Free Forklift (Lift Truck) Operator Practice Test

Answer: D. A competent person, or a worker being instructed who is accompanied by a competent person

Section 51(2)(a) of O. Reg. 851 allows a lifting device to be operated only by a competent person or by a worker who is being instructed and is accompanied by a competent person. Ontario has no government forklift exam, and a driver's licence does not make someone competent.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 51(2)(a)

Answer: C. The employer, who should have the operator demonstrate the required skills to a knowledgeable assessor

The ministry's lift truck guideline states that it is the employer's responsibility to establish a worker's competence, for example by having the operator demonstrate the skills to a person with expert knowledge of lift trucks. There is no provincial forklift licence.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, Competency

Answer: C. Before first use, then as often as needed, never less often than the manufacturer recommends, and at least yearly

Section 51(1)(b) requires a thorough examination before first use and afterwards as often as necessary, not less often than the manufacturer recommends and at least once a year, with a record signed by the competent person who did it.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 51(1)(b)

Answer: C. At least every three years

Summaries of CSA B335 (clause 6.21 in the 2015 edition) recommend operator retraining at least every three years. CSA B335 is a voluntary national standard unless a law or employer program adopts it, but Ontario's ministry guideline points employers to it.

Check it: CSA B335, cl. 6.21 (summary)

Answer: C. Class 7

The guideline's appendix lists Class 7 as rough terrain fork lift trucks. Classes 4 and 5 are internal combustion counterbalanced trucks with cushion and pneumatic tires, and Class 2 is electric narrow-aisle trucks.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. II

Answer: C. Class 5

Class 5 covers internal combustion engine trucks with pneumatic tires. Class 4 is the cushion-tire version, Class 1 is electric rider trucks and Class 3 is electric hand (walkie) trucks.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. II

Answer: B. The rated capacity at a stated load centre and lift height, plus details such as truck weight

The guideline lists capacity plate contents as model and serial numbers, rated capacity at a given load centre and height, maximum lift height, truck weight and minimum battery weight. O. Reg. 851 s. 51(1)(c) requires a lifting device to be marked so the operator can determine the maximum rated load.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. III(a); O. Reg. 851, s. 51(1)(c)

Answer: A. It goes down, so the load may need to be lighter than the plate rating

Capacity is rated at a specific load centre. Moving the load's centre of gravity farther from the front wheels increases its leverage over the counterweight, so the safe capacity drops. Check the plate or manufacturer's chart for reduced ratings.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Load Handling; App. III(a)

Answer: D. The combined centre of gravity rises, so a smaller tilt or turn can move it outside the stability base

Lifting a load raises the combined centre of gravity of truck and load. The higher it sits, the less movement is needed to shift it outside the stability triangle, which is why CCOHS warns that a truck is less stable when a load is raised.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Load Handling

Answer: D. Refuse: adding weight to counterbalance an overload is prohibited, so reduce the load or use a bigger truck

CCOHS says never add extra weight to counterbalance an overload, and O. Reg. 851 s. 59 forbids loading material handling equipment beyond its maximum rated load except for a test. Riders are also prohibited unless there is a proper seat.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 59; CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Load Handling

Answer: B. At the start of each shift, before operating the truck

The ministry guideline says the operator inspects the truck at the start of each shift using a checklist, and CCOHS calls for a visual and operational check at the start of the shift. Defects are reported to the supervisor.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, Safety Program

Answer: B. Report it to the supervisor and do not use the truck until it is repaired

A defect that affects safe operation must be reported to the supervisor immediately, and the truck should not be used until it is fixed. A working horn is a required operational check item because it warns pedestrians at intersections and blind spots.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Daily Checks

Answer: B. No more than 3% of the blade length

CCOHS fork safety guidance says the difference in height of the fork tips should not exceed 3% of the blade length. Uneven forks load the pallet unevenly and can indicate a bent fork that should be removed from service.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Fork Safety

Answer: B. Low, about 10 to 15 cm off the floor, with the mast tilted back

CCOHS says to lower the load to about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) before travelling, tilted back. The ministry guideline lists travelling with a load more than 10 cm above the floor as a dangerous activity.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Maintaining Truck Control

