Safe Operation of Forklifts

Questions and Answers

What is the most important single factor to the safe operation of the forklifts?

The operator

Many accidents happen because the operator does which of the following? (Select all that apply)

Carries unsafe loads (correct)

Travels an unsafe route (correct)

Uses a forklift with a known defect (correct)

Uses unsafe operating techniques (correct)

When is it safe to operate the forklift from a place other than the operator's seat?

Never

Workers and bystanders within the danger area of the forklift should be considered the responsibility of?

The operator Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are essential for safe operation? (Select all that apply)

Smooth turns Signup and view all the answers

The operator 'feathers' the controls when he wants to?

Move the load slowly Signup and view all the answers

If you find a fault or suspect an unsafe condition while inspecting or operating a forklift you should?

Tell your supervisor Signup and view all the answers

If bystanders or a fellow worker are in danger from a raised load, you should?

Sound your horn or ask them to move Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following affect forklift safety? (Select all that apply)

Momentum Signup and view all the answers

The pivot point of a forklift is?

The front axle Signup and view all the answers

The teeter totter is a simple example of?

Leverage Signup and view all the answers

Safe load limits for a particular forklift...?

Should never be exceeded Signup and view all the answers

When a forklift picks up a load on the forks...?

The center of gravity of the forklift moves forward Signup and view all the answers

Forward tipping will occur unless the forklift's center of gravity is?

On the opposite side of the front axle Signup and view all the answers

Momentum is a force created by? (Select all that apply)

Turning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has or have an effect on the amount of stability a forklift has? (Select all that apply)

Wheel base Signup and view all the answers

As the load of a forklift is raised, which of the following dangers increase? (Select all that apply)

Loss of steering Signup and view all the answers

What force can cause a loaded forklift to tip forward when brakes are applied?

Momentum Signup and view all the answers

When the forklift's center of gravity goes beyond the stability area?

The forklift will tip over Signup and view all the answers

Because the forklifts are designed with the forks in front it is not possible for it to tip backwards.

False Signup and view all the answers

The type of forklift which is designed primarily to lift a load straight up with a limited amount of tilt movement forward is the?

Mast forklift Signup and view all the answers

Which of a forklift's four-wheel steering capabilities should be used at high speeds or on highways?

Two-wheel steering, front wheels fixed straight ahead, rear wheels used for steering Signup and view all the answers

Using a short turning radius when traveling at high speeds can cause overturning due to?

The forces of momentum Signup and view all the answers

When is it permissible to carry riders while you are operating a forklift?

Never Signup and view all the answers

If a forklift tips forward...

Steering control is lost Signup and view all the answers

When traveling up or down a ramp, you can place more traction on the front drive wheels of an unloaded forklift if the forks are?

Kept pointing downhill Signup and view all the answers

Rear-wheel steering used by many forklifts? (Select all that apply)

Cause both ends of the forklift to swing around when turned Signup and view all the answers

Do not start a forklift unless?

You are sitting in the operator's seat Signup and view all the answers

When may reverse gears be used to slow or stop a forklift traveling forward?

Never Signup and view all the answers

What things determine how fast a hydraulic system moves? (Select all that apply)

The engine speed Signup and view all the answers

Jerky movements can be avoided if the operator?

Feathers the controls Signup and view all the answers

If the hydraulic system develops a leak during operation, you should? (Select all that apply)

Lower the load Signup and view all the answers

Job site conditions are?

Important since they determine the safe speed at which a forklift can operate Signup and view all the answers

If the load being carried obstructs vision, the operator should?

Drive in reverse Signup and view all the answers

When crossing railroad tracks or other similar rough sections with a loaded forklift you should?

Cross them diagonally Signup and view all the answers

When traveling down a hill or slope you should?

Save the brakes by using the same gear to go down hill as would be used to go up it Signup and view all the answers

When traveling on a slope it is necessary to? (Select all that apply)

Do not travel crossways Signup and view all the answers

When traveling on a floor system which is hollow underneath it is important to? (Select all that apply)

The load capacity of the floor Signup and view all the answers

When approaching another vehicle stopped in the path of the forklift you are operating you should?

Stop and sound your horn Signup and view all the answers

When you are operating a forklift and approach a vehicle or person alongside your path, you should? (Select all that apply)

Slow down Signup and view all the answers

When you are operating a forklift and approaching a blind corner you should?

Stop, sound your horn and proceed slowly Signup and view all the answers

The rated capacity of a forklift can be found? (Select all that apply)

In the manufacturer's manual Signup and view all the answers

When is it safe to exceed the load limit of a forklift?

Never Signup and view all the answers

Picking up a load in excess of the safe limits can? (Select all that apply)

Cause forward tipping Signup and view all the answers

An operator may pick up and place a load with a forklift if the load is? (Select all that apply)

Made up of several small pieces tied or banded together securely Signup and view all the answers

Before you insert the forks under the load to be picked up, they should be?

Tilted back Signup and view all the answers

The load will have maximum stability if?

The fork tips are inserted until it is against the backrest Signup and view all the answers

Carrying the load on the tips of the forks can? (Select all that apply)

Create an unstable load condition Signup and view all the answers

An over-capacity load can be lifted if the load is?

None of the above Signup and view all the answers

Carrying a forklift load low increases effects of jolts from rough terrain?

False Signup and view all the answers

Driving in reverse requires the operator to use a slower speed because?

More reaction time is needed to reach the controls when the driver is facing the opposite direction Signup and view all the answers

The stability of an unloaded forklift is?

Just as important as that of one carrying a load Signup and view all the answers

When operating a forklift on a job site where there are other vehicles, you should? (Select all that apply)

Stay 20 feet behind a vehicle in front of you Signup and view all the answers

When approaching the location where a load will be placed you should?

