Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Land-Based Fork Lift Truck Operations (Rough Terrain and Masted Types) (QCF)

LANTRA-AWARDS

vocational

This element covers the vital routine of preparing a fork lift truck for safe driving or manoeuvring, focusing on pre-start checks, component inspections, and starting procedures. Mastery ensures operators can identify hazards, confirm machine roadworthiness, and comply with health and safety legislation, directly impacting accident prevention in agricultural, construction, or horticultural settings.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

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What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for systematically checking all critical safety items (e.g., tyres, hydraulics, mast, forks, lights, alarms, fluid levels) in a logical order.
Expect demonstration of the correct starting procedure, including seat belt, neutral gear, handbrake, and warning signal.
Credit given for identifying and reporting a simulated defect or hazard before moving off.
Assess candidate's ability to use the manufacturer's handbook or check sheet effectively.
Look for evidence of adjusting mirrors, seat, and controls for ergonomic and safe operation.
Award credit for performing a walk-around check covering tyres, forks/forks carriage, overhead guard, hydraulics, and any visible damage.
Credit given for checking fluid levels (engine oil, transmission, hydraulic fluid) and examining for leaks under the truck.
Expect demonstration of testing all operational controls through their full range before driving, including lift, tilt, reach, and side-shift functions.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for systematically checking all critical safety items (e.g., tyres, hydraulics, mast, forks, lights, alarms, fluid levels) in a logical order.
Expect demonstration of the correct starting procedure, including seat belt, neutral gear, handbrake, and warning signal.
Credit given for identifying and reporting a simulated defect or hazard before moving off.
Assess candidate's ability to use the manufacturer's handbook or check sheet effectively.
Look for evidence of adjusting mirrors, seat, and controls for ergonomic and safe operation.
Award credit for performing a walk-around check covering tyres, forks/forks carriage, overhead guard, hydraulics, and any visible damage.
Credit given for checking fluid levels (engine oil, transmission, hydraulic fluid) and examining for leaks under the truck.
Expect demonstration of testing all operational controls through their full range before driving, including lift, tilt, reach, and side-shift functions.
Look for evidence of adjusting seat and mirrors to eliminate blind spots, and ensuring controls move freely.
Mark for correctly starting the engine with the appropriate safety sequence (e.g., neutral gear, handbrake applied).
Credit must be given for identifying and reporting even minor defects, showing understanding of zero-risk policy.
Award credit for consistent use of a checklist during the pre-use inspection, covering all critical components (tyres, lights, hydraulics, attachments).
Look for the operator physically checking functional items, not just visually scanning, e.g., testing horn, lights, and emergency stops.
Expect clear oral or written justification for any machine condition deemed fit for use, referencing manufacturer’s recommended levels or limits.
Correct use of technical terms and accurate recording on inspection forms/handover logs is required for high marks.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always follow a systematic, methodical approach to the pre-use checks, using a written checklist if permitted, to ensure nothing is overlooked.
💡Verbalise your actions during practical assessments to demonstrate understanding of why each check is important.
💡Familiarise yourself with the specific model of truck you will be assessed on; consult the operator's manual beforehand.
💡Remember that safety is paramount; if in doubt about any defect, report it and do not operate the truck.
💡Practice the start-up routine until it becomes automatic, but never skip steps during assessment.
💡During assessment, verbalise each step of the pre-use check to demonstrate underpinning knowledge, even if you are being observed practically.
💡Use the hand-out 'Pre-Use Inspection Checklist' as a prompt and work through it methodically; assessors look for structured routines.
💡For written tests, remember key safety acronyms such as FLT (Fork Lift Truck) and the hierarchy of control—always inspect before operation.
💡If unsure about a component’s function or how to check it, refer to the manufacturer’s handbook during the test; it shows safe practice.
💡Always follow a structured sequence: from exterior walk-around to cab interior checks, ensuring no item is missed under assessment pressure.
💡Verbalise your actions during the practical assessment to demonstrate understanding; for example, state what you are checking and why.
💡Refer explicitly to relevant regulations (PUWER, LOLER) in written components to show underpinning knowledge of legal obligations.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Rushing the pre-use inspection and missing vital checks such as tyre condition or hydraulic hose integrity.
Forgetting to ensure the parking brake is engaged before starting the engine.
Not adjusting mirrors and seat for optimal visibility and control.
Confusing the starting procedures between different truck types (rough terrain vs. masted).
Failing to report defects, assuming minor issues are insignificant.
Rushing or skipping the inspection checklist due to familiarity or time pressure, leading to missed defects.
Adjusting mirrors and seat whilst the truck is in motion, rather than before ignition.
Confusing minor pre-use adjustments with in-drive adjustments, such as failing to release the parking brake before moving.
Over-relying on warning lights and alarms instead of physical checks—assuming a warning light malfunction is just a bulb fault.
Mounting/dismounting while facing away from the truck or carrying items, compromising stability.
Skipping functional checks of safety devices, assuming they work because no fault lights are displayed.
Neglecting to check the condition of attachments or the security of any load-handling equipment specific to the task.
Failing to adjust the seat and mirrors, leading to obscured visibility and unsafe operation during manoeuvring.
Ignoring minor fluid leaks or low levels, which could escalate into critical failures during operation.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Pre-use inspection

Starting procedures

Safety compliance

Fault identification

Operational readiness

Pre-operational inspections

Safety and warning systems

Control familiarisation

Operator cabin adjustment

Load handling preparation

Pre-start checks

Safety device inspection

Control familiarisation

Machine condition assessment

Legal compliance

Fault reporting

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Lantra Awards Level 2 Award In Land-Based Fork Lift Truck Operations (Rough Terrain and Masted Types) (QCF)

Subtopics in this area

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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