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High Risk Work Licence - Forklift Truck (LF) study materials
High Risk Work Licence - Forklift Truck (LF) study resources

High Risk Work Licence - Forklift Truck (LF) practice questions

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Question 1Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

Under the model Work Health and Safety Act, what is the primary duty of a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in relation to forklift operations?

  1. To transfer all safety responsibilities to the forklift manufacturer
  2. To eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. To ensure every worker holds a high risk work licence regardless of the task
  4. To purchase the newest forklift models available on the market

Explanation

The primary duty of care requires a PCBU to ensure the health and safety of workers and others affected by the business, so far as is reasonably practicable. This duty is broad and cannot be delegated away to manufacturers, suppliers, or workers. It drives the obligation to identify hazards and control risks associated with forklift use.

Question 2Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

What must a person do before they may legally operate a forklift truck as high risk work in Australia?

  1. Complete an apprenticeship of at least four years
  2. Hold a current high risk work licence for forklift truck operations Correct answer.
  3. Register with the manufacturer of the forklift they intend to use
  4. Obtain written permission from the site's union delegate

Explanation

Operating a forklift is classified as high risk work, so the operator must hold the relevant high risk work licence, usually the LF class. The licence is issued after assessment of competence through a registered training organisation and application to the regulator. Working without it is an offence.

Question 3Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A worker's high risk work licence for forklift operations is due to expire next week. What is the correct approach?

  1. Allow the licence to lapse and continue working while a new one is processed
  2. Ask a licensed colleague to sign the forklift pre-start checks in their name
  3. Keep operating and rely on the employer to sort out the paperwork later
  4. Apply to the regulator to renew the licence before it expires Correct answer.

Explanation

High risk work licences are time-limited and must be renewed through the regulator, generally within a defined window before or shortly after expiry. Continuing to perform high risk work on an expired licence is an offence. The operator is responsible for ensuring their licence remains current.

Question 4Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

Who has a duty to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others while working with or near forklifts?

  1. Only the site safety officer
  2. Only the person holding the forklift licence
  3. Only the PCBU and its managers
  4. Every worker, including pedestrians and contractors Correct answer.

Explanation

Workers have a personal duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and to avoid adversely affecting the safety of others. This applies to licensed operators, pedestrians, and contractors alike. It operates alongside, not instead of, the PCBU's primary duty.

Question 5Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

What is the main purpose of the general risk management process required of a PCBU under work health and safety law?

  1. To identify hazards and eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  2. To guarantee that no injury can ever occur in the workplace
  3. To create paperwork that satisfies insurers after an incident
  4. To shift liability for incidents from the PCBU to individual workers

Explanation

Risk management involves identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying the hierarchy of control to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. It is a proactive process, not a retrospective one. No system can guarantee zero injuries, but the process aims to reduce risk to the lowest level reasonably achievable.

Question 6Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

Which class of high risk work licence authorises a person to operate a forklift truck?

  1. DG
  2. LF Correct answer.
  3. CN
  4. WP

Explanation

The LF class covers forklift truck operations under the national high risk work licence scheme. Other classes cover different plant, such as boom-type elevating work platforms or cranes. Holding the correct class is a precondition for lawful operation.

Question 7Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

An employer asks an unlicensed labourer to move a pallet with a forklift because the regular operator is on lunch. What is the correct response under work health and safety law?

  1. The labourer may operate if a licensed operator supervises from a distance
  2. The labourer may operate if the employer signs a written indemnity
  3. The labourer may operate if the task takes less than five minutes
  4. The labourer must refuse because operating a forklift requires the relevant licence Correct answer.

Explanation

Operating a forklift is high risk work that may only be performed by a person holding the appropriate licence. Neither supervision, task duration, nor a private indemnity can substitute for the licence. The employer would also be breaching its duty by directing unlicensed operation.

Question 8Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A PCBU introduces a rule that all forklift movements in a warehouse must follow marked pedestrian exclusion zones. Where does this control sit in the hierarchy of control?

  1. Substitution
  2. Administrative control Correct answer.
  3. Personal protective equipment
  4. Elimination

Explanation

Marking and enforcing exclusion zones changes how work is organised and how people behave, which makes it an administrative control. Administrative controls sit below engineering and isolation controls in the hierarchy. They are useful but rely on human compliance to remain effective.

Question 9Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A forklift operator notices that the horn is not working at the start of a shift. What should the operator do under work health and safety obligations?

