NSC Forklift Operation & Safety Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When traveling on a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, which direction should you travel?
- Drive forward up and reverse down (Correct answer)
- Drive forward in both directions
- Always reverse up and drive forward down
- Load should always face downhill
Correct answer: Drive forward up and reverse down
With a loaded forklift, always drive forward (load first) up a ramp and reverse down to keep the load stable and prevent tipping.
Question 2: What is the maximum safe travel speed for a forklift in a pedestrian area?
- 10 mph
- 5 mph (Correct answer)
- 8 mph
- 3 mph
Correct answer: 5 mph
OSHA and NSC guidelines recommend a maximum of 5 mph in pedestrian areas to allow adequate stopping distance and reaction time.
Question 3: Which action is required before leaving a forklift unattended?
- Set parking brake only
- Lower forks fully, neutralize controls, set brake, and remove key (Correct answer)
- Leave engine running for quick restart
- Tilt mast forward and set brake
Correct answer: Lower forks fully, neutralize controls, set brake, and remove key
NSC requires operators to fully lower the forks, neutralize controls, set the parking brake, and remove the key when leaving a forklift unattended.
Question 4: A forklift operator notices the load is heavier than the rated capacity. What should they do?
- Drive slowly and carefully
- Use a counterweight attachment
- Refuse the lift and notify a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Distribute weight across two forklifts
Correct answer: Refuse the lift and notify a supervisor
Operators must never exceed the rated capacity — exceeding it causes tip-overs; the correct action is to refuse the lift and contact a supervisor.
Question 5: What does the load center distance refer to on a forklift capacity plate?
- Distance from the front wheels to the load
- Horizontal distance from the fork face to the load's center of gravity (Correct answer)
- Maximum fork spread allowed
- Distance the load can travel per trip
Correct answer: Horizontal distance from the fork face to the load's center of gravity
Load center is the horizontal distance from the fork face (heel) to the load's center of gravity, typically 24 inches for standard pallets.
Question 6: When should a forklift operator sound the horn?
- Only when pedestrians are directly in the path
- At intersections, blind corners, and whenever visibility is obstructed (Correct answer)
- Only in outdoor environments
- When carrying loads over 1,000 lbs
Correct answer: At intersections, blind corners, and whenever visibility is obstructed
Operators must sound the horn at intersections, blind corners, and any obstructed area to warn pedestrians and other operators of their approach.
Question 7: Which of the following correctly describes safe forklift fork height during normal travel?
- Forks 6–10 inches above the floor, mast tilted back (Correct answer)
- Forks at ground level, mast vertical
- Forks at 18 inches, mast tilted forward
- Forks raised to eye level for better visibility
Correct answer: Forks 6–10 inches above the floor, mast tilted back
Forks should be 6–10 inches off the ground with the mast tilted back to improve stability and ground clearance during travel.
NSC Forklift Operation & Safety Protocols 2
When traveling on a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, which direction should you travel?