Professional Fork Operator Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Tell me how often does my forklift need maintenance?

Your best bet is to sign up for a planned maintenance agreement when you purchase your Toyota Forklift. A planned maintenance agreement ensures that your forklift will be maintained at the proper times by a qualified Toyota Technician.

2. Tell us does OSHA provide a list of topics to include in my training program?

Yes. The standard provides a list of training topics; however, the employer may exclude those topics which are not relevant to safe operation at the employee's work location.

3. Tell us are there any times when a driver does not have to wear a seatbelt?

OSHA's current policy does not distinguish based on the number of stops. It requires that if seat belts are on the equipment, they must be used at all times while operating.

4. Tell us what types of industries are covered by the standard?

Every type of establishment (except agricultural operations) that has employees who operate powered industrial trucks will have to comply with the requirements of the standard. Powered industrial trucks are used in a wide variety of workplaces, including but not limited to retail establishments, warehousing and distribution operations, and manufacturing establishments.

5. Tell us how can I buy a forklift?

When it comes to new forklifts, you have three options. You can rent, lease, or buy. Of course, you can also purchase a used forklift, but you need to be sure the person or place you're purchasing from is reputable, because forklift malfunctions can be very dangerous.

6. Do you know who can operate the forklift?

Forklift trucks should be operated only by experienced workers who are trained, certified or licensed to perform this task. Some jurisdictions specify that only a "competent" or "authorized" person may operate powered lift trucks and others may specify a minimum operator age (e.g., 18 years or older). Check with your local occupational health and safety authorities for more information.

7. How much experience do you have as Fork Operator?

Forklifts are very dangerous. If you have never driven a forklift then you will need to take a beginner course. These usually take 1-2 days. If you have some experience then you can take a shorter course that usually lasts for 4-8 hours. Check with the instructor what they recommend.

8. Tell me do I have to train all employees in my workplace?

Any employee that operates a powered industrial truck must be trained.

9. Do you know when are wheel chocks required?

In most cases, commercial motor vehicles (CMV) are no longer required to chock trailer wheels when parking at loading docks. In an agreement between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and OSHA, authority over CMV parking issues belongs to the FMCSA. Consequently, OSHA's wheel chocking requirements in 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and 1910.178(m)(7) of the Powered Industrial Truck standard no longer apply to commercial motor vehicles.

10. Tell me what attachments can I add to my forklift?

It is important that you purchase your forklift attachment from the forklift manufacturer and that the manufacturer installs the attachment too. Toyota offers a number of forklift attachments for various applications. However, it's important to know that adding attachments to your forklift can, and likely will, change the capacity rating. Anytime attachments are added to a forklift, the data plate should be updated to reflect the change in capacity rating.