CSCS Counterbalance Forklift study plan

Define load centre and calculate how moving the centre of gravity forward reduces rated capacity at 500 mm, 600 mm and 700 mm load centres.

Explain the stability triangle and name the three tipping lines of a counterbalance truck (longitudinal, lateral and the combined effect of both).

Decode a rated capacity plate line by line: model, mast type, attachment fitted, load centre, lift height and capacity at each height.

Sketch side and end views of a counterbalance truck with the combined centre of gravity marked, and annotate what shifts it.

Calculate remaining capacity when an attachment such as a side-shift or clamp is fitted, and state why the plate value changes.

Sequence the steps of a safe de-stack and re-stack at racking level, naming the check performed at each step.

Explain how forward tilt, load height and mast extension each alter the combined centre of gravity.

List the three most common causes of tip-over on a counterbalance and match each to a specific control.

Solve 15 mixed numerical load-handling problems including derating and centre-of-gravity shifts.

Name and explain the function of each control on a counterbalance truck: mast, tilt, side-shift, hydraulic levers, parking brake, horn.

Describe how to functionally test the mast, tilt and steering before moving off.

List the employer and operator duties under PUWER, LOLER and the HSE-approved code of practice for rider-operated lift trucks.

Explain what 'competent', 'authorised' and 'refresher training' mean in practice, and which circumstances trigger re-training.

Identify the reporting chain and paperwork for an unsafe truck or a near miss.

List the elements of a pre-use inspection: tyres, forks, chains, mast, hydraulics, brakes, horn, lights, seat, restraints, fluids, data plate.

Explain the difference between a pre-use check, a planned preventive maintenance service and a thorough examination under LOLER.

Describe the actions to take when a defect is found: tag out, report, remove from service, record.

Draft a daily checklist with explicit pass/fail criteria for 20 items.

Explain record-keeping requirements for inspections and how long records are retained.

Walk through the correct start-up, travel and shutdown sequence and explain the blind-spot checks at each stage.

Apply the pedestrian safety hierarchy: segregation, exclusion zones, mirrors, horns, speed limits, high-visibility clothing.

Describe safe procedures for reversing, turning on a ramp and travelling with a raised load.

Explain the correct approach to a blind corner, a doorway and a busy loading bay.

Identify site rules that must be observed: speed limits, one-way systems, authorised routes and designated parking.

Compare fuelling and recharging procedures for diesel, LPG and lead-acid battery trucks, stating the PPE and ventilation requirements for each.

Explain the hydrogen-gas risk during battery charging and its controls: ventilation, no smoking, eyewash, acid spill kit.

List the steps for a safe battery change using a roller stand or overhead hoist.

Describe end-of-shift procedure: park, forks down, mast tilted forward, park brake, key removal, isolation, charging, handover.

Explain LPG cylinder change precautions and how to leak-check a connection.

Retake the week 4 mock and identify the two weakest domains from its score breakdown.

Re-derive the capacity calculation method on 10 questions under a 90-second-per-question limit.

Recite from memory the pre-use inspection sequence and the end-of-shift shutdown sequence.

Explain five common distractors used in load-handling questions and why each one is wrong.

Complete two full-length timed mocks of 50 questions in 60 minutes under exam conditions.

Close out every remaining entry in the error log with a one-sentence rule.

Rehearse the exam-day checklist: ID, booking confirmation, site induction requirements and timing.

Recite the safety-critical facts cold: stability triangle, load-centre derating, pre-use sequence and shutdown sequence.