forks be carried?

Carrying the forks within 6 inches of the surface is crucial for safe forklift operation. This height provides several benefits: it allows the operator to have optimal visibility of the load and the surrounding area, minimizes the risk of tipping or instability, and ensures that the load is close enough to the ground to reduce the potential damage in the event of a drop.

Additionally, having the forks near the surface rather than at a higher level reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries from either the load falling off or from collisions with obstacles. It adheres to best practices in material handling, promoting not only safety for the operator but also for pedestrians and the integrity of the materials being transported.

Choosing a higher level such as shoulder height or a specific height like 12 inches would increase the risk of accidents and hinder visibility, while carrying the forks at ground level may not be practical for maneuverability, especially when transporting loads. Therefore, the optimal position for forks when traveling with a forklift is indeed within 6 inches from the surface.