22 Safe Operation & Traveling Practice Questions & Answers

1. 1. When following another powered industrial truck traveling in the same direction, what is the minimum safe distance an operator should maintain?

   • A.About one truck length
   • B.About ten feet regardless of speed
   • C.About three truck lengths✓ Answer
   • D.No specific distance is required

   OSHA 1910.178(n)(1) directs operators to keep a safe distance, approximately three truck lengths, from the truck ahead, because a loaded forklift needs extra room to brake and stop without rear-ending the vehicle in front.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(1)Report a problem with this question

2. 2. What must an operator do when approaching a cross aisle or a location where the view is obstructed?

   • A.Slow down and sound the horn✓ Answer
   • B.Turn off the truck's lights
   • C.Speed up to clear the area quickly
   • D.Raise the forks to full height

   1910.178(n)(9) requires operators to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed, warning pedestrians and other drivers that the truck is approaching so collisions can be avoided.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(9)Report a problem with this question

3. 3. If the load being carried blocks the operator's forward view, how should the truck be driven?

   • A.In reverse, looking in the direction of travel✓ Answer
   • B.Forward with a spotter walking ahead
   • C.Forward, standing up for a better view
   • D.Forward at reduced speed only

   1910.178(n)(6) requires that when the load obstructs the forward view, the operator travel with the load trailing (in reverse), so that the operator can keep a clear view of the path of travel.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(6)Report a problem with this question

4. 4. When traveling on a ramp or grade with a loaded forklift, the load should point which way?

   • A.Downgrade (forks pointed downhill)
   • B.It does not matter on a paved ramp
   • C.Upgrade (forks pointed uphill)✓ Answer
   • D.Whichever direction is faster

   1910.178(n)(7) requires loaded trucks to be driven with the load upgrade on ramps and inclines. Keeping the load pointed uphill prevents it from sliding off the forks and keeps the truck stable and less likely to tip forward.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)Report a problem with this question

5. 5. How should an UNLOADED forklift be driven on a steep ramp or grade?

   • A.With the forks pointed upgrade
   • B.With the forks pointed downgrade✓ Answer
   • C.At the highest safe speed
   • D.Only with the parking brake partially applied

   1910.178(n)(7) specifies that on grades an unloaded truck is driven with the forks pointed downgrade, the opposite of a loaded truck, to keep the heavier drive wheels and counterweight on the uphill side for traction and stability.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)Report a problem with this question

6. 6. Under OSHA safe-operation rules, who has the right of way when a forklift and a pedestrian meet?

   • A.The forklift only when carrying a load
   • B.The forklift, because it is larger
   • C.Whoever arrived first
   • D.The pedestrian, always✓ Answer

   Safe operating practice under 1910.178 gives pedestrians the right of way at all times; the operator must yield, keep a clear view, and be ready to stop because a pedestrian struck by a truck can be seriously injured or killed.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n) (safe operation; pedestrian right-of-way)Report a problem with this question

7. 7. OSHA requires that a forklift be operated at a speed that allows the operator to do what?

   • A.Complete the route as quickly as possible
   • B.Keep pace with foot traffic
   • C.Stop the truck safely under all travel conditions✓ Answer
   • D.Match the plant's conveyor speed

   1910.178(n)(8) states the truck shall be under control at all times and driven at a speed that permits it to be brought to a safe stop; excessive speed lengthens stopping distance and can cause the truck to tip when turning.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8)Report a problem with this question

8. 8. When an operator leaves a forklift unattended, what must be done with the forks and controls?

   • A.Forks raised so the load stays off the floor
   • B.Forks fully lowered, controls neutralized, power off, brakes set✓ Answer
   • C.Forks lowered but engine left running for the next operator
   • D.Forks raised, controls in gear, engine running

   1910.178(m)(5)(i) requires that a truck left unattended have its load-engaging means fully lowered, controls neutralized, power shut off, and brakes set, so the truck cannot move or drop a load while no one is in the seat.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)Report a problem with this question

9. 9. According to OSHA, a powered industrial truck is considered 'unattended' when the operator is:

   • A.On a break of any length
   • B.25 feet or more away, or out of view of the truck✓ Answer
   • C.Off the seat for any reason
   • D.More than 10 feet away

   1910.178(m)(5)(ii) defines a truck as unattended when the operator is 25 feet or more from it, or leaves it and it is not in view. At that point the full shutdown procedure (lowered forks, power off, brakes set) applies.

   Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(ii)Report a problem with this question

10. 10. If an operator dismounts but stays within 25 feet and in view of the truck, what is still required?

    • A.Only the parking brake set
    • B.Load lowered, controls neutralized, and brakes set✓ Answer
    • C.Nothing, because the operator is nearby
    • D.Only the key removed

    1910.178(m)(5)(iii) requires that even when the operator stays within 25 feet and in view, the load-engaging means must be fully lowered, controls neutralized, and brakes set, because an unblocked truck or a raised load still poses a hazard.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(iii)Report a problem with this question

11. 11. When a truck must be parked on an incline, what additional step does OSHA require?

