CFA Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pre-shift walk-around, you smell fuel near the engine compartment of a propane forklift. What should you do?
- Start the engine briefly to burn off excess fuel
- Inspect for a leak, do not start the engine, and report it immediately (Correct answer)
- Operate in a well-ventilated area only
- Check the fuel gauge and add propane if needed
Correct answer: Inspect for a leak, do not start the engine, and report it immediately
Smelling fuel indicates a possible propane leak, which is a fire hazard — the engine must not be started and the issue must be reported immediately.
Question 2: When testing the service brakes during a pre-shift inspection, what indicates a problem?
- The forklift stops smoothly within a normal distance
- The pedal feels firm and consistent
- The forklift pulls to one side, or the pedal sinks to the floor (Correct answer)
- A slight resistance in the pedal when pressed
Correct answer: The forklift pulls to one side, or the pedal sinks to the floor
Pulling to one side or a spongy pedal that sinks to the floor indicates brake failure or imbalance, requiring immediate attention.
Question 3: What is the correct way to check the steering mechanism during a pre-shift inspection?
- Drive at full speed and evaluate response
- Check for excessive play in the steering wheel and ensure the system responds smoothly (Correct answer)
- Only inspect steering fluid levels
- Verify the steering wheel locks in place when parked
Correct answer: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel and ensure the system responds smoothly
Steering inspection involves checking for excessive free-play in the wheel and confirming the system responds predictably when turned.
Question 4: If a pre-shift inspection reveals the forklift's load backrest extension is bent, why is this significant?
- It only affects the forklift's appearance
- It reduces the forklift's speed capacity
- It may not adequately prevent loads from shifting backward toward the operator (Correct answer)
- It disqualifies the forklift from carrying hazardous materials only
Correct answer: It may not adequately prevent loads from shifting backward toward the operator
The load backrest extension prevents loads from falling rearward onto the operator, and damage to it compromises this critical protection.
Question 5: During a pre-shift check on a propane forklift, you notice frost forming around the LP tank valve. What does this indicate?
- The tank is overfilled and needs to be vented
- A leak at the valve connection (Correct answer)
- Normal condensation from cold weather operation
- The regulator is working at peak efficiency
Correct answer: A leak at the valve connection
Frost forming around an LP tank valve indicates propane is leaking and evaporating rapidly, creating a fire hazard.
Question 6: When inspecting forks during a pre-shift check, what measurement criterion indicates a fork must be taken out of service?
- Any surface rust visible on the forks
- Fork blade wear exceeding 10% of the original thickness (Correct answer)
- The tips of the forks are not perfectly level
- Forks with a load capacity marking that is faded
Correct answer: Fork blade wear exceeding 10% of the original thickness
OSHA and ASME standards state that forks worn to 90% or less of their original thickness (10% wear) must be removed from service.
Question 7: What should an operator do if they discover a pre-existing defect already noted on the inspection sheet from the previous shift?
- Assume the defect was repaired since it was already reported
- Verify whether the defect was repaired before operating the forklift (Correct answer)
- Cross off the old notation and add your own observation
- Only report it again if the defect appears to have worsened
Correct answer: Verify whether the defect was repaired before operating the forklift
An operator must confirm any previously reported defect has actually been repaired before using the forklift, not assume it was fixed.
CFA Pre-Shift Inspection Checklist 3
During a pre-shift walk-around, you smell fuel near the engine compartment of a propane forklift.
What should you do?