Forklift Test Answers (OSHA 1910.178)
Forklift test answers for independent study: review 64 powered industrial truck operator questions, the ones trainees report first, each answered from and quoted from 29 CFR 1910.178 on eCFR or the OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool. Not an official answer key for any employer's operator exam.
Forklift (powered industrial truck) operator practice drawn from OSHA's general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.178 and the OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool: operator training and evaluation, pre-operation inspection, load center and stability, traveling, ramps and grades, docks, elevators, parking, batteries and refueling.
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01True or false: An operator of a rider-type powered industrial truck may pass another truck traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations if moving at a slow speed.
False. 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(3): other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations shall not be passed, at any speed.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations shall not be passed.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗02Employees operating a powered industrial truck shall not place their arms or legs in either of which two positions?
Between the uprights of the mast, or outside the running lines of the truck (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(4)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall prohibit arms or legs from being placed between the uprights of the mast or outside the running lines of the truck.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗03If mechanical trouble develops with a powered industrial truck, you should:
Report it to your supervisor and do not operate the truck: a truck found in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe is taken out of service until it is restored to safe operating condition (29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗04True or false: Smoking or other sources of ignition must be prohibited in powered industrial truck battery charging areas.
True. 29 CFR 1910.178(g)(10)-(11): smoking is prohibited in the charging area, and precautions must prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Precautions shall be taken to prevent open flames, sparks, or electric arcs in battery charging areas.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗05True or false: Your lift trucks should never be left unattended with the motor running or with the key on.
True. 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i): when a truck is left unattended, the forks are fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off and brakes set.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗06A semi-trailer, when not coupled to a tractor and being loaded or unloaded with a powered industrial truck, shall have what?
Support against upending: fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer during loading or unloading when it is not coupled to a tractor, with brakes set and wheel blocks in place (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(7), (k)(3)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer and prevent upending during the loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗07Forks on empty parked powered industrial trucks must always be where?
On the floor: when a truck is left unattended, the load engaging means are fully lowered (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗08True or false: Refresher training is not required for an operator involved in an accident.
False. 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(ii)(B): refresher training must be provided when the operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Refresher training in relevant topics shall be provided to the operator when: (A) The operator has been observed to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner; (B) The operator has been involved in an accident or near-miss incident;”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗09True or false: When the powered industrial truck load blocks your forward visibility, stand up and drive slowly.
False. 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4): if the load obstructs the forward view, the driver must travel with the load trailing.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗10True or false: A powered industrial truck operator must promptly report any defects on the powered industrial truck to the employer.
True. The OSHA forklift eTool says defects must be immediately reported and corrected, and repair problems reported to your supervisor.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Never operate a forklift requiring maintenance, and always report repair problems to your supervisor.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/operating-forklift/pre-operation ↗11True or false: A powered industrial truck operator shall drive at a slow speed over wet or slippery floors.
True. 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(10): the driver must slow down for wet and slippery floors.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The driver shall be required to slow down for wet and slippery floors.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗12True or false: An operator of a powered industrial lift truck shall not drive up to employees that are standing in front of a bench or fixed object.
True. 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(1): trucks shall not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Trucks shall not be driven up to anyone standing in front of a bench or other fixed object.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗13True or false: In level areas an operator shall travel with the load engaging means elevated only sufficiently to clear obstacles on floor or roadway.
True. Carry the load as low as possible; The OSHA forklift eTool says 4 to 6 inches from the ground, and on grades 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(iii) allows it raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“On all grades the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back if applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗14When picking up a load with a forklift, does your center of gravity shift?
Yes. When the forklift engages a load, the combined center of gravity of the load and truck shifts forward, toward the load.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Remember, when the forklift engages a load, the combined center of gravity of both the load and the truck system shift forward from the center of gravity of the unloaded forklift.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/load-handling/load-composition ↗15When approaching a loaded pallet with forks, the forks should be how?
Square to the load and at the correct height: the truck is placed squarely in front of the load with the forks at the correct height.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Be certain that the truck is placed squarely in front of the load and that the forks are at the correct height.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/operating-forklift/load-handling ↗16How do you travel over railroad tracks with a forklift?
