# Forklift Reminder: What Should You Pay Attention to When Operating a Forklift?

Precautions for forklift operation: 1. Before starting, adjust the seat for easy operation of hands and feet, then release the parking brake, shift the control lever to neutral, depress the clutch or brake pedal, and ensure no one is in front, behind, left, or right of the forklift before starting the engine. 2. Pay attention to the safety conditions around the forklift. When carrying large or bulky loads or when visibility is poor, drive in reverse or have someone guide you. When reversing, turn your face toward the rear and confirm the area is safe before driving. Rearview mirrors and reversing buzzers are only auxiliary devices. When driving a forklift in narrow aisles, someone should guide the operator. When stopping at intersections or other areas with obstructed views, the operator must confirm the left and right sides of the forklift are safe before moving. Ensure sufficient safety distance from the edge of roads or platforms to prevent the forklift from falling. Since forklifts have rear-wheel steering, reduce speed before turning, then turn the steering wheel to allow the rear of the forklift to swing. 3. Rough or reckless operation of the forklift is strictly prohibited, and the key switch must not be turned on while the accelerator pedal is depressed. Do not start, brake, or turn suddenly; sudden starts or braking can cause loads to fall, and sudden turns can tip the forklift over, resulting in serious accidents. Hydraulic control levers must be operated slowly whether the forklift is loaded or unloaded. When the forks are raised high, sudden operation of the lever may cause the load to fall or the forklift to tip over. Do not drive the forklift with the forks raised, as this may cause instability and possible tipping. Do not use the tips of the forks to push or lift loads, as this may cause the forklift or load to sway. Do not use the forklift to push or pull loads, as this may damage or drop the load. 4. When driving on slopes, follow these rules: Loaded: Drive forward when going uphill and backward when going downhill. Unloaded: Drive backward when going uphill and forward when going downhill. When driving downhill, brake while driving and operate with caution, ensuring the forks do not touch the ground. Do not perform turning or loading/unloading operations on slopes, as the forklift may tip over. When stacking, ensure the load is secure and stable. The forks must be inserted accurately into the pallet, and the load's center of gravity should align with the forklift's center. If handling unstable loads, there is a high risk of load falling and forklift tipping. 5. It is strictly prohibited to carry people on the forks or pallets; personnel must not stand on loads or walk under the forks. Do not raise loads and start the forklift when the mast is tilted forward. When lifting loads or the forklift, tilt the mast backward to stabilize the load. While driving (whether loaded or unloaded), keep the forks 150–200 mm above the ground, with the load against the load backrest. The load height must not exceed the backrest; otherwise, the load may slide toward the operator, potentially causing injury. When the chains are loose, do not pull the forks out from under the pallet, as this may cause the load to fall or the forklift to tip over. Slightly raise the lift lever to lift the forks, correct the chain slack, and then pull the forks out from the pallet. If the chains are worn during use and the chain pitch variation exceeds 2% of the standard value, the chains must be replaced to ensure safety.