Learner Guide AI Flashcards
What is a forklift?
A powered industrial truck equipped with a mast and an elevating load carriage with fork arms or another load handling attachment.
What must a licensed worker ensure regarding their work?
They must take reasonable steps to ensure their work does not impact the safety of themselves or others.
What are the four main types of Work Health & Safety (WHS) laws?
- Acts
- Regulations
- Codes of Practice/Compliance code
- Australian Standards
What is ‘Duty of Care’ in the workplace?
The responsibility to keep oneself and others as safe as possible while at work.
Who has a duty of care in the workplace?
- Employers and self-employed persons
- Any person in control of the workplace
- Supervisors
- Designers
- Manufacturers
- Suppliers
- Workers
- Inspectors
What are some sources of workplace safety information?
- WHS/OHS policy
- Code of Practice/Compliance Code
- Manufacturer’s instructions
- Operations manual
- Legislation and regulations
- Relevant Australian standards
- WHS/OHS workplace representative
- Safe working or job procedures
- Management plans
What does managing hazards and risks involve?
Identifying hazards and assessing risks to reduce potential harm.
What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?
A hazard is a situation that has the potential to cause harm, while a risk is the chance of that hazard causing harm.
Who should you consult with about hazards and risks?
- Safety officers
- Site engineers
- Supervisors
- Colleagues
- Managers
- Health and Safety Representatives
- WHS Committee members
What should you check for when identifying hazards before starting work?
- Ground conditions
- Overhead hazards
- Poor lighting
- Surrounding structures
- Traffic
- Weather
Fill in the blank: A hazard is a thing or situation with the potential to cause _______.
harm or damage
What information must an employer provide before an employee operates an unfamiliar forklift?
- Information
- Training
- Instruction
- Supervision
What can happen if a licensed worker fails to work safely?
- Suspension or cancellation of license
- Refusal to renew license
- Reassessment for competency
- Legal action
What are the key components of work instructions?
- Manufacturer’s guidelines
- Industry operating procedures
- Workplace procedures
True or False: All workers, including forklift operators, have a duty of care.
True
What should you do if you cannot understand your work instructions?
Ask your boss or supervisor for clarification.
What should you check regarding weather conditions before starting work?
Schedule work activities and prepare risk controls associated with bad weather.
What does the term ‘control measures’ refer to?
Strategies put in place to reduce or eliminate hazards.
What types of hazards should be checked overhead?
- Power lines
- Overhead service lines
- Bridges
What is the purpose of safety procedures?
To ensure work is done safely without damaging equipment or putting people in unsafe situations.
What are some ground conditions to check for in the work area?
- Condition of pavement and operating surface
- Slopes, ramps, imperfections and inclines
- Underground services
- Non-weight bearing surfaces
- Wet surfaces
These conditions can significantly impact safety and operations in the work area.
What are some overhead hazards to be aware of?
- Power lines
- Overhead service lines
- Bridges
Awareness of these hazards is crucial for safe operations, especially when operating heavy machinery.
What types of weather conditions are considered hazards?
- Strong winds
- Lightning
- Rain
- Snow or ice
- Heat and sun exposure
- Smoke, fog or limited visibility
Weather conditions can affect visibility and stability, increasing the risk of accidents.
What are some task-related hazards to consider?
Hazards caused by the way work is done
These may include improper lifting techniques or unsafe equipment use.
What steps should be taken when working near power lines?
- Contact local electrical authority for permission (exemption)
- Have power lines shut off or insulated
- Use a spotter (if required by local laws)
These measures are essential to ensure safety when working close to electrical hazards.
What is the minimum safe distance for equipment near distribution lines up to 66kV in Victoria?
6.4m (or 3.0m with a qualified spotter)
This distance is crucial to prevent electrical accidents.
What is the minimum safe distance for equipment near transmission lines greater than 66kV in Victoria?
10m (or 8m with a qualified spotter)
Maintaining this distance is key to ensuring worker safety around high voltage lines.
What are the minimum distances for working near power lines in Queensland for lines up to 132kV?
3.0m
Different states have specific regulations regarding safe distances from power lines.
What are the visual indicators for overhead power lines?