  1. Tag the forklift out of service and report the defect to the supervisor Correct answer.
  2. Continue working and report the fault at the end of the week
  3. Ask a co-worker to sound the horn while the operator drives
  4. Use hand signals instead of the horn and keep operating

Explanation

Workers must not operate plant that is unsafe and should report defects promptly so the PCBU can control the risk. A faulty horn is a safety defect that affects warning capability, so the forklift should be isolated from service until repaired. Continuing to use defective plant breaches the operator's duty of care.

Question 10Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

What does the term 'reasonably practicable' require a PCBU to weigh when deciding on forklift safety controls?

  1. Only the likelihood of an incident occurring
  2. Only the cost of the control measure
  3. Likelihood and severity of harm against the cost, effort and availability of controls Correct answer.
  4. The preferences of the most senior manager on site

Explanation

Reasonably practicable involves balancing the likelihood and degree of harm against what the duty holder knows about the hazard and the availability, suitability and cost of ways to remove or reduce it. Cost alone cannot justify inaction where the risk is serious. The test is objective and considers all relevant matters.

Question 11Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A forklift operator is directed to carry a load that exceeds the forklift's rated capacity. What is the operator's obligation?

  1. Carry the load slowly to reduce the risk
  2. Carry the load only if a spotter walks ahead
  3. Carry part of the load on a second forklift simultaneously
  4. Refuse the task and report the unsafe direction Correct answer.

Explanation

Operators must not operate plant beyond its rated capacity, and they have a duty to refuse work that is unsafe. Overloading a forklift affects stability and can cause tip-over. The operator should report the direction so the PCBU can address the underlying cause.

Question 12Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

Which document should a PCBU use to record the arrangements for consulting workers on forklift safety matters?

  1. A consultation arrangement that sets out how workers are involved in safety decisions Correct answer.
  2. A material safety data sheet
  3. A tax invoice from the training provider
  4. A purchase order for new pallets

Explanation

Work health and safety law requires the PCBU to consult with workers on matters that affect their health and safety, and to make arrangements for that consultation. These arrangements describe how workers are informed and given the opportunity to contribute. Consultation must be genuine and occur before decisions are made.

Question 13Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A contractor brings their own forklift onto a client's site. Which statement best describes the work health and safety duties involved?

  1. Neither party has duties once the site induction is complete
  2. Only the contractor has duties because they own the forklift
  3. Only the client PCBU has duties because they control the site
  4. Both PCBUs have duties, and they must consult and coordinate activities Correct answer.

Explanation

Where more than one PCBU has a duty in relation to the same matter, each must discharge their duty and they must consult, cooperate, and coordinate activities so far as is reasonably practicable. The client controls site conditions while the contractor controls their plant and workers. Both sets of duties operate concurrently.

Question 14Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

What is the role of a health and safety representative (HSR) in relation to forklift hazards in a workplace?

  1. To take over the PCBU's safety duties during audits
  2. To represent workers and raise safety issues, including requesting a review of risk controls Correct answer.
  3. To issue on-the-spot fines to operators who breach procedures
  4. To authorise unlicensed workers to operate forklifts in emergencies

Explanation

An HSR is elected to represent workers on health and safety matters and has powers such as raising issues with the PCBU and requesting a review of risk controls. HSRs do not take over the PCBU's duties or exercise judicial functions. They support consultation and monitoring of safety in the workplace.

Question 15Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A forklift operator is injured at work and the site must notify the regulator. Which situation is most likely to trigger a notifiable incident obligation?

  1. A forklift tyre needing replacement at the end of its service life
  2. A near miss where no one was injured and no equipment was damaged
  3. A minor scratch to a pallet during handling
  4. A worker sustaining a serious injury requiring immediate hospital treatment as an inpatient Correct answer.

Explanation

The PCBU must notify the regulator of deaths, serious injuries or illnesses, and dangerous incidents arising out of the conduct of the business. A serious injury requiring immediate treatment as an inpatient is a classic notifiable category. Notification must occur immediately after the PCBU becomes aware of the incident.

Question 16Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A licence holder moves to a new state and wants to continue forklift work there. What is the general position under the national high risk work licence scheme?

