如果正确操作，货叉可持久耐用，但由于它们在磨损时外观依然如新的一般完好，因此，了解如何检查货叉以确定其是否安全至关重要。
由于货叉搬运的载荷比大多数起重设备来得大，因此，若处理不当或忽视，则可能会出现危险情况。以下提供有关误用的一些示例，以及应该避免哪些事项来防止货叉在日常工作中损坏：
1、不要使用货叉远端挑取载荷，或挑取超过叉车额定承载量的载荷使货叉超载。
2、不要让维修厂将弯曲货叉恢复原形、在货叉上焊接或打孔。
3、避免将会使货叉承受压力的附件连接到叉车上。
4、不要使用货叉打开轨道车的车门或从其他载荷脱离/推离载荷。
5、虽然货叉可以支撑桶夹和轻便型悬臂，但须注意包含在桶内或悬臂钩上的物件。
6、不应使用货叉挑取未靠稳叉柄的承载量载荷，或从叉车远端一面挑取不平衡的载荷。
7、在维修过程中，避免将叉尖插入其他叉车的下面来举起叉车。
8、如果碰撞建筑物的柱子或墙壁，即使货叉没有出现明显弯曲，也须进行检查以确保货叉未受损而危及安全。
9、不要使货叉的任何部分过度受热（例如在维修时）。
10、不要忽视将货叉固定到升降挂架的挂钩。
If handled correctly, forks can be durable, but because they look like new when worn, it is important to understand how to inspect forks to determine if they are safe.
Since the load carried by forks is larger than that of most lifting equipment, dangerous situations may occur if handled improperly or neglected. Here are some examples of misuse and what should be avoided to prevent damage to the fork in daily work:
1. Do not use the far end of the fork to pick up the load, or pick up a load that exceeds the rated capacity of the forklift to overload the fork.
2. Do not let the repair shop restore the bent fork to its original shape, weld or punch holes on the fork.
3. Avoid connecting accessories that will put the fork under pressure on the forklift.
4. Do not use forks to open the door of the rail car or detach/push the load from other loads.
5. Although the fork can support bucket clamps and portable cantilevers, attention must be paid to the items contained in the bucket or on the cantilever hook.
6. Do not use the fork to pick up the load of the unreliable fork handle, or pick up the unbalanced load from the far side of the forklift.
7. During maintenance, avoid inserting the fork tip under other forklifts to lift the forklift.
8. If it collides with a pillar or wall of a building, even if the fork is not significantly bent, it must be checked to ensure that the fork is not damaged and endangers safety.
9. Do not overheat any part of the fork (for example, during maintenance).
10. Don't neglect the hook that fixes the fork to the lifting rack.