Diagonally wherever possible (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(5)), and never park closer than 8 feet from the center of the tracks.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Railroad tracks shall be crossed diagonally wherever possible. Parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗17Is propane (LPG) vapor heavier or lighter than air?
Heavier. LPG vapor is heavier than air and seeks the lowest lying area, where it can collect in pockets and ignite.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“LPG vapor is heavier than air and will seek the lowest lying area. If not adequately dissipated, it will collect in pockets and possibly ignite when exposed to a heat source.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/types-fundamentals/power-sources/internal-combustion ↗18When traveling down a ramp or incline with a loaded forklift, what should you do?
Back down: drive in reverse going down a ramp so the load stays upgrade. Going up, drive forward with the load upgrade.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall be driven with the load upgrade.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗19How soon should repairs be made to a forklift?
Before it is used again: a truck in need of repair is taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition (29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗20How many people are permitted to ride on a forklift?
Only the operator, unless riding is authorized and a safe place to ride is provided (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(3)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted to ride on powered industrial trucks. A safe place to ride shall be provided where riding of trucks is authorized.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗21Which of the following has an effect on the amount of stability of a forklift: weight distribution, track (axle length) or wheelbase?
All three. Stability depends on the wheelbase, track, and height, the load's weight distribution, and the counterweight location (29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A-2.1).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Track is the distance between the wheels on the same axle of the truck.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗22The rated capacity of a forklift can be found where?
On the forklift's data plate (also called the nameplate), and it applies only at the load center shown there.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The stated capacity of a forklift only applies to the load center indicated on the data plate.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/load-handling/load-composition ↗23The minimum distance the forks should extend into the pallet is how far?
All the way: the forks are placed under the load as far as possible, then the mast is tilted back (29 CFR 1910.178(o)(5)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A load engaging means shall be placed under the load as far as possible; the mast shall be carefully tilted backward to stabilize the load.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗24How high should a load be carried?
As low as possible. The OSHA forklift eTool says to carry the load at the lowest position possible, 4 to 6 inches from the ground.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Carry the load at the lowest position possible, 4 to 6 inches from the ground.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/load-handling/load-composition ↗25True or false: Carrying a load very high, or raising or lowering a load or forks while traveling, will affect the combined center of gravity and will increase the odds for a tip-over accident.
True. Elevating the load shifts the center of gravity up and forward and makes the truck less stable, so do not raise or lower the forks unless the forklift is stopped and the brake is set.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The weight's transfer and the resultant shift in the center of gravity due to the dynamic forces created when the machine is moving, braking, cornering, lifting, tilting, and lowering loads, etc., are important stability considerations.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗26True or false: Load center is the horizontal halfway point of a load, measured from the face of the forks towards the fork tips, typically 24 inches.
True. The load center is the distance from the face of the forks to the load's center of gravity (the middle of a symmetrical load), and forklifts are commonly rated at a 24-inch load center.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Forklifts are designed to carry a capacity load at a standard load center, commonly 24 inches.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/load-handling/load-composition ↗27True or false: Adding weight on the rear of the truck is the proper way to counterbalance an overloaded truck.
False. Only loads within the rated capacity may be handled (29 CFR 1910.178(o)(2)), and extra counterweight may not be added unless the truck manufacturer approves it (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(6)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Only loads within the rated capacity of the truck shall be handled.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗28True or false: When traveling on a forklift, the carried load must be at the highest feasible position during travel.
False. The OSHA forklift eTool says to carry the load at the lowest position possible, 4 to 6 inches from the ground.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Carry the load at the lowest position possible, 4 to 6 inches from the ground.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/load-handling/load-composition ↗29To prevent a tipover when driving a rough terrain forklift, keep the load _____.
Low. OSHA's stability guidance says a heavy load should be carried at the lowest position possible, with slow, even acceleration.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“For example, if an operator must handle a maximum load, the load should be carried at the lowest position possible, the truck should be accelerated slowly and evenly, and the forks should be tilted forward cautiously.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗30To work with motorized material handling equipment such as a forklift, a worker must be ____.
