CFA OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, what determines the maximum load a forklift can safely carry?
- The operator's experience level
- The load capacity plate on the truck (Correct answer)
- The weight of the heaviest load previously carried
- The supervisor's verbal authorization
Correct answer: The load capacity plate on the truck
OSHA requires operators to follow the load capacity plate (nameplate) affixed to the truck, which specifies the maximum allowable load.
Question 2: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, when must a forklift be removed from service?
- Only at the end of the shift
- Only when a supervisor orders it
- When any unsafe condition is found during inspection (Correct answer)
- When it has been in service for more than 8 hours
Correct answer: When any unsafe condition is found during inspection
The regulation requires that any truck found to be unsafe must be removed from service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.
Question 3: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that forklift operators must be recertified when which of the following occurs?
- Every calendar year regardless of performance
- The operator is involved in a near-miss or accident (Correct answer)
- The operator transfers to a different department
- The operator reaches 1,000 hours of operation
Correct answer: The operator is involved in a near-miss or accident
Retraining and re-evaluation are required when an operator is involved in an accident or near-miss incident, among other triggering events.
Question 4: What does the 'stability triangle' concept in forklift operation refer to?
- The three-point suspension system connecting the mast to the frame
- The triangular area formed by the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point (Correct answer)
- The triangular warning markings on the forklift body
- The three load-bearing prongs of the fork carriage
Correct answer: The triangular area formed by the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point
The stability triangle is the area defined by the two front drive wheels and the center of the rear axle, within which the forklift's combined center of gravity must remain to prevent tipping.
Question 5: Per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, how should loads be positioned on the forks for travel?
- Tilted forward to keep the load low to the ground
- Raised to eye level so the operator can see the load
- Tilted back with forks 4–6 inches above the ground (Correct answer)
- Centered on one fork to allow for balanced steering
Correct answer: Tilted back with forks 4–6 inches above the ground
Loads should be carried with the forks tilted back and raised only 4–6 inches off the ground to maintain stability during travel.
Question 6: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, what action is required when a powered industrial truck approaches a blind corner?
- Accelerate through the turn to minimize exposure time
- Sound the horn and slow down before entering the intersection (Correct answer)
- Stop completely and wait for a spotter before proceeding
- Flash the overhead warning light and proceed at normal speed
Correct answer: Sound the horn and slow down before entering the intersection
Operators must slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed to warn pedestrians and other vehicles.
Question 7: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, which of the following is true regarding forklift operation on an incline with a load?
- The load should always face downhill for better visibility
- The load should face uphill whether going up or coming down (Correct answer)
- The operator should always drive in reverse on any incline
- Inclines should only be navigated without loads
Correct answer: The load should face uphill whether going up or coming down
When traveling on grades with a load, the load and the forks should point uphill to prevent the load from sliding forward off the forks.
CFA OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 2
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, what determines the maximum load a forklift can safely carry?