    • A.Leave it in gear instead of setting the brake
    • B.Block or chock the wheels✓ Answer
    • C.Point the forks upgrade
    • D.Leave the power on for a quick restart

    1910.178(m)(5)(i) requires that wheels be blocked (chocked) when a truck is parked on an incline, providing a mechanical backup to the brakes so the truck cannot roll if the brakes fail or release.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i)Report a problem with this question

12. 12. OSHA rules on riders on a powered industrial truck state that:

    • A.One passenger is always permitted in the cab
    • B.Riders are allowed at speeds under 5 mph
    • C.No person may ride unless a safe place to ride is provided✓ Answer
    • D.A coworker may ride on the forks if held on

    1910.178(m)(2) prohibits riders unless the truck is designed with a safe place for a passenger; riding on the forks or standing on the truck exposes a person to crushing and fall hazards.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(2)Report a problem with this question

13. 13. When a forklift is used to lift a worker to an elevated location, OSHA requires:

    • A.The worker to stand on a pallet on the forks
    • B.The worker to stand on the bare forks
    • C.Two workers to balance the load
    • D.A securely attached, approved work platform (cage) with the operator remaining at the controls✓ Answer

    OSHA requires personnel to be elevated only on a safety platform/work cage firmly secured to the lifting carriage or forks, with the operator staying at the controls, because standing on bare forks or a pallet offers no fall protection and can lead to a fatal fall.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m); OSHA elevating-personnel guidanceReport a problem with this question

14. 14. On a sit-down counterbalanced forklift equipped with a seatbelt, the operator must:

    • A.Wear it only on ramps
    • B.Wear it whenever operating the truck✓ Answer
    • C.Wear it only when carrying a load
    • D.Use it at the operator's discretion

    OSHA requires operators to use the seatbelt whenever the truck is operated (enforced under the manufacturer's instructions and the General Duty Clause). In a tip-over the belt keeps the operator inside the protective cab, preventing the deadly hazard of being crushed by the overhead guard.

    Source: OSHA STD 01-08-005 (seatbelt use); 29 CFR 1910.178(a)(4)Report a problem with this question

15. 15. While traveling, the operator must keep a clear view by:

    • A.Relying on mirrors alone
    • B.Looking in the direction of, and keeping a clear view of, the path of travel✓ Answer
    • C.Watching the load only
    • D.Facing forward even when reversing

    1910.178(n)(4) requires the operator to look toward and keep a clear view of the path of travel. Watching where the truck is going lets the operator spot pedestrians, obstacles, and other trucks in time to stop.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(4)Report a problem with this question

16. 16. When floor conditions are wet or slippery, the operator should:

    • A.Maintain normal speed to keep momentum
    • B.Apply the brakes hard and often
    • C.Raise the load higher for balance
    • D.Reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance✓ Answer

    Under the safe-operation requirements of 1910.178(n), wet or slippery surfaces reduce traction, so the operator must slow down and allow greater stopping distance to avoid skidding, sliding loads, or loss of steering control.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8) (control and safe stopping)Report a problem with this question

17. 17. Before driving a forklift onto a dockboard or bridge plate, the operator must ensure it is:

    • A.At least 4 feet wide
    • B.Properly secured and rated for the load✓ Answer
    • C.Wet down to reduce dust
    • D.Painted a bright color

    1910.178(n)(15) and (n)(16) require that dockboards/bridgeplates be properly secured and never overloaded; an unsecured or overloaded plate can shift or collapse, dropping the truck into the gap between the dock and trailer.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(15)-(n)(16)Report a problem with this question

18. 18. OSHA rules on passing another truck traveling in the same direction say the operator shall not pass:

    • A.Unless the horn is sounded twice
    • B.At intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations✓ Answer
    • C.When the other truck is loaded
    • D.At any time on a straight aisle

    1910.178(n)(2) prohibits passing another truck traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations, because reduced visibility there makes a passing maneuver likely to cause a collision.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(2)Report a problem with this question

19. 19. To reduce the risk of tipping over while turning a corner, the operator should:

    • A.Raise the load to shift weight
    • B.Turn only to the right
    • C.Slow down before and through the turn✓ Answer
    • D.Turn sharply at full speed

    A forklift is far less stable when turning because centrifugal force acts on its three-point suspension; consistent with 1910.178(n)(8), slowing down before and during the turn keeps the truck within its stability triangle and helps prevent a lateral tip-over.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(n)(8)Report a problem with this question

20. 20. The safest way to mount or dismount a forklift is to:

    • A.Step off while the truck is still rolling
    • B.Climb using the mast
    • C.Jump down to save time
    • D.Use three points of contact (e.g., two hands and one foot)✓ Answer

    Maintaining three points of contact — two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand — keeps the operator stable and prevents slips and falls, one of the most common causes of forklift-related injuries during mounting and dismounting.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(l) (safe operating practice); OSHA guidanceReport a problem with this question

21. 21. OSHA prohibits any person from standing or passing under:

    • A.A truck parked on level ground
    • B.The counterweight of the truck
    • C.A truck that is switched off
    • D.The elevated portion of any truck, whether loaded or empty✓ Answer

    1910.178(m)(3) forbids anyone from standing or passing under the elevated portion of any truck, loaded or empty, because a hydraulic failure or accidental control movement could drop the forks or load and crush the person below.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(3)Report a problem with this question

22. 22. While traveling with a load, the operator should carry the load:

    • A.Balanced on one fork
    • B.Low to the ground and tilted back against the backrest✓ Answer
    • C.As high as possible for visibility
    • D.Tilted forward to watch the fork tips

    Consistent with 1910.178(o), the load should be carried low and tilted back so it rests against the load backrest; keeping the load low lowers the truck's center of gravity and tilting back holds the load securely, both of which reduce the risk of tip-over and a dropped load.

    Source: 29 CFR 1910.178(o)(1) (tilt back and carry low)Report a problem with this question

Practice questions modeled on the OSHA Powered Industrial Trucks standard (29 CFR 1910.178). Not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA. Passing this practice test does not certify you to operate a forklift — federal law requires your employer to provide formal training and a hands-on evaluation. Always follow OSHA rules and your workplace procedures. Study the official standard at osha.gov. OSHA standard →