CFA Aisle Navigation & Right-of-Way 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two forklifts approach each other in a wide aisle simultaneously, which principle governs who yields?
- The loaded forklift always has right-of-way
- The forklift traveling downhill yields to the one traveling uphill (Correct answer)
- The forklift on the left yields to the one on the right
- The faster forklift has right-of-way
Correct answer: The forklift traveling downhill yields to the one traveling uphill
A forklift traveling downhill must yield to one traveling uphill because stopping on a grade is more dangerous for the uphill-bound operator.
Question 2: What is the recommended action when a forklift operator must back out of a blind corner storage area?
- Sound the horn once and proceed quickly
- Use a spotter, sound the horn continuously, and back out slowly (Correct answer)
- Flash the headlights and back out at normal speed
- Only back out when no other employees are visible in the area
Correct answer: Use a spotter, sound the horn continuously, and back out slowly
Using a spotter combined with continuous horn sounding and slow backing gives maximum warning to pedestrians who cannot see the forklift.
Question 3: In a warehouse aisle marked for one-way forklift traffic, a pedestrian is walking in the opposite direction. What should the operator do?
- Continue at normal speed since the aisle is for forklifts
- Stop and wait for the pedestrian to exit the aisle
- Sound the horn and reduce speed, giving the pedestrian right-of-way (Correct answer)
- Flash lights to signal the pedestrian to step aside immediately
Correct answer: Sound the horn and reduce speed, giving the pedestrian right-of-way
Pedestrians always have right-of-way over forklifts; operators must slow down, sound the horn, and yield regardless of aisle designation.
Question 4: How far in advance should a forklift operator slow down before reaching a cross-aisle intersection?
- At the intersection itself
- 1 foot before the intersection
- Far enough to stop safely if a pedestrian or vehicle enters the intersection (Correct answer)
- Only when the operator can see into the cross aisle
Correct answer: Far enough to stop safely if a pedestrian or vehicle enters the intersection
OSHA requires operators to slow and be prepared to stop well before intersections so they can react to any hazard that appears.
Question 5: A forklift operator is navigating a narrow aisle and notices floor markings have faded. What is the correct response?
- Continue at normal speed using best judgment
- Reduce speed and report the faded markings to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Stop the forklift until markings are repainted
- Use the forklift's warning light as a substitute for markings
Correct answer: Reduce speed and report the faded markings to a supervisor
Faded floor markings reduce safety; operators should slow down and report the issue so markings can be restored promptly.
Question 6: When must a forklift operator yield to other traffic while exiting a storage rack aisle onto a main travel aisle?
- Only when carrying a load
- Always — traffic in the main aisle has right-of-way (Correct answer)
- Only when the main aisle is a designated pedestrian zone
- Only during peak shift hours
Correct answer: Always — traffic in the main aisle has right-of-way
The main travel aisle always has right-of-way; operators merging from storage aisles must yield before entering.
Question 7: What is the maximum safe traveling speed for a forklift in a congested warehouse aisle with pedestrian activity?
- The maximum rated speed on the data plate
- Whatever speed allows stopping within the operator's clear line of sight (Correct answer)
- 5 mph regardless of conditions
- 10 mph if carrying no load
Correct answer: Whatever speed allows stopping within the operator's clear line of sight
OSHA mandates safe speeds that allow stopping within the distance the operator can clearly see, which varies by conditions.
CFA Aisle Navigation & Right-of-Way 2
When two forklifts approach each other in a wide aisle simultaneously, which principle governs who yields?