TLILIC0003 Forklift Safety and Operations Flashcards

Before operating a forklift, which pre-operational check must you complete first?

Answer: Review the logbook for previous faults

Reviewing the logbook for previously recorded faults is the first step so you are aware of any outstanding issues before conducting your own physical checks.

What does the rated capacity of a forklift refer to?

Answer: The maximum weight the forklift can carry at the manufacturer's specified load centre

Rated capacity is the maximum load a forklift can safely carry at the manufacturer's specified load centre distance, typically 500 mm from the face of the forks.

A forklift has a rated capacity of 2,000 kg at a 500 mm load centre. If the load centre increases to 750 mm, what happens to the safe carrying capacity?

Answer: It decreases

As the load centre increases beyond the rated distance, the safe carrying capacity decreases due to the increased moment (torque) acting on the forklift.

Which of the following forms the forklift's stability triangle?

Answer: The two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point

The stability triangle is formed by the two front drive wheels and the single pivot point at the centre of the rear axle, creating a triangular base of support.

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, what duty does a forklift operator have regarding hazards in the workplace?

Answer: Take reasonable care to identify hazards and report them to the person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU)

Under the WHS Act, workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own and others' health and safety, which includes identifying and reporting hazards to the PCBU.

What is the correct travelling position for the forks when moving a loaded forklift on level ground?

Answer: Raised 300–500 mm above ground with mast tilted back

Forks should be raised 300–500 mm (approximately 15–20 cm) off the ground with the mast tilted back to lower the centre of gravity and improve stability during travel.

When must a forklift operator record an entry in the logbook?

Answer: At the start and end of each shift, including any faults or damage found

Logbook entries must be made at the start and end of each shift, recording pre-operational check results and any faults, damage, or incidents that occurred during operation.

When operating a forklift near pedestrians, what is the safest practice?

Answer: Stop the forklift and give way to pedestrians

Forklifts must stop and give way to pedestrians. Pedestrian safety is the highest priority in any forklift operating area.

What does a forklift's data plate (capacity plate) show?

Answer: The rated load capacity at specified load centres and lift heights

The data plate shows the forklift's rated load capacity at various load centre distances and lift heights, along with the model, serial number, and unladen weight.

Which hazard is MOST likely to cause a forklift to tip sideways?

Answer: Turning at speed on a sloped or uneven surface with an elevated load

Turning at speed on a slope or uneven surface while carrying an elevated load shifts the centre of gravity outside the stability triangle, creating a high risk of lateral tip-over.

What action should you take if you discover a fuel leak on an LPG forklift during pre-operational checks?

Answer: Tag the forklift as out of service and report the fault immediately

A fuel leak is a serious fire and explosion hazard. The forklift must be tagged out of service and the fault reported immediately to a supervisor or maintenance personnel.

What is the primary purpose of the counterweight on a forklift?

Answer: To balance the weight of a load on the forks and prevent forward tip-over

The counterweight is positioned at the rear of the forklift to counterbalance the weight of a load on the forks, preventing the forklift from tipping forward.

Under WHS legislation, who is responsible for ensuring forklift operators hold a valid High Risk Work (HRW) licence?

Answer: The person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU)

The PCBU has the primary duty to ensure that only workers holding a valid HRW licence for the class of forklift operate the equipment at their workplace.

What does 'stacking height' mean in relation to forklift operations?

Answer: The safe maximum height to which loads may be stacked in racking or freestanding

Stacking height refers to the safe maximum height to which loads may be stacked, determined by load weight, stability, racking ratings, and site-specific rules.

When refuelling an LPG forklift, which safety step is most important?

Answer: Switch off the engine and move the forklift to a designated refuelling area away from ignition sources

The engine must be switched off and the forklift moved to a designated, well-ventilated refuelling area away from ignition sources before changing the LPG cylinder.

What is the correct procedure for charging an electric forklift battery?

Answer: Move the forklift to a designated charging area with adequate ventilation, connect charger, and record in logbook

Electric forklift batteries must be charged in a designated, ventilated charging area because charging produces hydrogen gas, which is explosive. The process must be logged.

A forklift approaches an intersection inside a warehouse with limited visibility. What should the operator do?

Answer: Slow down, sound the horn, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians or other vehicles

At blind intersections, operators must slow down, sound the horn as a warning, and be prepared to stop for any hazard — pedestrians or other vehicles.

What information must a forklift operator check on the load before picking it up?

Answer: The weight, dimensions, load centre, and stability/condition of the load

Before picking up a load, operators must assess its weight, dimensions, load centre position, and whether it is stable and in good condition — all factors that affect safe handling.

Under SafeWork Australia guidelines, what is the minimum requirement for a safe exclusion zone around a forklift operating area?

Answer: Physical barriers or clearly marked exclusion zones that separate pedestrians from forklift travel paths

SafeWork Australia's hierarchy of controls requires physical separation (barriers, bollards, exclusion zones) between pedestrian and forklift areas as the preferred control measure.

When travelling on a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, what is the correct direction of travel?

Answer: Drive with the load facing uphill in both directions — forwards up, reverse down

The load must always face uphill — drive forwards going up the ramp and reverse down the ramp. This prevents the load from sliding forward and the forklift from tipping forward.