  1. The licence is valid nationally, subject to any local requirements of the new jurisdiction Correct answer.
  2. The licence must be reissued by the manufacturer of the new forklift
  3. The licence is valid only if the employer pays a transfer fee to the regulator
  4. The licence is void and the person must retrain from scratch in the new state

Explanation

High risk work licences are issued under a nationally consistent scheme, so a licence obtained in one jurisdiction is generally recognised in others. The holder should still check any jurisdiction-specific requirements, such as notification or renewal processes. Retraining from scratch is not required.

Question 17Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

An operator holds a current LF licence but has not operated a forklift for two years. What does the law require before resuming work?

  1. Nothing, because the licence remains valid until it expires
  2. A statutory declaration confirming the operator remembers the controls
  3. The employer should ensure the operator's competency is current, such as refresher training or supervised familiarisation Correct answer.
  4. A new licence assessment regardless of the licence expiry date

Explanation

Holding a licence shows the holder was assessed as competent at the time, but the PCBU must still ensure workers are adequately trained and competent for the specific plant and site. Where skills may have lapsed, refresher training or supervised familiarisation is appropriate. The licence itself does not automatically expire through non-use.

Question 18Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A PCBU is considering whether to fit a forklift with a reversing camera and audible alarms. How should this decision be analysed against the hierarchy of control?

  1. These are administrative controls and rank below signage and training
  2. These are elimination measures and remove the hazard entirely
  3. These are engineering controls that rank above administrative measures and should be considered before relying on procedures alone Correct answer.
  4. These are personal protective equipment and rank lowest

Explanation

Engineering controls change the plant or environment itself, such as adding cameras or alarms, and sit above administrative controls in the hierarchy. They should be considered before relying on procedures, signage, or training alone. They do not, however, eliminate the hazard of a moving forklift.

Question 19Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A worker believes a forklift task is unsafe and stops work. How does work health and safety law generally protect the worker?

  1. The worker may be dismissed provided notice is given
  2. The worker loses protection if the task was later found to be safe
  3. The worker must prove the concern was correct before any protection applies
  4. The worker is protected from discrimination or adverse action for raising a safety concern in good faith Correct answer.

Explanation

Work health and safety law prohibits discriminatory or adverse action against workers who raise safety concerns or cease unsafe work in good faith. The protection does not depend on the concern later being proven correct. Dismissing a worker for stopping unsafe work can constitute a breach and attract significant penalties.

Question 20Work health and safety legislation, duties and licence obligations

A PCBU relies solely on a verbal instruction that pedestrians must stay clear of forklifts, with no barriers, markings, or enforcement. How should this control be evaluated?

  1. It is adequate because pedestrians are responsible for their own safety
  2. It is inadequate because a single low-order administrative control is unlikely to reduce risk so far as is reasonably practicable Correct answer.
  3. It is adequate because instructions are a recognised control measure
  4. It is adequate provided the instruction is repeated at each shift handover

Explanation

A verbal instruction is a low-order administrative control that depends entirely on memory and compliance. Where a higher-order control such as physical barriers or separated walkways is reasonably practicable, relying on instruction alone is unlikely to satisfy the primary duty. The hierarchy requires duty holders to use the highest practicable control.

Question 21Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of a hazard identification and risk assessment process in forklift operations?

  1. To determine which operator is fastest at loading
  2. To satisfy insurance paperwork requirements only
  3. To record the number of forklifts owned by the business
  4. To identify hazards and reduce the likelihood of harm before work begins Correct answer.

Explanation

Risk assessment is a proactive process: hazards are identified, the likelihood and severity of harm are evaluated, and controls are put in place before work starts. Its purpose is preventing injury and damage, not administration or performance ranking.

Question 22Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

In the hierarchy of control, which measure ranks highest for controlling a forklift hazard?

  1. Eliminating the hazard, for example by removing the need to move the load Correct answer.
  2. Issuing personal protective equipment to pedestrians
  3. Placing warning signs at the aisle entrance
  4. Retraining operators in the existing procedure

Explanation

The hierarchy of control ranks elimination of the hazard as the most reliable measure, followed by substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and finally PPE. Controls higher in the hierarchy do not depend on human behaviour to remain effective.

Question 23Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A forklift is being used in a warehouse where pedestrians also walk. Which control best reduces the risk of a pedestrian being struck?

