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

The following points should be noted when using a forklift: 1. When you are ready to start, adjust the seat to facilitate the operation of hands and feet, then pull the handbrake, shift the control handle to neutral, depress the clutch pedal or brake pedal, and make sure there is no one in front, behind, to the left, or to the right of the forklift before starting the engine. 2. Pay attention to the safety conditions around the forklift. When carrying large cargo or when visibility is poor, you should drive in reverse or have someone guide you. When reversing, turn your face to the rear and confirm that the rear is safe before driving. Rearview mirrors and reversing buzzers are only auxiliary devices. When driving a forklift in a narrow aisle, someone should guide you. When the driver stops at an intersection or other place where visibility is obstructed, the safety of the left and right sides of the forklift must be confirmed before driving. Be careful to ensure sufficient safety distance between the forklift and the roadside or platform edge to prevent the forklift from falling. Since a forklift uses rear-wheel steering, reduce speed when approaching a turn, then turn the steering wheel to make the rear of the forklift rotate. 3. Rough driving of the forklift is strictly prohibited, and it is strictly prohibited to turn on the key switch while depressing the accelerator pedal. Do not start, brake, or turn suddenly. Sudden starting or braking can cause cargo to fall, and sudden turning can cause the forklift to overturn and cause serious accidents. Whether under full load or no load, the hydraulic control handle must be operated slowly. When the forks are at a high position, if the handle is suddenly started, it may cause the cargo to fall or the forklift to overturn. Do not drive the forklift with the forks raised, otherwise it may cause instability and may cause the forklift to overturn. Do not use the fork tips to push or lift cargo. When using the fork tips to lift cargo, it may cause the forklift or cargo to sway. Do not use the forklift to push or pull cargo, otherwise the cargo may be damaged or fall. 4. When driving a forklift on a slope, follow these rules: Full load: drive forward when going uphill, and drive in reverse when going downhill. No load: drive in reverse when going uphill, and drive forward when going downhill. When driving a forklift downhill, drive with the brake applied and drive carefully to ensure that the forks do not touch the ground. Do not perform steering or loading and unloading operations on a slope, otherwise the forklift may tip over. When stacking with a forklift, ensure the cargo is safe and stable. The forks must be accurately inserted into the pallet, and the center of gravity of the cargo should be consistent with the center of the forklift. If unstable cargo is being handled, it is very easy to cause the cargo to fall and the forklift to overturn. 5. It is strictly prohibited to carry people on the forks and pallet. Personnel must not stand on the cargo, nor pass under the forks. When the mast is tilted forward, do not lift the cargo and start the forklift. When lifting cargo or the forklift, the mast should be tilted backward to stabilize the cargo. When driving (whether loaded or unloaded), the distance between the forks and the ground should be maintained at 150-200 mm, and the cargo should rest against the rack. The height of the cargo must not exceed the rack, otherwise the cargo can easily slide toward the operator, and the driver may be injured by the cargo. When the chain is loose, do not pull the forks out of the pallet, otherwise it will cause the cargo to fall or the forklift to overturn. The lift handle should be pulled up slightly to raise the forks, correct the slack in the chain, and then pull the forks out of the pallet. If the chain wears during use and the change in chain pitch exceeds 2% of the standard value, the chain must be replaced to ensure safety.