Stability Pyramid Training Tool for Forklift Drivers - Build With Cardboard and Masking Tape

Training tool for teaching the concept of the Stability Pyramid by having the learner build a Stability Pyramid in order to fully understand the concept. By building a 3D structure, the learner will better grasp the concept of center of gravity with regards to maintaining a stable structure. The Stability Pyramid is used in forklift driver training.

1. Cardboard
2. Utility knife
3. Masking/Painting tape
4. String/paracord
5. Straight edge of some type (here I folded a MicroCenter cardstock mailer). Could use a ruler or another straight piece of cardboard
6. Pen or Pencil
7. Heavy nut

1. Fold cardstock along width to create a straight edge of 8.5 inches
2. Using paper straight edge, with pencil/pen, draw 8.5 inch lines 6 times, about 1 inch apart, on cardboard
3. Write a number on each piece of cardboard, 1 to 6 so as to keep track of them.

Cut out 6 marked pieces of cardboard using utility knife and straight edge.

1. Tape pieces 1 and 2 together at their narrow width ends.
2. Place piece 3 at a 90 degree angle at the point where 1 and 2 are taped together.
3. Tape piece 3 to the taped joint of 1 and 2.
4. It should look like a large capital "T"
5. Fold both joints to form an unstable pyramid.

1. Tape piece #4 to bottom of pyramid and start to form base
2. Tape pieces 5 and 6 to complete base.
3. There should be a complete frame of a pyramid.

1. Take the string and nut. Run the string through the nut.
2. Tie the nut to the top of the pyramid.
3. Adjust the height to have the nut reach about 3/4 of the way down.

1. Grasp the top of the pyramid.
2. Slowly tilt the pyramid in different directions.
3. The hanging nut, indicating the center of gravity, will move within the pyramid.
4. Tilt the pyramid so that the nut moves outside the pyramid, breaking the face of the plane on the side.
5. Once the nut moves outside the pyramid, the structure becomes too unstable.
6. This indicates when a forklift with a full pallet load will tip over.
7. If the nut [Center of Gravity] stays within the pyramid, the forklift will not tip over.