Not all electric forklifts are created equal—especially when it comes to safety. If your facility handles chemicals, dust, vapors, or other hazardous materials, the forklift rating you choose isn’t optional. It’s a critical part of regulatory compliance, insurance coverage, and worker safety.
Electric forklifts are assigned safety ratings—E, ES, EE, and EX—that define where they can legally and safely operate. Choosing the wrong rating can expose your operation to serious risks, including fires, explosions, fines, or shutdowns.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What each forklift rating means
- Where each rating is typically required
- Real-world examples of how they’re used
- How to choose the right equipment for your environment
E Rating: Standard Electric Forklifts
What It Means:
An E-rated forklift is the most basic electric classification. These units provide standard electrical protection but do not include additional safeguards against sparks, arcing, or heat.
Where They’re Used:
- General warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Retail backrooms
- Facilities with no flammable vapors, combustible dust, or hazardous materials
Example Scenario:
A pallet-only warehouse storing boxed consumer goods with no chemical exposure or dust risk would typically operate safely with E-rated forklifts.
Important to Know:
E-rated units should not be used in environments where flammable substances are present—even occasionally.
Visual idea:
Simple warehouse layout with an E-rated forklift highlighted and labeled “Non-hazardous environment.”
ES Rating: Enhanced Safeguards
What It Means:
ES-rated forklifts include additional electrical safeguards designed to reduce the risk of sparks or arcing. While not fully sealed, they provide a higher level of protection than standard E units.
Where They’re Used:
- Facilities with minor hazards
- Areas with light dust or limited sensitivity
- Operations where occasional risk exists but is controlled
Example Scenario:
A packaging facility that generates light cardboard dust but does not handle chemicals may require ES-rated equipment to minimize ignition risk.
Key Difference from E Rating:
ES forklifts add protective measures—but they are not suitable for environments with flammable vapors or combustible dust.
Visual idea:
Side-by-side comparison diagram showing E vs. ES electrical component protection.
EE Rating: Enclosed Electrical Systems
What It Means:
EE-rated forklifts take safety a step further. All major electrical components—including motors, wiring, switches, and controllers—are fully enclosed to prevent exposure to hazardous substances.
Where They’re Required:
- Facilities with flammable vapors
- Environments with combustible dust
- Operations involving chemicals or solvents
Common Industries:
- Chemical plants
- Food processing facilities
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Paint, coating, or adhesive production
- Controlled manufacturing environments
Example Scenario:
A food processing facility using powdered ingredients like flour or sugar may require EE-rated forklifts to prevent dust ignition inside electrical components.
Why EE Matters:
Even small sparks inside an exposed motor can ignite dust or vapors. EE ratings eliminate that risk by sealing the system.
Visual idea:
Cutaway illustration of an EE forklift showing enclosed motors and wiring.
EX Rating: Explosion-Proof Forklifts
What It Means:
EX-rated forklifts offer the highest level of protection available. These units are specifically engineered to operate safely in explosive atmospheres.
They are designed so that no internal spark, arc, or heat source can ignite the surrounding environment.
Where They’re Used:
- Class I, II, and III hazardous locations, including:
- Explosive gases
- Highly combustible dust
- Fibers or flyings that ignite easily
Example Scenario:
A chemical refinery handling volatile gases or a grain facility with dense airborne dust may legally require EX-rated forklifts.
Important Considerations:
- EX forklifts are specialized and highly regulated
- Strict documentation and certification are required
- Not interchangeable with EE or ES units
Visual idea:
Hazard classification chart mapping Class I, II, III locations to EX-rated forklifts.
Why Forklift Ratings Matter
Choosing the correct forklift rating isn’t just best practice—it’s often a legal requirement.
Key Reasons Ratings Matter:
- Safety compliance with CSA and workplace regulations
- Insurance requirements and liability protection
- Worker safety and accident prevention
- Avoiding fines, citations, or shutdowns
- Matching equipment to hazard classifications
Using an under-rated forklift in a hazardous area can invalidate insurance coverage and expose your company to serious consequences.
How Premier Lift Supports Compliance
At Premier Lift, we help customers navigate forklift ratings with confidence—not guesswork.
How We Help:
- CSA inspections and certification
- Expert guidance on selecting the correct forklift rating
- Access to EE- and EX-rated units when required
- Full documentation provided prior to delivery
- Support during audits, inspections, and facility changes
If your environment has changed—or you’re unsure whether your current forklifts are compliant—we can help assess and recommend the right solution.
Choosing the right forklift rating is essential for safe operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term peace of mind. Understanding the differences between E, ES, EE, and EX ensures your facility operates within code and protects both your team and your investment.
If you’re unsure which rating applies to your operation, Premier Lift can help you determine the correct classification and supply equipment that meets your requirements.
👉 Browse our CSA certified inventory here!