CFA Forklift Operation & Safety Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, how often must powered industrial trucks be examined?
- Before each shift or before use (Correct answer)
- Once per week
- Once per month
- Only when a defect is reported
Correct answer: Before each shift or before use
OSHA requires forklifts to be inspected at least daily, or before each shift when used around the clock.
Question 2: When is it permissible to use a forklift to elevate workers?
- Only when a secured work platform with safety rails is attached and approved procedures are followed (Correct answer)
- Anytime the operator keeps the forks at waist height
- Whenever a spotter is present on the ground
- Never under any circumstances
Correct answer: Only when a secured work platform with safety rails is attached and approved procedures are followed
Workers may be elevated on a forklift only with an approved, secured work platform that meets OSHA requirements.
Question 3: A forklift rated at 6,000 lbs at a 24-inch load center is used with a load centered at 36 inches. The actual capacity:
- Decreases because the extended load center creates more tipping moment (Correct answer)
- Stays the same as rated capacity
- Increases because more leverage is available
- Doubles due to the wider load spread
Correct answer: Decreases because the extended load center creates more tipping moment
Moving the load center farther from the forks reduces the effective lifting capacity due to increased leverage on the front axle.
Question 4: What should an operator do if a load is unstable or improperly stacked on the pallet?
- Stop, set the load down, and re-secure it before continuing (Correct answer)
- Travel slowly and hope it doesn't shift
- Tilt the mast back maximally to compensate
- Continue moving and notify a supervisor when done
Correct answer: Stop, set the load down, and re-secure it before continuing
Operating with an unstable load is a safety violation; the load must be corrected before any movement continues.
Question 5: When refueling a propane (LP gas) forklift, the operator should:
- Shut off the engine, allow it to cool, and change the cylinder in a ventilated area away from ignition sources (Correct answer)
- Change the cylinder with the engine running to save time
- Refuel inside the warehouse near the charging station
- Keep a lit cigarette away from the nozzle only
Correct answer: Shut off the engine, allow it to cool, and change the cylinder in a ventilated area away from ignition sources
Propane cylinders must be changed with the engine off, in ventilated areas, and away from any ignition source to prevent fires.
Question 6: What is the maximum recommended grade for a standard counterbalanced forklift traveling with a load?
- The grade specified in the manufacturer's operator manual for that model (Correct answer)
- Any grade up to 45 degrees
- Only perfectly flat surfaces
- 10 degrees regardless of load weight
Correct answer: The grade specified in the manufacturer's operator manual for that model
Maximum safe grade varies by model; always consult the operator manual since exceeding it risks tipping or loss of control.
Question 7: When traveling down a ramp with a loaded forklift, the operator should:
- Travel in reverse so the load faces uphill (Correct answer)
- Travel forward with the load facing downhill for visibility
- Park the forklift and use a hand truck instead
- Travel forward at maximum speed to reduce ramp time
Correct answer: Travel in reverse so the load faces uphill
Traveling in reverse on a downgrade keeps the load on the uphill side, maintaining stability and preventing the load from sliding forward.
CFA Forklift Operation & Safety Procedures 3
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, how often must powered industrial trucks be examined?