Answer: A. Reverse down the ramp so the load stays on the uphill side

With a load, drive in reverse downhill and forward uphill so the load is always uphill. This keeps the load against the backrest and the weight on the uphill side. Never travel across or turn on a ramp.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. III(b)

Answer: D. Travel in reverse, or have a competent signaller direct you

The guideline says if the forward view is obstructed, travel in reverse or be guided. O. Reg. 851 s. 56 requires a competent signaller when the operator does not have a full view of the path. Body parts must stay inside the compartment.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 56; App. III(b)

Answer: B. Reverse up the ramp, so the forks point downhill

Without a load, the forks should point downhill: drive forward going down and in reverse going up. This keeps the heavy counterweight on the uphill side. An empty truck still has a high, rear-biased centre of gravity.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. III(b); CCOHS

Answer: B. At least two-thirds of the load length

Both the ministry guideline and CCOHS say forks should engage at least two-thirds of the load length, centred, and preferably run all the way under the load so it stays stable.

Check it: MLITSD Lift Truck Guideline, App. III(b)

Answer: C. Level the forks, enter squarely, lift slightly, tilt back, then reverse straight out

CCOHS describes levelling the forks, entering fully under the load, lifting straight up until clear, tilting back, then reversing straight out. Do not raise or lower while moving or drag the forks.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Maintaining Truck Control

Answer: C. Heavier end nearest the front wheels, with the mast tilted back

CCOHS advises placing the heavier end nearest the front wheels and tilting the mast back. This keeps the load's centre of gravity close to the fulcrum and within the truck's rated load centre.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Load Handling

Answer: B. Only when the truck is stopped and the brake is applied

CCOHS says forks should be raised or lowered only when the truck is stopped and braked. The guideline also lists raising or lowering a load while moving as unsafe because it reduces stability.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Load Handling; App. III(b)

Answer: A. Stop, lower the load, and wait until the path is clear

CCOHS says operators should yield to pedestrians, stop when anyone crosses the travel route, and lower the load to the floor until the path is clear.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Professional Operator

Answer: A. Over any worker in the area

Section 51(2)(b)(i) requires that a lifting device be operated so that no part of the load passes over any worker. CCOHS also says nobody may stand or walk under elevated forks.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 51(2)(b)(i)

Answer: A. In full view of the operator, with a full view of the path, and clear of the path

Section 56 requires a competent signaller stationed in full view of the operator, with a full view of the intended path of the equipment and load, and clear of that path.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 56

Answer: D. Propane gas is heavier than air and collects in low spots

CCOHS notes that propane gas is heavier than air and very flammable, so leaks can collect in pits, basements and lower rooms where an ignition source could set them off.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Hazards of Propane

Answer: A. Hydrogen

Battery charging produces hydrogen gas, which CCOHS says is explosive at about 4.1% to 72% in air. That is why charging is done in ventilated areas away from sparks and flames.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Batteries

Answer: D. Apply soapy water or a leak detector

CCOHS says to use a soap and water solution or a leak detector and never matches or a flame. A brief hiss of one to two seconds on opening is normal; longer means a leak.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Safe Handling of Propane

Answer: A. Secure it against movement, for example by setting brakes and chocking wheels

O. Reg. 851 s. 57 requires an unattended vehicle to be immobilized, and the guideline says the vehicle must be restrained when a lift truck enters it. CCOHS adds: set brakes, chock wheels and have the driver turn off the engine.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, s. 57; CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Loading

Answer: D. Make sure the landing gear or a trailer stand fully supports the front of the trailer

CCOHS says to make sure the landing gear or stabilizer fully supports a trailer not attached to a tractor, and the guideline calls for a jackstand where needed. Without support, the trailer nose can drop when a forklift drives in.

Check it: CCOHS Forklift Trucks: Loading; App. III(b)

Answer: A. Lower the forks to the floor, set neutral and the parking brake, and shut it off

O. Reg. 851 ss. 57-58 require unattended equipment to be immobilized with forks lowered or solidly supported. The guideline adds neutral, parking brake, power off and chocks if it could roll.

Check it: O. Reg. 851, ss. 57-58