CFA Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What geometric shape defines the stability zone of a counterbalanced forklift?
- Rectangle
- Triangle (Correct answer)
- Circle
- Pentagon
Correct answer: Triangle
The stability zone of a counterbalanced forklift is a triangle formed by the two front wheels and the center pivot point of the rear steer axle.
Question 2: Which three points form the stability triangle on a standard counterbalanced forklift?
- The two front drive wheels and the rear axle pivot point (Correct answer)
- The two rear wheels and the front axle
- The mast base and both rear wheels
- The fork tips and both front wheels
Correct answer: The two front drive wheels and the rear axle pivot point
The stability triangle connects the two front drive wheels and the center pivot point of the rear steer axle, defining the zone within which the combined center of gravity must remain.
Question 3: A forklift will tip over when its combined center of gravity moves:
- Toward the mast
- Outside the stability triangle (Correct answer)
- To the center of the load
- Above the operator's seat
Correct answer: Outside the stability triangle
Tip-over occurs when the combined center of gravity of the forklift and its load shifts outside the boundaries of the stability triangle.
Question 4: What is the OSHA-recommended action if a forklift begins to tip over sideways?
- Jump off the opposite side immediately
- Brace feet on the floor and lean into the tip
- Stay in seat, grip the steering wheel firmly, and lean away from impact (Correct answer)
- Stand up and jump forward off the machine
Correct answer: Stay in seat, grip the steering wheel firmly, and lean away from impact
OSHA recommends operators stay in the seat, grip the steering wheel firmly, brace their feet, and lean away from the direction of the fall to use the overhead guard for protection.
Question 5: How does elevating a load above the recommended travel height affect stability?
- It has no effect on stability
- It improves forward stability by shifting weight back
- It raises the combined center of gravity and reduces stability (Correct answer)
- It only affects stability when reversing
Correct answer: It raises the combined center of gravity and reduces stability
Raising a load increases the height of the combined center of gravity, making the forklift more susceptible to tipping, especially during turns or on uneven surfaces.
Question 6: Which action while cornering most increases the risk of a lateral tip-over?
- Slowing down before the turn
- Keeping the load at travel height
- Turning at high speed with a raised load (Correct answer)
- Tilting the mast back before turning
Correct answer: Turning at high speed with a raised load
Turning at high speed with a raised load generates centrifugal force while the center of gravity is already elevated, greatly increasing the risk of pushing it outside the stability triangle.
Question 7: Around which axis does a forward longitudinal tip-over primarily occur?
- The rear axle
- The front axle (Correct answer)
- The mast base
- The center of the frame
Correct answer: The front axle
A forward longitudinal tip-over pivots around the front axle — the front wheels act as the fulcrum when the load's moment overcomes the counterbalance.
CFA Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention 1
What geometric shape defines the stability zone of a counterbalanced forklift?