Question 1

Who has the right-of-way at an intersection?

Accepted Answer

Forklift operators must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Pedestrians may not hear or see the forklift.

Question 2

When approaching a pedestrian who is unaware of your presence, you should:

Accepted Answer

Sounding the horn alerts the pedestrian. You must ensure they see you and move to a safe position before passing.

Question 3

If a pedestrian walks across your path:

Accepted Answer

The safest action is to come to a complete stop and wait until the path is clear.

Question 4

Why is 'Eye Contact' important?

Accepted Answer

Making eye contact ensures communication. Never assume a pedestrian sees you just because you see them.

Question 5

Rear-end swing (tail swing) is dangerous to pedestrians because:

Accepted Answer

Because forklifts steer from the rear, the counterweight swings rapidly outward. Pedestrians standing beside the truck are in the crush zone.

Question 6

When driving past a pedestrian standing near a wall or rack, you should:

Accepted Answer

Never drive past a pedestrian if there is a risk they could be pinned between the forklift and a fixed object. Ask them to move.

Question 7

Blue spotlights (safety lights) on forklifts are used to:

Accepted Answer

Blue lights project a spot on the floor ahead/behind the forklift to visually warn pedestrians of its approach.

Question 8

If a pedestrian tries to hitch a ride on the forklift:

Accepted Answer

Passengers are strictly prohibited unless a designated seat exists. The operator must refuse.

Question 9

At a blind intersection, you must:

Accepted Answer

Sounding the horn provides an audible warning where visual line-of-sight is blocked.

Question 10

Can you drive up to a person standing in front of a fixed object (bench, wall)?

Accepted Answer

This creates a 'caught-between' hazard. If the brakes fail or the operator slips, the person will be crushed.

Question 11

If a spotter is helping you maneuver, and you lose sight of them:

Accepted Answer

If the spotter disappears, they may be in the path of travel. Stop immediately.

Question 12

The minimum safe distance to maintain from pedestrians is generally considered:

Accepted Answer

While OSHA doesn't specify a footage, best practice (and many company policies) dictate a 3-4 foot safety halo. Always maintain a safe clearance.

Question 13

Forklift operators should treat all pedestrians as if:

Accepted Answer

Defensive driving assumes pedestrians are distracted or unaware. Take responsibility for their safety.

Question 14

When lowering a load, you must ensure:

Accepted Answer

Verify the area under and around the load is clear of feet and personnel before lowering.

Question 15

If a pedestrian is wearing headphones or looking at a phone:

Accepted Answer

Distracted pedestrians are a high risk. Do not proceed until they acknowledge you.

Question 16

Designated pedestrian walkways are:

Accepted Answer

Marked walkways create separation. Forklifts crossing them must yield.

Question 17

What makes electric forklifts particularly dangerous to pedestrians?

Accepted Answer

Electric motors are nearly silent. Pedestrians relying on sound may not hear an approaching electric truck.

Question 18

If working in a noisy environment where the horn cannot be heard:

Accepted Answer

In high-noise areas, visual warnings (strobes, bluespots) or human spotters are necessary.

Question 19

Pedestrians should never:

Accepted Answer

Walking under raised forks is a fatal hazard if the hydraulics fail or the load falls.

Question 20

When entering a doorway used by pedestrians:

Accepted Answer

Doorways are blind spots. Sound the horn and proceed with extreme caution.

Question 21

A 'exclusion zone' around a forklift means:

Accepted Answer

Establishing a 'red zone' or exclusion zone around working equipment keeps pedestrians out of reach of the swing or load.

Question 22

If a pedestrian walks behind your forklift while you are backing up:

Accepted Answer

Always stop immediately if someone enters your path of travel.

Question 23

Mirrors on a forklift:

Accepted Answer

Mirrors have blind spots. Operators must physically turn their heads to verify the path is clear before reversing.

Question 24

Which is safer for pedestrians?

Accepted Answer

Physical separation (barriers, marked lanes) is the most effective way to prevent collisions.

Question 25

The phrase 'The Halo Effect' in pedestrian safety refers to:

Accepted Answer

The Halo is the buffer zone around the truck that must remain clear of people.

Question 26

When passing a pedestrian, you should ensure there is at least ___ clearance.

Accepted Answer

Provide ample clearance (safe distance) to account for sudden movements or tail swing.

Question 27

Operators should assume pedestrians:

Accepted Answer

Most pedestrians do not understand forklift dynamics (tail swing). Operators must account for this ignorance.

Question 28

High-visibility vests are:

Accepted Answer

Hi-viz clothing helps operators spot pedestrians sooner.

Question 29

Can a pedestrian stand on the forks to act as a counterweight?

Accepted Answer

This is strictly prohibited. It is a fall hazard and a crushing hazard.

Question 30

If a pedestrian approaches the forklift while you are operating the hydraulics (lifting/lowering):

Accepted Answer

Stop motion to prevent crushing or struck-by accidents if the load shifts or falls.

Pedestrian Safety Practice Questions

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