Proceed slowly Signup and view all the answers

Forklifts that are equipped with hydraulic frame leveling or lift mechanism tilting systems should?

Be adjusted before the load is lifted Signup and view all the answers

Ramming the hydraulic lift cylinder's to the end of their strokes can?

Result in jolts which are transferred to the load Signup and view all the answers

If it is necessary for you to restack the load, you should? (Select all that apply)

Set the brake before getting off the forklift Signup and view all the answers

One of the most potentially dangerous times you will encounter is?

When the load is fully extended overhead Signup and view all the answers

Before raising a load, you should? (Select all that apply)

The brakes should be set Signup and view all the answers

Outriggers, or stabilizers, should? (Select all that apply)

Be used only to give extra stability Signup and view all the answers

If a stacked load begins to lean or shift while being raised?

Lower the load and restack it Signup and view all the answers

While a load is being lifted, it should be?

Tilted slightly backwards Signup and view all the answers

Before you withdraw the forks from a load that has just been placed you should?

They should be nearly parallel with the ground Signup and view all the answers

A forklift's ability to lift a load within its limits safely is reduced if? (Select all that apply)

The lift mechanism is not vertical Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a true statement: When the load is fully extended overhead?

The forklift can be turned if the movement is slow Signup and view all the answers

Consider the load limit of the scaffold landing point?

Before picking up the load that is to be loaded Signup and view all the answers

Greater dynamic forces are present when you are lifting and moving a load with a?

Convertible forklift crane Signup and view all the answers

Materials should be stockpiled?

In a well drained area Signup and view all the answers

It may be necessary for the operator to be given hand signals by a fellow worker if? (Select all that apply)

The landing point is at extreme heights Signup and view all the answers

When moving a load with a convertible forklift crane?

The load and the arm or mast should be as low as possible Signup and view all the answers

Inspection of the forklift is the responsibility of?

The operator Signup and view all the answers

Specific recommendations on intervals between forklift inspections and maintenance?

Are listed in the manufacturers manual Signup and view all the answers

Before the engine is started?

The controls should be in neutral Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fluid levels need to be checked regularly? (Select all that apply)

Fuel Signup and view all the answers

One of the main safety reasons for checking the proper tire inflation is? (Select all that apply)

To make sure steering easier Signup and view all the answers

If the gauges do not register normal while the forklift is being operated, you should? (Select all that apply)

Turn off the engine Signup and view all the answers

The hydraulic system should be checked by?

Operating each hydraulic action through its full cycle Signup and view all the answers

When you are operating a forklift, which of the following signs indicate imminent danger? (Select all that apply)

Faulty hydraulic mechanism Signup and view all the answers

When using jumper cables to start a forklift with a low battery, you should?

Always make the final connection to the frame of the forklift with the low battery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is not true about jumper cable safety?

Always make the first connection to the low battery Signup and view all the answers

Fork trucks in a warehouse environment should?

Stay to the right and 20 feet back from another fork truck traveling in your direction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Safe Operation of Forklifts

The operator is the most crucial factor in ensuring the safe operation of forklifts.
Accidents often occur due to operator negligence: using defective forklifts, traveling unsafe routes, carrying inappropriate loads, or employing unsafe techniques.

Operational Protocols

Forklifts should never be operated from anywhere other than the operator's seat.
Responsibility for worker and bystander safety within the danger area rests with the operator.
Essential for safe operation: smooth starts, stops, and turns.

Control Usage

"Feathering" the controls allows for slow load movement.
Report any faults or unsafe conditions to a supervisor immediately.
React appropriately with bystanders near raised loads by sounding the horn or asking them to move.

Stability and Safety Factors

Key factors affecting forklift safety: leverage, center of gravity, and momentum.
The pivot point for a forklift is the front axle.
Forward tipping risk arises if the center of gravity is not on the opposite side of the front axle when a load is lifted.

Load Limitations

Safe load limits must never be exceeded to prevent tipping or loss of steering.
Maximum stability is achieved by inserting forks against the backrest of the load.
Carrying loads on the tips of forks can create instability and risk slippage.

Driving Techniques

Reverse driving should be at a slower speed to allow for adequate reaction time.
Operators must stop and sound the horn when approaching other vehicles or blind corners.
Maintain straight alignment when traveling on slopes and avoid turning while on inclines.

Maintenance and Inspection

Daily and regular checks on fluid levels (oil, fuel, hydraulic, brake) are vital for operational safety.
Gauge malfunctions require immediate engine shutdown and supervisor notification.

Load Handling Procedures

Tilt the load slightly backward while lifting for better stability.
Clear pathways before placing a load and ensure to proceed slowly near other vehicles and on ramp crossings.

Emergency Protocols

If the hydraulic system begins to leak, lower the load, turn off the engine, and notify a supervisor.
Outriggers should be set before lifting loads for additional stability.

Environmental Considerations

Materials should be stored in well-drained areas to avoid deterioration.
Job site conditions influence the safe operating speed of forklifts.

Operator Responsibilities

The operator is responsible for inspecting the forklift and ensuring safe operating conditions.
Continuous operator education on hand signals and communication with ground personnel is essential for safety in complex scenarios.

Bystander Awareness

Operators should always be aware of bystanders when operating a forklift, especially in tight spaces or during load placement.

Forklift Specifications

Load capacity should be adhered to strictly, and operators need to consult manufacturer's manuals for specifications and safety instructions.

Regulations and Best Practices

Forklift operations should prioritize safety, including proper tire inflation for stability and effective steering.
Regular training refreshers for operators can help minimize accidents and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

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Description

This quiz covers essential safety protocols for operating forklifts. It emphasizes the importance of the operator's role, proactive measures for safety, and operational techniques. Learn about control usage, stability factors, and accident prevention to ensure a safe working environment.