Forklift Operation & Safety Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Forklift Operation & Safety Procedures flashcards as text
Which condition would cause a forklift to be taken out of service immediately?
Answer: A malfunctioning horn
A malfunctioning horn is a safety-critical defect; OSHA requires the forklift to be tagged out and removed from service until repaired.
What is the function of the counterweight on a counterbalanced forklift?
Answer: To offset the weight of the load and prevent forward tipping
The rear-mounted counterweight balances the load lifted at the front forks, keeping the forklift stable on its fulcrum (front axle).
A pedestrian and a forklift are approaching the same aisle from opposite ends. Who has the right of way?
Answer: The pedestrian always has the right of way
OSHA and best practices mandate that pedestrians always have the right of way in forklift operating areas.
What does 'load center' mean in forklift specifications?
Answer: The horizontal distance from the face of the forks to the load's center of gravity
Load center is the horizontal distance from the fork face to the load's center of gravity, typically assumed to be 24 inches for standard pallets.
What is the safest action when a forklift operator must leave the truck unattended?
Answer: Lower forks to the ground, neutralize controls, shut off power, and set the parking brake
OSHA 1910.178(m)(5) requires operators to fully secure the forklift — forks down, controls neutral, engine off, brake set — before leaving it unattended.
Which type of forklift attachment requires a revised load capacity calculation?
Answer: Any attachment added to the carriage that shifts or increases load weight or center
Any attachment changes the effective load center and overall capacity; a new nameplate reflecting the modified capacity must be provided.
In a narrow-aisle reach truck operation, what should the operator do if the aisle width is less than the equipment's turning radius?
Answer: Use a reach truck specifically designed for the aisle width and follow its operating procedures
Operators must use equipment matched to aisle dimensions; using a forklift with an insufficient turning radius in a narrow aisle risks collisions and tip-overs.