  1. Physically separating pedestrian walkways from forklift aisles with barriers Correct answer.
  2. Painting a line on the floor between the aisle and walkway
  3. Requiring pedestrians to wear high-visibility vests
  4. Asking operators to sound the horn at every corner

Explanation

A physical barrier is an engineering control that separates people from moving plant and works regardless of attention or behaviour. Markings, vests and horns are administrative or PPE-level measures that rely on people complying.

Question 24Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What does a risk score in a typical risk matrix combine?

  1. The training record and the maintenance log
  2. The cost of the equipment and the age of the operator
  3. The likelihood of an incident and the severity of the resulting harm Correct answer.
  4. The number of shifts worked and the number of loads moved

Explanation

A risk matrix multiplies or ranks likelihood against consequence severity to produce a risk level. That level then determines whether the activity can proceed and what controls are required.

Question 25Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

During a pre-start check an operator finds a hydraulic hose leaking fluid onto the floor. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

  1. Top up the hydraulic reservoir and continue the shift
  2. Reduce the load weight and continue working
  3. Tag the forklift out of service and report the defect Correct answer.
  4. Wipe the floor and keep operating until the end of shift

Explanation

A leaking hose is a defect affecting both braking and load control, and the spilled fluid creates a slip hazard. The machine must be isolated from service and the fault reported so it can be repaired and the spill cleaned up.

Question 26Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which workplace condition is a hazard specific to operating a forklift on a loading dock?

  1. Uneven lighting in the lunchroom
  2. An unguarded dock edge where the forklift could fall Correct answer.
  3. A noisy air conditioner in the office
  4. A loose door handle on a cupboard

Explanation

An unguarded dock edge is a fall-from-height hazard for the forklift and operator, and falls from docks are a recognised cause of serious forklift fatalities. Edge protection, barriers or dock gates are the appropriate controls.

Question 27Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Why should a forklift operator report a near miss, such as a pedestrian stepping into the aisle without injury?

  1. Because it proves the pedestrian was at fault
  2. Because near misses are legally required to be ignored
  3. Because near misses reveal uncontrolled hazards before someone is hurt Correct answer.
  4. Because it reduces the need for future maintenance

Explanation

A near miss shows that a hazard exists and that existing controls are not fully effective. Reporting allows the cause to be investigated and controls improved before an incident causes injury.

Question 28Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A load on the forks is unstable and leaning. Which action best controls the risk of the load falling?

  1. Ask a nearby worker to steady the load by hand while travelling
  2. Raise the load higher to improve the operator's view
  3. Travel faster to reach the destination before it falls
  4. Lower the load, set it down and restack or secure it before moving Correct answer.

Explanation

An unstable load must be made safe before travel; lowering and restacking or securing it removes the hazard. Travelling with an unstable load, or raising it, increases the chance of it toppling onto people or the operator.

Question 29Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A forklift must travel down a ramp with a loaded pallet. What is the correct risk control?

  1. Travel forward down the ramp with the load raised
  2. Travel down with the load raised to keep it level
  3. Travel in reverse down the ramp with the load low and uphill Correct answer.
  4. Travel forward at speed to maintain momentum

Explanation

On a gradient the load should be kept low and pointed up the slope, so the operator travels in reverse down the ramp. This keeps the heavy end uphill and reduces the risk of the load sliding off or the machine tipping.

Question 30Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following is an engineering control for a blind corner in a forklift aisle?

  1. Placing a stop sign at the corner
  2. Installing a convex mirror or proximity warning system at the corner Correct answer.
  3. Requiring operators to wear hearing protection
  4. Retraining operators to slow down at corners

Explanation

A convex mirror or proximity detection device is a physical or engineered addition that improves visibility or warns of approaching traffic automatically. Training, signage and PPE are administrative or PPE controls that depend on human behaviour.

Question 31Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

During a risk assessment of a task, the team identifies a hazard that cannot be eliminated. What should happen next?

  1. The task should proceed without further action
  2. Only PPE should be considered because elimination is impossible
  3. Controls should be selected using the hierarchy and the residual risk re-evaluated Correct answer.
  4. The hazard should be removed from the register

Explanation

When elimination is not practicable, controls are chosen in descending order of the hierarchy and the remaining risk is assessed again. If residual risk is still too high, the task should not proceed until further controls are found.

Question 32Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the main risk created by carrying a load that blocks the operator's forward view?

