OIT Basic Operation and Controls 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before starting a forklift, an operator must check that the parking brake is engaged and the gear selector is in which position?
- Drive
- Reverse
- Neutral (Correct answer)
- First gear
Correct answer: Neutral
The gear selector must be in neutral before starting a forklift to prevent unexpected movement.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when the low fuel warning light illuminates on a propane-powered lift truck?
- Continue operating until the engine stalls
- Switch to a backup battery
- Safely park the truck and replace the propane cylinder (Correct answer)
- Increase engine speed to burn fuel faster
Correct answer: Safely park the truck and replace the propane cylinder
When the low fuel warning activates, the operator should park safely and swap the propane cylinder according to facility procedures.
Question 3: Which instrument on a lift truck indicates the charge level of a battery-powered electric forklift?
- Hour meter
- State of charge indicator (Correct answer)
- Hydraulic pressure gauge
- Tachometer
Correct answer: State of charge indicator
The state of charge (SOC) indicator shows remaining battery capacity so operators know when recharging is needed.
Question 4: An operator approaches a floor drain and the forklift begins to tip to one side. The FIRST action should be to:
- Accelerate quickly to clear the drain
- Steer away and slow down immediately (Correct answer)
- Raise the forks to redistribute weight
- Apply only the service brake hard
Correct answer: Steer away and slow down immediately
Steering away from the hazard and reducing speed prevents tipping when uneven surfaces are encountered.
Question 5: What is the function of the tilt control lever on a standard counterbalanced forklift?
- Raises and lowers the forks
- Moves the carriage laterally
- Angles the mast forward or backward (Correct answer)
- Engages the parking brake
Correct answer: Angles the mast forward or backward
The tilt lever controls the mast angle, allowing the operator to tilt forks back for load stability during travel.
Question 6: When traveling on a ramp with a loaded forklift, the load should be oriented:
- Facing downhill with forks raised high
- Facing uphill regardless of travel direction (Correct answer)
- Facing downhill to improve visibility
- Perpendicular to the slope
Correct answer: Facing uphill regardless of travel direction
The load must always face uphill on a ramp to prevent the load from sliding off the forks and to maintain stability.
Question 7: Which of the following is a correct use of the horn on a lift truck?
- To signal workers to clear the entire aisle
- At intersections and when vision is obstructed (Correct answer)
- Only when backing in a warehouse
- As a substitute for using a spotter
Correct answer: At intersections and when vision is obstructed
OSHA and ANSI guidelines require sounding the horn at intersections and wherever visibility is limited to warn pedestrians.
OIT Basic Operation and Controls 2
Before starting a forklift, an operator must check that the parking brake is engaged and the gear selector is in which position?