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

LANTRA-AWARDS

vocational

This subtopic focuses on the essential end-of-shift procedures required to safely shut down, inspect, and secure both rough terrain and masted fork lift trucks. Candidates will learn to systematically identify and report defects, check fluid levels and leaks, clean critical areas, and ensure the vehicle is left in a safe condition for subsequent use. Mastery of post-operational checks is vital for maintaining equipment reliability, preventing accidents, and complying with health and safety legislation.

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 consistent adherence to a systematic inspection routine, starting from one point and working around the truck.
Expect the candidate to check for hydraulic hose chafing, tyre condition, mast chain tension, and fork integrity.
Look for correct completion of a written or electronic defect report, including date, machine ID, defect description, and signature.
Assess for proper isolation of the machine: engine off, key removed, park brake applied, and where applicable, batteries disconnected.
Award credit for parking the fork lift on a level surface with the mast lowered and forks tilted forward (or retracted as per manufacturer's instructions).
Credit given for conducting a systematic walk-around inspection, checking bodywork, mast, tyres, and attachments.
Marks for correctly checking and recording fluid levels (hydraulic oil, brake fluid, coolant) where accessible.
Examiner should look for proper isolation: removal of key, engagement of parking brake, and securing of vehicle (e.g., wheel chocks if required).

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for consistent adherence to a systematic inspection routine, starting from one point and working around the truck.
Expect the candidate to check for hydraulic hose chafing, tyre condition, mast chain tension, and fork integrity.
Look for correct completion of a written or electronic defect report, including date, machine ID, defect description, and signature.
Assess for proper isolation of the machine: engine off, key removed, park brake applied, and where applicable, batteries disconnected.
Award credit for parking the fork lift on a level surface with the mast lowered and forks tilted forward (or retracted as per manufacturer's instructions).
Credit given for conducting a systematic walk-around inspection, checking bodywork, mast, tyres, and attachments.
Marks for correctly checking and recording fluid levels (hydraulic oil, brake fluid, coolant) where accessible.
Examiner should look for proper isolation: removal of key, engagement of parking brake, and securing of vehicle (e.g., wheel chocks if required).
Credit for accurately completing the daily or shift defect report, noting any faults found.
Award credit for demonstrating a systematic, full-circle walk-around check covering tyres, mast, carriage, and fork arms for damage, wear, or debris.
Award credit for correctly checking and recording fluid levels (hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant) and identifying any leaks beneath the machine.
Award credit for verifying that all operational controls are neutralised, the parking brake is applied, and the key is removed before leaving the machine.
Award credit for accurately completing a post-operational inspection report or logbook, noting any defects found and actions taken.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡During practical assessment, narrate your actions to demonstrate underpinning knowledge; explain why each check is performed.
💡Use the manufacturer's handbook as a reference; if an official checklist is provided, follow it methodically.
💡Always emphasise the 'handover' element: ensure you communicate any findings to the next operator or supervisor.
💡For written components, link your answers to specific legislation such as LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998 to show higher-level understanding.
💡In a practical assessment, verbalise each step to show understanding; for example, explain what you are checking and why it matters.
💡Always consult and reference the specific manufacturerâ€™s operator manual for the truck type during checks.
💡Develop a structured routine (e.g., front-left side, rear, right side) to ensure no part of the vehicle is missed.
💡Ensure all documentation is filled out neatly and signed before leaving the vehicle; an incomplete report can lead to marks being lost.
💡Always follow a structured, logical sequence during your practical demonstration to show the assessor you are methodical—e.g., start from the ground and work upwards.
💡Verbalise your actions as you perform checks, explaining what you are looking for and why, to evidence your understanding even if a defect is not present.
💡Ensure you reference the manufacturer’s operator manual for specific check points and record your findings accurately to meet exam board evidence requirements.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Rushing through the inspection and missing subtle damage such as small cracks in welds or light misting of hydraulic oil.
Failing to report minor defects on the assumption that they will be noticed during pre-use checks; all defects must be logged.
Neglecting to clean the radiator grille or air filter pre-cleaner of debris after operation in dusty or chaff-laden environments.
Leaving the fork arms raised or tilted forward, creating a trip or impalement hazard.
Neglecting to turn off the ignition and remove the key, leaving the vehicle in a condition that could allow unauthorised use.
Failing to check the condition of fork arms and load backrest, missing cracks or deformation.
Overlooking minor fluid leaks, which can indicate more serious hydraulic or engine issues.
Not reporting defects immediately, or assuming someone else will report them, leading to unrecorded safety risks.
Forgetting to lower the fork arms fully to the ground before exiting the machine, creating a trip or crush hazard.
Neglecting to check the condition of the overhead guard and falling object protective structure (FOPS) for cracks or damage.
Inadequately inspecting tyres, missing cuts, bulges, or incorrect pressure which could affect stability.
Failing to check and clean the mast and fork backrest, allowing debris build-up that can impair visibility and load security.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Safe shutdown and parking

Visual inspection for damage and wear

Fluid and leak monitoring

Documentation and defect reporting

Housekeeping and cleanliness

Battery and fuel management

Safe shutdown and parking

Visual inspection for damage and defects

Fluid and battery checks

Documentation and defect reporting

Security and isolation procedures

know how to undertake post operational checks for a fork lift truck, be able to undertake post operational checks for fork lift trucks

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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