How To Prevent Electric Forklifts From Overturning And Cargo Spillage?

In some cases, electric forklifts losing balance can cause them to overturn, sometimes resulting in driver death or fatal injury, and can pose significant danger and damage. However, even a relatively small stability related accident can be enough to cause a forklift to unload cargo, endangering nearby workers and damaging valuable goods.
Here are 10 important tips to help you understand how to prevent forklift overturning and cargo spillage.
1. Be careful when loading
Distribute the goods evenly and do not lift them with just one fork. It should be firmly placed against the back of the load backrest or fork.
2. Do not overload
Keep within the load capacity of the forklift. Please remember that the rated capacity will be reduced when performing high-altitude lifting or using certain forklift attachments.
3. Adjust the load
Most loads are in an 'inactive state', but you should be extra careful of behaviors that may affect the stability of the forklift load. They include freely suspended loads and partially filled containers of liquid, and if suddenly moved, they will quickly transfer their weight from one direction to another. Wide loads with insufficient support or rushed transportation will also 'shake' the forklift. Reduce the speed to ensure smooth and steady driving movements, and the load-bearing capacity should be lower than the normal rated capacity.
4. Reduce forks
Driving with the load raised will make the forklift more unstable as it will become very high. When driving, keep the forks and cargo within a range of 150mm from the ground, and tilt the door frame completely backwards. It is also a good practice to lower the forks when the forklift stops moving. When lifting the load to a high place, it should be moved at a crawling speed.
5. Check the surface condition
Before operating a forklift on the job site, please ensure that you are aware of any surface hazards. Is there any oil, grease, ice, water, mud or other substances that may slip off? Is there a risk of the wheels getting stuck in soft soil? Is the floor bumpy or uneven? Are there any curbs, steps, bumps or other obstacles that need to be negotiated? Each of these situations may cause the forklift to lose balance, so it is necessary to slow down and be extra careful when driving. An additional tip: When crossing railway tracks or curbstones, use the diagonal method.
6. Be careful of the slope
If possible, try to avoid steep slopes as much as possible. If you cannot avoid a slope, drive slowly and do not turn on the slope. Do not let the load go uphill or downhill on a slope to avoid slipping. In other words, the fork should be at the front when going up and at the back when going down. When driving without load, it should be forward rather than reverse. Do not stack or unload goods on slopes.
7. Slowly turn
Reduce speed when turning. Overspeed is one of the common causes of electric forklift overturning. When used in conjunction with ground hazards, slopes, or elevated loads, the risk is higher.
8. Smooth driving
Sudden movements or sudden sudden sudden braking may cause goods to fall off the fork. Aim for stability, avoid sudden acceleration and sharp turns, and anticipate parking with slow deceleration.
9. Understand height
Before driving through a doorway or moving goods inside a building, please make sure you know the height of the door and ceiling. If the gap is insufficient, it may cause severe impact on the forklift and its cargo.
10. Fasten the safety belt
This may not actually prevent a rollover, but if it happens, it can save your life.