- Tiger tails or coloured markers
- Marker balls or flags
- Safety, warning, and danger signs
These indicators help workers identify the presence of power lines, but do not replace the need for safety measures.
What should you do if a forklift makes contact with power lines?
- Warn people to stay away
- Try to break contact with power lines
- Stay in the forklift if safe or jump away safely
- Report the incident
- Do not use the forklift until checked
Following these steps can prevent further accidents and injuries.
How do you assess the risk level of identified hazards?
By evaluating:
* Consequence (1 to 5 scale)
* Likelihood (1 to 5 scale)
This assessment helps prioritize safety actions based on the severity and probability of risks.
What is the action required for an Extreme risk level?
The task must not proceed.
This ensures that no unsafe activities occur under high-risk conditions.
What is the best kind of hazard control according to the Hierarchy of Hazard Control?
Elimination
Completely removing the hazard is the most effective way to ensure safety.
What are the six types of controls in the Hierarchy of Hazard Control?
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Isolation
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- Personal Protective Equipment
Each control type has its effectiveness in mitigating risks.
What are examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
- Head protection (hard hats)
- Foot protection (non-slip work boots)
- Hand protection (gloves)
- Eye protection (goggles)
- Ear protection (plugs/muffs)
- Breathing protection (masks)
- Hi-visibility clothing
- Weather protection clothing
PPE is essential for worker safety in hazardous environments.
What control measures should be in place when working in shared areas with traffic?
- Use a flag person
- Implement traffic control measures
These measures ensure the safety of both workers and pedestrians in shared workspaces.
What should you do if you find PPE that is not in good condition?
Tag it and remove it from service
Report the problem to your supervisor for repair or replacement.
What are some control measures for traffic in a shared work area?
- Using a flag person or traffic controller
- Setting up flashing hazard lights
- Setting up warning signs and barriers
- Setting up pedestrian and vehicle exclusion zones
- Using a Traffic Management Plan
What safety feature should all forklifts have?
Flashing amber safety lights and horns
True or False: It is safe to lift loads over people’s heads.
False
When is it permissible for people to ride on a forklift?
Only if the forklift is designed to carry more than one person
What is required when using a forklift at night or in dark areas?
Additional lighting across the entire work area
What should you do after identifying hazards and taking action?
Report the details to your supervisor and complete required forms
What factors should be considered when choosing the right forklift?
- Ground conditions
- Ventilation
- Available space
- Type of load
What type of forklift should not be used in confined spaces?
Internal combustion forklifts (petrol, gas, or diesel)
Define counterbalanced forklifts.
Forklifts that use their entire weight as a counterweight to safely lift loads
What is rear end swing in forklifts?
The fast sideways movement of the back of the forklift, creating a collision hazard
What is the centre of gravity (CG) of a forklift?
The single point where the forklift is balanced in all directions
What is the stability triangle?
An area between the drive wheels and the centre of the rear axle where the CG must stay for stability
List factors that affect forklift stability.
- Load size
- Load weight
- Load shape
- Load position
- Height of the load
- Tilt amount
- Tyre pressure
- Speed and momentum
- Surface unevenness
What is load centre distance?
The distance from the front face of the forks to the centre of gravity of the load
What happens to a forklift’s capacity as load centre distance increases?
The forklift’s capacity decreases
What is the rated capacity of a forklift?
The maximum load a forklift can handle in a specific configuration
What types of attachments can be used on forklifts?
- Rotating Attachment
- Drum Clamp
- Carpet Spike
- Jib Attachment
- Paper Roll Clamp
- Work Platform or Basket
- Fork Extensions
- Bale Clamp
What should you check before using a forklift attachment?
Manufacturer’s specifications and load chart for safe use
What are some methods of workplace communication?
- Verbal and non-verbal instructions
- Written instructions
- Signs and symbols
- Hand signals
- Two-way radios
- Pre-start meetings
What should be included in pre-start checks for a forklift?
- Fluids (levels and leaks)
- Tyres (condition, air, pressure)
- Structure (damage)
- Controls
- Capacity/Load Plate
- Lights and beacon
- Guards
- Battery security
- Logbook status
- Forks condition
- Mast condition
What is the purpose of a forklift inspection checklist?
