When working on a slope, what is the best practice for operating machinery?

Operating machinery on a slope is safest and most effective when traveling up or down the slope. This approach helps maintain stability and control of the machinery, significantly reducing the risk of tipping over. When a piece of equipment is operated straight up or down the slope, its center of gravity is better aligned with the natural pull of gravity, which diminishes the chances of losing balance compared to when machinery is operated across or diagonally to the slope.

Moving across or diagonally on a slope can shift the machine's center of gravity in a way that increases the risk of tipping. For example, if a machine is moving across a slope, it may have a tendency to lean toward the downhill side, where the gravitational pull is stronger. Additionally, permitting horizontal movement on a slope is inherently less stable, as it doesn’t adequately address the potential for losing grip on the surface or rolling over. Therefore, choosing to operate the machinery directly up or down the slope aligns with best practices for safety and operational efficiency.