Pedestrian Safety, Traffic Management and Site Hazards
This domain tests how the operator and site controls protect people who are not driving. The exam looks for separation, visibility, communication and hazard recognition rather than slogans.
Core rules
- Segregation: marked pedestrian walkways, barriers, crossings, mirrors at blind corners, one-way routes, speed limits, signage and designated parking/charging areas.
- Operator behaviour: slow down near pedestrians, make eye contact, sound the horn at blind corners and doorways, and stop if a pedestrian is in the path. Do not rely on the horn alone.
- Blind spots: the rear counterweight swings outward in a turn; the mast and load can block forward view; mirrors do not remove all blind spots. Use a spotter when needed.
- Pedestrian behaviour: use walkways and crossings, never walk under raised forks or loads, never assume the operator has seen you, and stay clear of the rear swing area.
- Site hazards: dock edges, ramps, uneven or wet floors, overhead obstructions, low clearance, blind corners, noise, poor lighting and flammable areas.
Worked example
A forklift approaches a blind doorway while a pedestrian walks in the adjacent aisle. Reasoning: the operator should stop at the doorway, sound the horn, edge forward only when the path is clear, and use a mirror or spotter. The pedestrian should use the marked walkway and make eye contact before crossing. Either party can prevent the collision; the operator carries the greater duty because of the machine’s mass and blind spots.
Traps
- Assuming high-visibility clothing makes a pedestrian visible in every blind spot.
- Sounding the horn but not looking.
- Letting pedestrians pass under a raised load ‘quickly’.
- Ignoring rear-end swing in tight aisles.
- Treating a familiar route as automatically safe.