Electric Forklift Operating Procedure

Electric forklifts are widely used in warehouses, logistics centers, and manufacturing workshops due to their environmental friendliness and low noise. Strictly following the operating procedure is crucial to ensure operational safety, extend equipment service life, and improve work efficiency. The procedure is divided into three stages: pre-operation inspection, in-operation operation, and post-operation finishing.

1. Pre-Operation Inspection (Critical for Safety)

2. In-Operation Operation (Focus on Safety & Efficiency)

2.1 Start-Up & Initial Operation

1. Prepare for start-up: Sit on the driver’s seat, fasten the seat belt, adjust the seat position and rearview mirror to ensure a clear view of the surrounding environment.
2. Start the forklift: Turn the key to the "ON" position, wait for the instrument panel to self-check (about 3-5 seconds), and confirm no error codes. Then, release the parking brake and slowly push the traveling joystick to start moving (start at low speed to avoid sudden acceleration).
3. Test in a safe area: Before carrying cargo, drive the forklift to an empty, flat area to re-test the brakes, lifting, and tilting functions to ensure all systems work normally.

2.2 Cargo Handling (Core Operation)

1. Approach the cargo: Drive the forklift to the front of the cargo, keep the fork parallel to the ground, and adjust the fork spacing to match the width of the cargo (ensure the cargo is evenly distributed on both forks).
2. Lift the cargo: Slowly lift the fork until the bottom of the cargo is 10-15 cm above the ground (to avoid scraping the ground). Do not lift the cargo too high during travel (except when stacking).
3. Tilt the cargo: Tilt the fork slightly backward (about 5-10 degrees) to prevent the cargo from sliding forward during acceleration or braking.
4. Move the cargo: Drive at a low speed (indoor speed ≤5 km/h, outdoor ≤10 km/h; reduce speed at corners or narrow passages). Keep a safe distance from pedestrians, walls, and other equipment (at least 1 meter).
5. Stack the cargo: When reaching the stacking location, align the fork with the shelf, slowly lift the cargo to a height 5-10 cm above the shelf, adjust the position, then slowly lower the fork and pull it out after the cargo is stable.

2.3 Key Safety Rules During Operation

• No overloading: Strictly follow the forklift’s rated load (marked on the nameplate); do not exceed the load, and do not place extra weight on the fork or driver’s seat.
• Avoid tip-overs: Do not turn at high speed, brake suddenly, or drive on uneven ground (e.g., potholes, slopes >5 degrees) with cargo. If the forklift is about to tip over, hold the steering wheel tightly and do not jump off (jumping may cause injury from being crushed).
• Pedestrian priority: When encountering pedestrians, sound the horn in advance and stop to let pedestrians pass first. Do not drive through crowded areas.
• No unauthorized modifications: Do not modify the forklift’s structure (e.g., extending the fork, increasing the load capacity) without the manufacturer’s approval.
• Handle special cargo carefully: For fragile, liquid, or high cargo, reduce the speed, increase the tilt angle of the fork appropriately, and assign a spotter if necessary.

2.4 Emergency Handling

• Sudden power failure: If the forklift loses power during operation, pull up the parking brake immediately, place warning signs around the forklift, and contact the maintenance personnel to replace the battery or repair it.
• Cargo tilt/slide: Stop the forklift immediately, do not move it, and ask nearby personnel to help stabilize the cargo (use wooden blocks or cushions if necessary) before slowly lowering the fork.
• Fire: If a fire occurs (e.g., battery short-circuit causes smoke), turn off the power immediately, use a dry powder fire extinguisher (do not use water for battery fires), and evacuate to a safe area.

3. Post-Operation Finishing (Protect Equipment)

1. Park the forklift:
• Drive the forklift to a designated parking area (flat, well-ventilated, away from fire sources and flammable materials).
• Lower the fork to the ground (the fork should be fully in contact with the ground, not suspended).
• Pull up the parking brake, turn off the ignition switch, and remove the key.
• If parking on a slope (only allowed in emergency), place wheel chocks on both sides of the wheels to prevent sliding.
2. Clean the equipment:
• Wipe the forklift body, instrument panel, and fork with a clean cloth to remove dust, oil stains, and cargo residues.
• Clean the battery terminals (if there is dust) to prevent poor contact.
3. Record and report:
• Fill in the "Electric Forklift Operation Log" to record the operation time, cargo volume, and any abnormal situations (e.g., abnormal noise, oil leakage).
• If any fault is found (e.g., weak brakes, slow lifting), report it to the supervisor or maintenance department immediately and do not use the forklift until it is repaired.
4. Battery maintenance (daily):
• If the battery power is below 20%, connect it to the dedicated charger for charging (follow the charger’s instructions; do not overcharge, which may damage the battery).
• Check the battery electrolyte level (for lead-acid batteries) and add distilled water if necessary (do not add tap water or electrolyte).

Supplementary Notes

• Operator Qualification: Only personnel who have passed professional training and obtained a forklift operation certificate are allowed to operate the electric forklift; no unauthorized operation by untrained personnel.
• Regular Maintenance: The forklift should undergo regular maintenance (weekly, monthly, and annual) as per the manufacturer’s manual, including replacing hydraulic oil, checking the motor, and calibrating the brake system.
• Weather Adaptation: When operating outdoors in rainy or snowy weather, reduce the speed, increase the braking distance, and avoid driving through deep water (water depth should not exceed the minimumo ff the ground height of the forklift to prevent motor short-circuit).