CFA OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that operators of powered industrial trucks must receive training from whom?
- Any experienced coworker with at least one year of service
- A person with the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators (Correct answer)
- A certified OSHA safety inspector only
- The forklift manufacturer's representative
Correct answer: A person with the knowledge, training, and experience to train operators
Training must be conducted by persons who have the knowledge, training, and experience to train forklift operators and evaluate their competence.
Question 2: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, what is the minimum age requirement for operating a powered industrial truck in a general industry workplace?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- There is no minimum age if trained
Correct answer: 18 years old
OSHA's child labor provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act prohibit workers under 18 from operating forklifts in general industry settings.
Question 3: When stacking loads, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that storage areas have sufficient overhead clearance. What additional precaution applies to overhead guard height limits?
- The overhead guard must always exceed the load height by 3 feet
- Do not raise loads higher than the overhead guard will safely allow when indoors (Correct answer)
- Overhead guards must be removed when stacking loads above 10 feet
- Operators must obtain supervisor approval before lifting above 6 feet
Correct answer: Do not raise loads higher than the overhead guard will safely allow when indoors
Operators must be aware of overhead obstructions and only raise loads to heights where safe clearance exists, respecting both the guard and building clearances.
Question 4: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, which surface condition requires extra caution or may prohibit forklift operation?
- Freshly painted concrete
- Surfaces with grades, excessive moisture, or loose materials (Correct answer)
- Areas with fluorescent lighting overhead
- Surfaces near electrical panels
Correct answer: Surfaces with grades, excessive moisture, or loose materials
Slippery, uneven, or unstable surfaces directly affect the forklift's stability and braking, requiring operators to adjust speed and load handling accordingly.
Question 5: According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178, operators must yield the right-of-way to which of the following?
- Other forklifts carrying heavier loads
- Pedestrians in all circumstances (Correct answer)
- Supervisors walking in the aisle
- Emergency vehicles only
Correct answer: Pedestrians in all circumstances
Forklifts must always yield to pedestrians, as protecting people on foot is a core safety requirement of the standard.
Question 6: What does OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 require regarding dock plates and bridge plates when loading or unloading trucks?
- They are optional if the dock height difference is less than 4 inches
- They must be properly secured before driving the forklift over them (Correct answer)
- They should be installed by a spotter, not the operator
- Dock plates are only required for loads over 2,000 lbs
Correct answer: They must be properly secured before driving the forklift over them
Dock plates and bridge plates must be secured in place before the forklift crosses to prevent them from shifting and causing a fall or tip-over.
Question 7: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that when passengers ride on a forklift, what condition must be met?
- The passenger must wear a hard hat and remain standing behind the operator
- Passengers are prohibited from riding on forklifts at all times (Correct answer)
- The passenger must be authorized in writing by the employer
- The forklift must have a rated capacity of at least 5,000 lbs
Correct answer: Passengers are prohibited from riding on forklifts at all times
The standard explicitly prohibits carrying passengers on forklifts unless the truck is equipped with a specifically designed and approved passenger seat.
CFA OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 4
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 requires that operators of powered industrial trucks must receive training from whom?