Safety systems in forklifts provide protection for both the forklift operator and people in the vicinity. Such protection is important from the perspective of workplace accidents and various collisions that may occur while using a forklift. Work safety related to transporting loads on forklifts is crucial, as these vehicles are extremely popular, and modern warehouses most often base their logistics on the operation of efficient forklifts. Thanks to them, moving and transporting heavy loads is an everyday occurrence.
A forklift has various types of safety systems, which include:
- hydraulic components – including safety valves
- structural solutions – for example stabilization systems
- mechanics – brakes
- electronics and electrical systems – cameras, sensors, fuses
- lights and marking
Vehicle lights and marking serve a similar role as in other vehicles, namely informing about direction of movement and anticipated actions. When it comes to stabilization, this is also an important matter in a forklift, which protects against the forklift tipping over due to a load that is too heavy or unstable. Therefore, forklift forks are positioned vertically, and the mast tilts only to a specified distance. Similarly, speed is limited during turning. Regarding safety valves, these will be discussed in the following section.
What is the purpose of a safety valve in a forklift?
Safety valve forklift is an important element of the entire structure. Its main task is to protect the forklift from overloading. It often happens that forklift operators overload forklifts with loads that are too heavy. Protection against overloading is one of the most important protective functions in modern forklifts. If you want to quickly check whether the safety valve in a forklift is working properly, you should raise the forks as high as possible and you can hear a special sound. This is a guarantee that in case of overloading, the relief valve is working properly and the fluid flows to the tank.
How does the safety valve work?
In a situation where there is a load that is too heavy on the forks, pressure is created from the weight of the load and oil flows to the oil tank. Valves can also open when the mast tilt cylinders are in an extreme position. And finally, another situation occurs when the lift cylinder extends so that the piston rests against the gland. Safety valves in forklifts are duplicated, precisely to ensure their reliability. When one doesn’t work, the second one starts working. Such protection against excessive pressure resulting from overloading is a great convenience for the forklift operator, who knows that in case of an emergency situation, there is a safety valve in the forklift.
What else should you know about safety valves?
It has already been explained what the purpose of a safety valve in a forklift is. They protect the hydraulic system lines from damage. When the relief valve doesn’t work, then the safety valve must fulfill its task, which is to open precisely at the moment of excessive pressure in the system. The valve opens to equalize excessive pressure, and during normal forklift operation, it remains closed. It should be remembered that various types of accidents with forklifts can be caused by unstable loads, operator distraction, or lack of required training. Regular forklift inspections are necessary for it to work properly.