To ensure all checks are completed properly and to report any problems
What should you check during a visual inspection of a forklift?
You need to check:
* The condition of the forks or attachment
* Under the forklift for oil leaks
* The condition of the mast and hydraulic rams and hoses
* The condition and security of the load backrest (load guard)
* Visual evidence of structural weaknesses (including paint separation or stressed welds)
The load guard stops the load from catching on the mast and also prevents it from falling on the operator.
What is the importance of the data plate on a forklift?
The data plate provides essential information about the forklift’s specifications and load capacity.
DO NOT use a forklift without a data or load plate.
What actions should be taken if the data plate is missing or damaged?
You must:
* Not operate the forklift
* Isolate the forklift
* Tag out of service
* Report to the supervisor
* Record in the logbook or report as per workplace policy
This ensures safety and compliance.
List the engine checks that should be performed on a forklift.
Check the following:
* Hydraulic oil
* Engine oil
* Transmission oil
* Brake fluid
* Cooling water
* Fuel
* Battery
Ensure the engine is switched off before refueling.
True or False: It is safe to use a fuel-powered forklift in a space with restricted air flow.
False
It can expose people to dangerous gases.
What safety devices should be checked on a forklift?
Check that the forklift has safety devices fitted, including:
* Lights (flashing amber light, head lights, brake lights, reverse lights)
* Guards (overhead guard, load backrest, foot guard)
These devices protect the operator and others in the work area.
What should be done if any faults are found during forklift checks?
You must:
1. Immediately stop the forklift and remove the keys
2. Tag the forklift as ‘out of service’
3. Record the problem in the logbook
4. Report the fault to your supervisor
5. DO NOT use the forklift until repairs are made
This ensures safety for all operators.
What steps should be followed to safely shift a load with a forklift?
To shift a load with a forklift, you need to:
1. Check the load
2. Ensure the work area is safe
3. Pick up the load
4. Drive safely with the load
5. Place the load
Each step is critical for safe operation.
Fill in the blank: The __________ of the load should be against the load backrest for stability.
heaviest part
Proper load positioning is essential to prevent tipping.
What should you consider when calculating the weight of a load?
Consider:
* How many items there are
* What each item weighs
* The weight of the pallet
Accurate weight calculation is crucial for safe lifting.
What should you do when picking up a load with a forklift?
Make sure to:
1. Approach the load front on
2. Insert the forks all the way into the pallet
3. Raise the forks and tilt the load back slightly
4. Position the load at axle height or as low as possible
Never pick up the load on only one fork arm.
What factors affect safe travelling with a load on a forklift?
Factors include:
* Size and type of the load
* Worksite policies
* Weather conditions
* Ground or floor conditions
* Personnel and equipment in the area
* Forklift size and technical limitations
Constant monitoring of load movement is necessary.
What should you do if the load blocks your view while driving a forklift?
You should:
* Travel in reverse
* Ensure the pathway is clear
* Get a guide to direct you
* Check mirrors and look over both shoulders before reversing
Safety measures are essential to avoid accidents.
What is rear end swing?
A dangerous movement of the forklift that can endanger people, equipment, and structures nearby.
What factors determine safe operating speed for a forklift?
- Size and type of the load
- Worksite policies, procedures, and signage
- Weather conditions
- Ground or floor conditions
- Personnel and other equipment in the area
- Forklift size, capacity, turning circle, and technical limitations or capabilities.
What should you ensure when loading onto a truck from a loading dock?
Secured dock plates or bridge plates must be in place.
When operating a forklift in adverse weather, what should you use?
PPE appropriate for the weather conditions.
What actions should be taken when operating a forklift in extreme heat?
- Use PPE appropriate to the weather conditions
- Hydrate and use sunscreen
- Assess risks
- Operate the forklift only if safe to do so
- Stop and notify the supervisor if/when the situation worsens
- Reassess the weather conditions prior to resuming forklift operations.
When travelling on a ramp with a forklift, how should you position the load?
Face the load uphill (forks pointing up the ramp).
What are the key steps for placing a load using a forklift?