Trained and evaluated, with the employer certifying it. The employer must ensure the operator has completed the required training before operating (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii), (l)(6)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The employer shall certify that each operator has been trained and evaluated as required by this paragraph (l).”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗31True or false: Only trained and authorized operators are allowed to operate a forklift.
True. The employer must ensure each operator has completed the required training before operating, except for training purposes (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck (except for training purposes), the employer shall ensure that each operator has successfully completed the training required by this paragraph (l)”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗32True or false: When traveling up or down a grade or ramp with a load, the load should always point uphill.
True. Loaded trucks are driven with the load upgrade: forward going up, in reverse going down.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall be driven with the load upgrade.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗33True or false: Loads should always be carried with the mast tilted to the forward-most position.
False. Never travel with the load tilted forward: it increases the load distance and makes the load less stable. The mast is tilted back to stabilize the load (29 CFR 1910.178(o)(5)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A load engaging means shall be placed under the load as far as possible; the mast shall be carefully tilted backward to stabilize the load.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗34True or false: If you have been trained to operate a sit down four wheel lift truck, you are also qualified to operate a stand up reach truck.
False. Training covers the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate, and refresher training is required when an operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3), (l)(4)(ii)(D)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(D) The operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗35True or false: If you know how to drive a car, you also know how to drive a lift truck.
False. Operator training must cover the differences between the truck and the automobile (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(B)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Operating instructions, warnings, and precautions for the types of truck the operator will be authorized to operate; (B) Differences between the truck and the automobile;”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗36Is completion of the pre-operation inspection checklist necessary daily, at the beginning of every shift?
Yes. Trucks are examined before being placed in service, at least daily (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(7)), and trucks used round the clock are examined after each shift.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Forklifts used on a round-the-clock basis must be examined after each shift.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/operating-forklift/pre-operation ↗37If your forklift starts to tip over, what should you do?
Don't jump. With the seat belt fastened, hold on tight to the steering wheel, brace your feet, and lean away from the impact.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The steps to take in a tipover of a sit-down counterbalanced forklift: Fasten seat belt, don't jump, hold on tight to steering wheel, brace feet, lean away from impact and lean forward.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/types-fundamentals/parts/labels ↗38When charging forklift batteries, is acid poured into water or water poured into acid?
Acid is poured into water; water is never poured into acid (29 CFR 1910.178(g)(7)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When charging batteries, acid shall be poured into water; water shall not be poured into acid.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗39Below what level of general lighting must a powered industrial truck carry auxiliary directional lighting?
Less than 2 lumens per square foot (29 CFR 1910.178(h)(2)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Where general lighting is less than 2 lumens per square foot, auxiliary directional lighting shall be provided on the truck.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗40About how far behind the truck ahead should a powered industrial truck travel?
Approximately three truck lengths, with the truck kept under control at all times (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A safe distance shall be maintained approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, and the truck shall be kept under control at all times.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗41How close to the center of railroad tracks may a forklift be parked?
No closer than 8 feet (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(5)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗42Under 29 CFR 1910.178, when is a powered industrial truck considered unattended?
When the operator is 25 feet or more away from it, even if it remains in view, or whenever the operator leaves it and it is not in view (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A powered industrial truck is unattended when the operator is 25 ft. or more away from the vehicle which remains in his view, or whenever the operator leaves the vehicle and it is not in his view.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗43At minimum, how often must each forklift operator's performance be evaluated?
At least once every three years (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(4)(iii)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator's performance shall be conducted at least once every three years.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗44What must the employer's forklift operator certification include?
The operator's name, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) who did the training or evaluation (29 CFR 1910.178(l)(6)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The certification shall include the name of the operator, the date of the training, the date of the evaluation, and the identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗45How should a forklift enter an elevator, and what must the operator do once on it?
Approach slowly and enter squarely after the car is properly leveled; once on, neutralize the controls, shut off the power, and set the brakes (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(12)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Elevators shall be approached slowly, and then entered squarely after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once on the elevator, the controls shall be neutralized, power shut off, and the brakes set.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗46How must motorized hand trucks enter an elevator or other confined area?