  1. The steering will lock up
  2. The operator cannot see pedestrians or obstructions ahead Correct answer.
  3. The forklift will use more fuel
  4. The load will automatically become lighter

Explanation

A load that obstructs forward vision prevents the operator from seeing people, other vehicles or obstructions in the path. The usual control is to travel in reverse with the load trailing, or to use a designated route with spotters.

Question 33Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A forklift is rated to 2000 kg at 500 mm load centre. A load of 1800 kg has its centre of gravity at 700 mm. How should this be assessed?

  1. It is safe if the operator drives slowly
  2. It is safe because the load centre does not affect capacity
  3. It is unsafe because the increased load centre reduces the rated capacity below 1800 kg Correct answer.
  4. It is safe because 1800 kg is below the rated capacity

Explanation

Rated capacity assumes a stated load centre; moving the centre further out increases the tipping moment and reduces the safe capacity. The actual capacity at 700 mm must be checked against the data plate, and the load should be reduced or repositioned.

Question 34Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which factor most increases the risk of a forklift tipping sideways during a turn?

  1. Operating in a well-lit aisle
  2. Using a forklift with a working seat belt
  3. Carrying a load low with the mast tilted back
  4. Turning at speed with a raised load Correct answer.

Explanation

Sideways tip-over is driven by the combination of speed in a turn, a raised load and the resulting lateral forces on a high centre of gravity. Keeping loads low and reducing speed in turns are the key controls.

Question 35Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the purpose of a spotter when a forklift must move a large load with restricted visibility?

  1. To increase the forklift's lifting capacity
  2. To take over the steering if the operator is tired
  3. To guide the operator and warn of hazards in the blind area Correct answer.
  4. To reduce the noise level of the forklift

Explanation

A spotter is positioned where the operator cannot see, giving directions and warning of pedestrians or obstructions. The spotter must remain visible to the operator and stand clear of the load path.

Question 36Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which is the most effective control for reducing exposure to diesel particulate emissions from an LPG or diesel forklift in an enclosed warehouse?

  1. Providing operators with dust masks
  2. Improving ventilation and servicing the engine to reduce emissions at source Correct answer.
  3. Placing a warning sign on the forklift
  4. Rotating operators more frequently

Explanation

Ventilation and engine maintenance reduce the contaminant at its source and in the breathing zone, which ranks higher than administrative or PPE measures. Rotating staff and masks only reduce individual exposure while the emission continues.

Question 37Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A forklift operator is required to work in a cold-store freezer. Which hazard combination should the risk assessment address?

  1. Ice on the floor causing loss of traction and cold stress on the operator Correct answer.
  2. Faster hydraulic response and improved grip
  3. Lower fuel consumption and brighter lighting
  4. Increased battery life and reduced noise

Explanation

In freezer environments ice and condensation reduce traction, and prolonged cold exposure can cause cold stress and reduced dexterity. Controls include floor treatment, suitable clothing, task rotation and warming breaks.

Question 38Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What is the correct way to manage the risk of a forklift being driven onto a truck trailer for loading?

  1. Load the trailer from the side using the forks only
  2. Assume the trailer is secured because the driver is present
  3. Drive on quickly to minimise the time on the ramp
  4. Confirm the trailer is chocked or coupled and the dock is safe before entering Correct answer.

Explanation

Trailer creep or tip-up is a known fatal hazard; the trailer must be restrained and the dock plate secure before the forklift enters. A driver being present is not a reliable substitute for physical restraint.

Question 39Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following best describes 'residual risk'?

  1. The risk before any controls are considered
  2. The risk created by the risk assessment itself
  3. The risk that remains after controls have been applied Correct answer.
  4. The risk of the forklift breaking down

Explanation

Residual risk is what remains once the chosen controls are in place and working. It must be evaluated against the organisation's risk criteria and, if still unacceptable, further controls are required.

Question 40Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

An operator notices that a pedestrian walkway marking has faded. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Report it so the marking can be restored and consider additional barriers Correct answer.
  2. Tell pedestrians to be more careful
  3. Increase the forklift speed to spend less time in the area
  4. Ignore it because markings are not controls

Explanation

Faded markings reduce the effectiveness of an existing control, so the deficiency should be reported and repaired. Where markings alone are relied on, additional physical separation should be considered.

Question 41Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which combination correctly matches a hazard with its control?

  1. Noisy engine - paint the forklift a bright colour
  2. Poor lighting in the aisle - install additional lighting Correct answer.
  3. Slippery floor - increase travel speed
  4. Overloaded forklift - sound the horn more often

Explanation

Poor lighting is an environmental hazard best controlled by improving illumination, an engineering solution. Each other pairing links a hazard to a measure that does not address its cause.