- Approach the load destination slowly
- Raise the load to ensure clearance
- Lower the load onto the stack or ground
- Tilt the forks slightly forward
- Look over both shoulders and reverse to remove the forks.
What are some common forklift attachments?
- Bale clamps
- Carpet spike
- Drum carrier
- Jib attachment
- Paper roll clamps
- Personnel work platforms
- Rotators
- Slippers/fork extensions.
What is the maximum load capacity for a personnel work platform?
250kg unless specific assessments and regulations are followed.
What should you avoid doing while using a work platform on a forklift?
Do NOT use ladders while in the work platform.
What is the effect of using a jib attachment on a forklift’s load capacity?
It reduces the load capacity and alters the centre of gravity.
What should be done if a forklift begins to tip sideways?
Do NOT try to jump from the forklift while it is still moving.
What are the key steps in the event of a forklift malfunction?
- Stop the forklift where possible
- Lower the load and turn off the forklift
- Activate the emergency stop procedure
- Lock out and tag out the forklift
- Report to management.
What should you do before parking a forklift?
Ensure the fork arms are correctly positioned and apply the hand brake.
What is a crucial step when charging a forklift battery?
Charge in a well-ventilated area away from any naked flame.
What should you do if you find a fault with the forklift during inspection?
- Stop any operation and remove the keys
- Tag the forklift
- Record the problem in the logbook
- Report the fault to an authorised person.
What can cause lateral instability in a forklift?
- Unevenly distributed load
- Turning at an unsafe speed
- Driving with side shift not centred
- Driving over uneven surfaces.
What can lead to longitudinal instability in a forklift?
- Overloading
- Severe braking
- Incorrect use of the mast tilt
- Driving with the load too high.
What is one of the first actions to take in an emergency situation while operating a forklift?
Alert the relevant personnel of the emergency situation.
What is the importance of post-operational checks for a forklift?
To ensure the forklift is ready for the next operator and to maintain safety.
Fill in the blank: When parking a forklift on an incline, you should _______.
chock the front wheels.
What is the purpose of the Forklift Daily Inspection Checklist?
To ensure the safety and functionality of the forklift before use.
What are the two types of checks indicated on the checklist?
- Pre-Start
- Post-Operational
What should be checked regarding the tyres and wheels?
- Inflation
- Pressure
- Damage
- Covers
What components should be inspected on the forks, mast, and load backrest?
- Wear
- Damage
- Cracks
- Leaks
- Loose parts
- Excessive debris
What is checked underneath the machine?
- Leaks
- Loose parts
- Damage
What should be checked in the hydraulics section?
- Damage
- Leaks
What aspects are checked for covers and guards?
- Damage
- Wear
- Secured
What should be verified regarding decals and signage?
- Readability
- Wear
What is important to check on the load/data plate?
- Damage
- Wear
- Visibility
What overall machine checks are required?
- Loose or missing parts
- Damage
- Wear
- Missing guards and safety devices
What fluids should be checked in the engine?
- Engine oil
- Hydraulic oil
- Transmission oil
- Coolant
- Engine pre-cleaner
- Brake fluid
What should be checked for the battery?
- Cleanliness
- Security
What components should be checked inside the cabin?
- Levers
- Controls
- Gauges
- ROPS
- Floor plates
- Seat and seat belt
- Logbook
- Mirrors
What operational checks are performed on the accelerator and brake pedals?
- Working
- Damage
- Wear
- Dirt buildup on pedals
What should be verified regarding the steering?
- Working
- Damage to wheel
What should be checked for the forward & reverse gear?
- Working
- Lights
- Alarms
What checks are performed on the mast and fork controls?
- Functioning
- Smooth or jerky operation
What should be checked for attachments?
- Working
- Smooth or jerky operation
What operational features should radios, lights, and horn have?
- Functioning
- Damage
- Wear
What gauges should be monitored?
- Oil pressure
- Fuel level
- Engine temperature
- Hydraulics
- Speedometer
What should be documented in the action taken to repair the forklift?
Name and date of repair
Who is responsible for returning the forklift to service authority?
Supervisor
What should be included in the comments section?
Any additional notes or observations regarding the inspection or repairs.