Feasibility Determined by Protection Level: Whether an electric forklift can be used in rain mainly depends on its protection level, which is usually indicated by the Ingress Protection (IP) Code. The second digit in the IP Code represents the water resistance level, ranging from 0 to 8. A higher digit indicates stronger water resistance.
High Protection Level Enables Rain Use: Some electric forklifts specifically designed for outdoor operations have a high protection level (e.g., IPX4 or above). These forklifts can resist a certain degree of rain exposure and operate relatively safely in rain.
Safety Risks of Use in Rain
Reduced Maneuverability: Rain makes road surfaces slippery, causing the forklift’s wheels to skid easily, increasing braking distance, and reducing maneuverability. In severe cases, it may even lead to the risk of the forklift tipping over, endangering the operator’s safety.
Electrical System Malfunctions: If rainwater enters the forklift’s electrical system (such as components like batteries, motors, and electronic controls), it may cause issues like short circuits and malfunctions, preventing the forklift from operating normally. In serious cases, it could even trigger safety accidents.
Impaired Visibility: Rainwater affects the driver’s visibility, making it difficult to accurately judge the surrounding environment, cargo position, and driving route. This increases the risk of colliding with obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians.
Key Points for Safe Operation
Pre-Operation Inspection
Inspect Forklift Protection Components: Verify that components such as the forklift’s windshield wipers and lights are functioning properly. Check the vehicle’s sealing (e.g., doors, windows, and battery compartment covers) to ensure they are tightly closed and free from water leakage.
Check Ground Conditions: Observe whether the ground in the operation area has standing water, mud, or other obstacles. Avoid operating on roads with severe waterlogging or heavy mud.
Driving Operation Standards
Reduce Driving Speed: When driving in rain, appropriately reduce the speed, maintain steady driving, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns to prevent wheel skidding and loss of vehicle control.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a sufficient safe distance from vehicles, cargo, or obstacles ahead to allow enough time to respond to unexpected situations.
Pay Attention to Road Conditions: Drivers should stay focused, closely monitor changes in the surrounding environment and road conditions, and be cautious to avoid pedestrians and other vehicles. At the same time, pay attention to the forklift’s operating status; if any abnormalities are found, stop and inspect immediately.
Post-Operation Maintenance
Clean the Forklift: After operation, promptly clean the forklift to remove rainwater, mud, and debris from the vehicle body surface, preventing these substances from causing corrosion to the forklift.
Inspect Components: Inspect all components of the forklift, especially key parts such as the electrical system, braking system, and tires, to ensure they are not damaged or malfunctioning due to rainwater exposure.
Drying Treatment: If certain components of the forklift get wet from rain, promptly dry them (e.g., using a clean towel or hair dryer to dry them) to avoid residual moisture causing rust or short circuits in the components.
Safety for Parking and Charging
Choose an Appropriate Parking Location: After operation or during a break, prioritize parking in an indoor, dry, and well-ventilated garage, away from low-lying areas, drainage ditches, and parking spaces where rainwater may backflow. If short-term outdoor parking is necessary, select a high-lying area with no risk of waterlogging, and cover the forklift with an effective rainproof cover, focusing on covering the instrument panel and charging port.
Ensure Charging Safety: The charging area must be dry and well-ventilated. Charging in open areas, on wet ground, or in locations where the forklift may be exposed to rain is strictly prohibited. Before charging, confirm that the charger interface and socket are dry and clean, and that hands are dry. Ensure the heat dissipation vents are unobstructed during charging.
