In industrial logistics, warehousing and transshipment, mining and infrastructure construction, and other scenarios, forklifts, as efficient handling equipment,
have a direct impact on the safety of both personnel and corporate assets. According to industry accident statistics, over 60% of forklift accidents are caused by
improper operation, with overloading and illegal passengers being the most common contributing factors. This article, combining our company's forklift
parameter standards and safety design specifications, details six high-risk behaviors that must be avoided during forklift operations, providing a practical
guide for safe production.
1. Strictly Prohibit Overloading: Rated load is the "lifeline" of safety
Overloading a forklift is the primary cause of rollovers and mast deformation. Our product specifications indicate that the LD-25 diesel forklift has a rated lift
capacity of 2500kg, and the LD-35 has a rated lift capacity of 3500kg. Their frame width and hydraulic cylinder diameter are designed for rated loads. The LD-30
electric forklift has a load capacity of 3000kg. Forcing a 4000kg load onto it would cause an imbalance in the drive wheel track (1000mm), increasing the braking
distance by more than double the rated load. Our technical engineers emphasize that while rough-terrain forklifts are capable of climbing grades exceeding 35°
(for example, the LD-D35 has a maximum gradeability of less than 38°), overloading will render the slope protection feature ineffective. Companies must strictly
adhere to the 1-3.5 ton load range specified on the forklift nameplate or data sheet.
Increasing the load by raising the forks or shifting the center of gravity is prohibited.
2.Prohibiting Illegal Riders: Except for the cab, all areas are considered "dangerous zones."
It is strictly forbidden to carry passengers on the forklift's forks, forks, mast, overhead
guard, and other areas. Such violations account for 23% of forklift-related injuries and fatalities. Safety regulations clearly stipulate that only one
driver is allowed to operate a forklift. If a companion is required, they must be equipped with a dedicated accompanying platform and properly protected.
Illegal riding for convenience is strictly prohibited.
3. Strictly prohibit sudden braking and turning: Operate smoothly to prevent cargo from sliding
Sudden braking and turning at high speeds can easily cause the center of gravity of cargo to shift and slide, especially in narrow aisles. A veteran forklift
operator advises, "Even though electric forklifts are equipped with hydraulic brakes, sudden braking can exacerbate battery loss and increase tire wear
(500-8 front tires), shortening their service life."
4.Operations with Obstructed Vision are Strictly Prohibited: Blind Spots Are the Invisible Hidden Danger of Safety
Forcing operations when cargo blocks the forward view can easily lead to collisions. Traditional forklift masts are approximately 120-160mm wide,
creating blind spots. Our off-road forklifts feature a wide-view mast design that reduces mast width by 12% and improves forward visibility by 30%.
Electric forklifts have an external forklift width of 1040mm. If cargo exceeds 2180mm (overhead guard height), ground personnel must direct the
operation or reverse driving. Safety regulations require that when cargo height obstructs the cab's view,
reverse driving must be used, and the driving speed must not exceed 8km/h to ensure timely response to emergencies.
5. Operations on Illegal Ramp-Type Slopes are Strictly Prohibited: Slope operation has strict rules
Failure to maintain forward direction when going uphill or coasting downhill can
result in loss of power control, which is particularly risky under heavy loads. When operating on slopes, adhere to the principle of "forward when going uphill,
reverse when going downhill." Turning or parking on slopes is strictly prohibited. Additionally, check tire grip before operating.
6.Never start without inspection: Pre-job inspections prevent "operating with faults."
Failure to inspect key components before operation can easily lead to accidents due to equipment failure. Three key systems require inspection: the braking
system, such as the hydraulic brake oil level and brake pad wear; the hydraulic system, checking for leaks in the oil lines; and the tires and batteries. For electric
forklifts (such as the LD-25), check the lithium battery voltage (60V) and charge level. For diesel forklifts, check the tire pressure and wear of tires (such as the 28×9-15).
Pre-job inspections, while taking only five minutes, can prevent 80% of equipment failure-related accidents. Companies should include this in their operator assessments.
Conclusion: Standardized operation is the "first line of defense" for safety. Forklift safety is crucial; any violation can lead to irreversible consequences.
Companies should strengthen operator training, develop detailed operating procedures tailored to forklift specifications (such as load, turning radius, and field of view),
and conduct regular safety drills to ensure that operators consciously avoid violations and take risks. Only by effectively implementing safety regulations can forklifts truly
become a tool for improving efficiency, rather than a source of potential safety hazards.