Question 42Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

A worker is asked to stand under a raised load while a second worker fits a sling. What is the correct risk decision?

  1. Prohibit it and lower the load or use a stand before anyone works beneath it Correct answer.
  2. Allow it if the forklift operator watches the worker
  3. Allow it if the worker wears a hard hat
  4. Allow it if the task is completed quickly

Explanation

Working under a suspended load is a serious crushing hazard and must be avoided entirely. The load should be lowered to a stand or the ground before anyone places themselves beneath it.

Question 43Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

Which of the following is the best example of consultation during a forklift risk assessment?

  1. Involving operators, pedestrians and contractors in identifying hazards and controls Correct answer.
  2. Having the assessment signed by a director only
  3. The manager writing the assessment alone and filing it
  4. Copying a generic assessment from another site without change

Explanation

Consultation means involving the people who do the work and those exposed to the hazards, because they know how tasks are actually performed. This produces more accurate hazard identification and better acceptance of controls.

Question 44Hazard identification, risk assessment and control

What should be done if a risk assessment shows that the residual risk of a task remains high even after controls are applied?

  1. Stop the task and implement further controls or redesign the task Correct answer.
  2. Reduce the assessment rating to match the controls
  3. Proceed because an assessment has been completed
  4. Record the risk and continue with extra caution

Explanation

If residual risk remains above the acceptable level, the task must not proceed until further controls or a redesign reduce it. Adjusting the rating to match the controls defeats the purpose of the assessment.

Question 45Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

On a counterbalance forklift, what is the name of the point about which the truck would tip if overloaded?

  1. The pivot centre
  2. The fulcrum line Correct answer.
  3. The stability apex
  4. The load centre

Explanation

The fulcrum line is the imaginary line joining the front wheel contact points, and it acts as the tipping axis for a counterbalance truck. Load moment is measured about this line, so any load whose moment exceeds the counterbalancing moment will tip the truck forward.

Question 46Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

A load is rated at 1000 kg at a 600 mm load centre. What happens to the rated capacity if the same load is carried with its centre of gravity at 900 mm?

  1. Rated capacity decreases Correct answer.
  2. Rated capacity stays the same
  3. Rated capacity increases
  4. Rated capacity is unaffected by load centre

Explanation

Capacity falls as the load centre increases because the load moment is the product of weight and distance from the fulcrum line. Moving the centre of gravity further out raises the moment for the same mass, so the permitted mass must be reduced to keep the moment within the truck's rating.

Question 47Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

Which component of a forklift provides the counterweight that balances the load?

  1. The mast assembly
  2. The carriage
  3. The chassis and counterweight block Correct answer.
  4. The overhead guard

Explanation

The heavy chassis and the cast counterweight at the rear of the truck create the counterbalancing moment that offsets the load moment. Without sufficient rear mass the truck would tip forward about the fulcrum line whenever a load is raised.

Question 48Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

What is the purpose of the overhead guard on a counterbalance forklift?

  1. To improve rearward visibility
  2. To act as a counterweight
  3. To protect the operator from falling objects Correct answer.
  4. To increase the lifting height

Explanation

The overhead guard is a structural canopy designed to deflect falling objects away from the operator's compartment. It is a protective structure and is not intended to carry loads or to alter the lifting capacity of the truck.

Question 49Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

Which forklift type is best suited to working in a narrow aisle where the truck must turn within the aisle itself?

  1. A reach truck Correct answer.
  2. A counterbalance forklift with a long wheelbase
  3. A rough-terrain forklift
  4. A tow tractor

Explanation

Reach trucks have a compact chassis and a moving mast or fork carriage that reaches into racking, allowing them to operate in aisles too narrow for a counterbalance truck to turn. Their design trades outdoor capability for aisle efficiency.

Question 50Forklift types, components, stability and load charts

What does the data plate on a forklift state?

  1. The rated capacity at specified load centres and lift heights Correct answer.
  2. The tyre inflation pressure only
  3. The service interval for the hydraulic oil
  4. The operator's licence number

Explanation

The data plate lists the truck's rated capacities, usually as a series of values tied to particular load centres and sometimes to mast height or attachment type. Operators must check it before lifting because capacity changes with how the load is carried.