Load end forward (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(13)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Motorized hand trucks must enter elevator or other confined areas with load end forward.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗47What is required before and while a forklift drives over a dockboard or bridgeplate?
It must be properly secured first, then driven over carefully and slowly, and its rated capacity never exceeded (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(11)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Dockboard or bridgeplates, shall be properly secured before they are driven over. Dockboard or bridgeplates shall be driven over carefully and slowly and their rated capacity never exceeded.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗48May a forklift's fuel tank be filled while the engine is running?
No. Fuel tanks shall not be filled while the engine is running, and spillage must be avoided (29 CFR 1910.178(p)(2)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Fuel tanks shall not be filled while the engine is running. Spillage shall be avoided.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗49May an open flame be used to check the electrolyte level in a forklift battery?
No (29 CFR 1910.178(p)(5)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Open flames shall not be used for checking electrolyte level in storage batteries or gasoline level in fuel tanks.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗50What is a forklift's overhead guard designed to protect against, and what is it not meant to withstand?
It protects against falling objects such as small packages, boxes, and bagged material; it is not meant to withstand the impact of a falling capacity load (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(9)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It should be noted that an overhead guard is intended to offer protection from the impact of small packages, boxes, bagged material, etc., representative of the job application, but not to withstand the impact of a falling capacity load.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗51When must a load backrest extension be used on a forklift?
Whenever necessary to minimize the chance of the load, or part of it, falling rearward (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(10)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A load backrest extension shall be used whenever necessary to minimize the possibility of the load or part of it from falling rearward.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗52To which vehicles must a forklift yield the right of way?
Ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in emergency situations (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(2)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The right of way shall be yielded to ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in emergency situations.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗53May anyone stand or pass under the raised forks of a forklift?
No, whether the truck is loaded or empty (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(2)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No person shall be allowed to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗54What must be done to a highway truck or trailer before a forklift boards it?
Set its brakes and place wheel chocks under its rear wheels so it cannot roll (29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗55May a forklift be used to open or close freight doors?
No (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(6)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗56What is the stability triangle of a counterbalanced forklift?
The triangle formed by the truck's three points of support; while the line of action of the truck and load stays inside it, the truck is stable and will not tip over (29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A-4).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When the vehicle's line of action, or load center, falls within the stability triangle, the vehicle is stable and will not tip over.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗57What is the fulcrum of a forklift?
The truck's axis of rotation when it tips over; when tipping forward, the front wheels' points of contact with the pavement.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The axis of rotation when a truck tips forward is the front wheels' points of contact with the pavement.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗58What is the difference between a forklift's track and its wheelbase?
Track is the distance between the wheels on the same axle; wheelbase is the distance between the centerlines of the front and rear wheels.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Wheelbase is the distance between the centerline of the vehicle's front and rear wheels.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗59What is the difference between a forklift's lateral and longitudinal stability?
Lateral stability is resistance to overturning sideways; longitudinal stability is resistance to overturning forward or rearward.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Longitudinal stability is the truck's resistance to overturning forward or rearward.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗60Is stunt driving or horseplay ever permitted on a forklift?
No (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(9)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“(9) Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗61What personal protective equipment should be worn when checking forklift battery electrolyte?
A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Always use personal protective equipment such as a face shield, rubber apron, and rubber gloves when checking electrolyte.”
— OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks eTool (osha.gov), powered-industrial-trucks/operating-forklift/pre-operation ↗62What must be kept clear around forklift operations for fire safety?
Fire aisles, access to stairways, and fire equipment (29 CFR 1910.178(m)(14)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Fire aisles, access to stairways, and fire equipment shall be kept clear.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗63How should a forklift operator steer through a turn?
Reduce speed to a safe level and turn the steering wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion, at a moderate, even rate except at very low speed (29 CFR 1910.178(n)(15)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“While negotiating turns, speed shall be reduced to a safe level by means of turning the hand steering wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗64What must be done before repairs are made to a forklift's electrical system?
Disconnect the battery (29 CFR 1910.178(q)(4)).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Trucks in need of repairs to the electrical system shall have the battery disconnected prior to such repairs.”
— 29 CFR 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks (eCFR, current as of 2026-10-28) ↗Know questions we're missing?
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