Forklift Safety
Forklifts are responsible for a significant number of construction site injuries and fatalities. This section covers forklift licensing (High Risk Work Licence), pre-operational inspections, load capacity and centre of gravity, operating on inclines, pedestrian safety zones, refuelling procedures, and the legal requirements for forklift operation in Australia.
Study Guide: Forklift Safety
Review these sample questions before starting the practice test.
Q1: What licence is required to operate a forklift in Australia?
- A. A standard car licence
- B. A High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) with LF class β TLILIC0003 β
- C. No licence is required
- D. A truck licence
Operating a forklift requires a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) with LF (Licence to operate a Forklift Truck) class, achieved by completing the TLILIC0003 unit of competency.
Q2: What is the purpose of a pre-start (pre-operational) check on a forklift?
- A. To warm up the engine
- B. To check for defects, damage, and ensure the forklift is safe to operate before use β
- C. To count how many hours the forklift has been used
- D. To check the fuel price
A pre-start check identifies defects or damage before operation. It covers tyres, forks, mast, hydraulics, brakes, steering, lights, horn, seatbelt, and fluid levels.
Q3: What should you do if you find a defect during a pre-start check?
- A. Operate the forklift carefully
- B. Report the defect, tag the forklift as out of service, and do not operate it until repaired β
- C. Fix it yourself
- D. Ignore minor defects
If a defect is found, the forklift must not be operated. Report the defect to the supervisor, attach a defect tag, and lock out the forklift until a qualified person repairs it.
Q4: What is the rated capacity of a forklift?
- A. The total weight of the forklift
- B. The maximum load the forklift can safely lift at the standard load centre under specified conditions β
- C. The speed of the forklift
- D. The number of workers it can carry
Rated capacity is the maximum weight the forklift can safely lift at the standard load centre (typically 500mm for counterbalance) at a specified mast height. This is shown on the data plate.
Q5: Where can you find the rated capacity of a forklift?
- A. On the ignition key
- B. On the data plate (capacity plate) attached to the forklift β
- C. In the glove box
- D. Written on the forks
The data plate (capacity plate) is attached to the forklift and shows the rated capacity, load centre distance, maximum lift height, and the forklift's weight.
Q6: What is the load centre distance on a forklift?
- A. The distance between the two forks
- B. The horizontal distance from the face of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load β
- C. The distance the forklift can travel with a load
- D. The height of the mast
Load centre distance is the horizontal distance from the vertical face of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load. Standard is typically 500mm or 600mm. Loads with a greater load centre reduce capacity.
Q7: What happens if you exceed the rated capacity of a forklift?
- A. The forklift goes slower
- B. The forklift may tip forward, lose stability, and the load could fall β risking serious injury or death β
- C. Nothing β forklifts have a large safety margin
- D. The engine stalls
Exceeding rated capacity shifts the combined centre of gravity beyond the stability triangle, causing the forklift to tip forward. This is a leading cause of forklift fatalities.
Q8: What is the "stability triangle" on a counterbalance forklift?
- A. A warning sign
- B. The triangular area formed by the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point that determines tipping stability β
- C. A type of forklift attachment
- D. The driver's seatbelt arrangement
The stability triangle is formed by the two front axle ends and the rear axle pivot. The combined centre of gravity (forklift + load) must remain within this triangle to prevent tipping.
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