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101+ Free High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

TLILIC0011

Unit Code

Training.gov.au

Must-pass

Safety & Calcs

RTO assessment standard

5 years

Licence validity

State WHS Regulators

The Australia HRWL Reach Stacker (RS) pathway uses a closed-book NAI knowledge and calculation assessment plus practical for TLILIC0011. Critical calculations and safety items must be correct. This prep includes 100 practice questions.

Sample High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 101+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under WHS legislation in Australia, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that a risk assessment is conducted before operating a reach stacker on a work site?
A.The reach stacker operator alone.
B.The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or their designated site manager.
C.The State WorkSafe inspector.
D.The manufacturer of the reach stacker.
Explanation: While the operator plays a key role in identifying local hazards, the PCBU has the primary duty of care under WHS laws to ensure risks are assessed and controlled. Operators must cooperate with these procedures and conduct their own local pre-operational risk checks. Safe systems of work require a shared but hierarchically managed safety structure on site.
2What is the primary purpose of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or safe work procedure when planning reach stacker operations?
A.To record the daily engine pre-start check details and fluid levels.
B.To break the task into steps, identify hazards at each step, and document the controls that will be implemented before work starts.
C.To prove to WHS regulators that the operator is competent and licensed.
D.To calculate the load limits and wheel loadings for the reach stacker on public roads.
Explanation: A JSA (also called a safe work procedure or safe work method statement) breaks the planned work into sequential steps, identifies the hazards at each step, and records the controls. Operators must read, understand and follow the JSA before starting work. Note: a formal SWMS is only legally required for high-risk construction work — reach stacker operations in container terminals typically rely on a JSA or site safe work procedure.
3When planning a lift, which of the following is considered a primary environmental hazard for reach stacker operations?
A.Using the wrong fuel type in the engine.
B.High wind speeds and gusts.
C.Missing logbook entries from the previous shift.
D.Incorrect hydraulic oil viscosity.
Explanation: High wind speeds represent a major environmental hazard because containers have a large surface area that acts like a sail. Wind can create high dynamic lateral forces, potentially destabilising the reach stacker. Operators must monitor wind speeds and cease lifting if they exceed manufacturer limits.
4Which communication method is generally considered most effective in a noisy port environment with multiple reach stackers operating in close proximity?
A.Shouting at the top of your voice to attract attention.
B.Using pre-arranged standard hand signals or dedicated two-way radio channels.
C.Blowing the horn continuously during all movements.
D.Using flashing headlights to indicate direction changes.
Explanation: A noisy terminal makes verbal communication impossible over distance. Dedicated two-way radio channels with clear call signs, combined with standard hand signals, ensure messages are transmitted accurately. If radio signal is lost, the operator must stop immediately.
5What is the main danger of operating a reach stacker on soft ground, uncompacted fill, or reclaimed soil?
A.It causes premature wear on the rear steering tyres.
B.The ground may give way, causing the reach stacker to tip over due to high wheel loads.
C.It reduces the hydraulic pressure in the boom lift cylinders.
D.It causes the container twistlocks to bind and fail to lock.
Explanation: Reach stackers are extremely heavy machines, and when loaded, the front tyres exert massive ground pressure. Operating on soft, uncompacted, or hollow ground can cause a wheel to sink, immediately tilting the machine and leading to a tip-over. Ground bearing capacity must be verified before work begins.
6What is the first action an operator should take if they identify a new hazard on a work site?
A.Ignore it if it does not directly affect their current lift.
B.Attempt to resolve it alone without telling anyone.
C.Stop work if necessary, report it to the supervisor, and ensure it is controlled.
D.Wait until the end of the shift to write it down in the logbook.
Explanation: Under WHS laws, once a hazard is identified, it must be reported and controlled to prevent incidents. If the hazard poses an immediate risk, work must stop. The operator should notify the site supervisor or safety officer immediately so that the hazard can be entered into the site risk register and managed.
7In WHS risk management, which level of the 'Hierarchy of Control' is the most effective?
A.Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety boots.
B.Administrative controls like training and signs.
C.Eliminating the hazard completely.
D.Engineering controls such as speed limiters.
Explanation: Elimination is the most effective control because it completely removes the hazard, thereby eliminating the associated risk. If elimination is not possible, you work down the hierarchy through substitution, isolation, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally PPE.
8Why is it mandatory to establish exclusion zones around reach stacker travel and stacking areas?
A.To prevent wind currents from affecting the machine's side stability.
B.To separate ground staff and pedestrians from the heavy machinery and potential falling loads.
C.To ensure there is enough room for the tyres to cool down.
D.To prevent other reach stacker operators from copying your stacking techniques.
Explanation: Exclusion zones are a critical safety barrier to keep unauthorised personnel away from operating areas. Reach stackers have large blind spots, swing zones, and carry heavy overhead loads. Restricting pedestrian access prevents catastrophic crush injuries or fatalities.
9When operating a reach stacker near overhead powerlines on poles (up to 132 kV) without a spotter or electrical-authority permit, what is the commonly prescribed minimum safe clearance distance?
A.1.5 metres.
B.3.0 metres.
C.6.0 metres.
D.10.0 metres.
Explanation: Prescribed approach distances for mechanical plant working without a spotter or electrical-authority permit commonly start at 3.0 metres for overhead lines up to 132 kV, increasing to 6.0 metres for higher voltage bands. Operators must confirm the exact prescribed distance with their state regulator, as zones vary by jurisdiction and voltage.
10If you must operate a reach stacker closer to overhead powerlines than the standard regulatory distance, what must you do first?
A.Ensure you drive faster through the zone to reduce exposure time.
B.Obtain permission/permit from the relevant electricity authority and implement strict controls like a spotter and physical barriers.
C.Turn off the reach stacker's Load Moment Indicator (LMI) to avoid false alarms.
D.Only lift containers that are completely empty.
Explanation: Operating close to live powerlines is highly hazardous. You must contact the electricity supply authority to obtain an access permit, confirm voltage, de-energise/shield lines if possible, and implement strict control measures, including a dedicated spotter and physical height limiters.

About the High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Exam

The High Risk Work Licence for Reach Stacker (RS class) is required in Australia to operate a reach stacker of greater than 3 tonnes capacity, equipped with an elevating boom and a top-lifting spreader attachment to stack, load, and handle containers. Assessment is based on the national unit of competency TLILIC0011 — Licence to operate a reach stacker (greater than 3 tonnes capacity). It covers planning the task, identifying hazards (such as overhead services, ground pressure, and pedestrian zones), conducting pre-operational inspections, understanding stability, reading load charts, performing capacity calculations, executing safe lifting and travel, and carrying out post-operational shutdown procedures.

Assessment

Closed-book National Assessment Instrument (NAI) knowledge and calculations assessment, plus a practical reach stacker operation assessment, administered by an accredited high-risk work assessor through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Time Limit

Varies by RTO / assessor (closed-book knowledge and calculations, then practical)

Passing Score

Competency-based overall. Candidates are required to answer calculations and safety-critical theory correctly and must demonstrate competent practical operation; exact marking rules sit in the closed NAI.

Exam Fee

RTO training and assessment fees commonly fall roughly in the $800–$1,500 AUD range depending on provider and duration, plus a separate regulator HRWL application fee (e.g. SafeWork NSW 2026–27: $95 per class for a new licence; renewal and other states/territories differ—check your regulator). (State and Territory Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulators (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe Queensland).)

High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Exam Content Outline

25%

Plan Work & Hazard Identification

Task planning from work orders, risk assessments, identifying overhead hazards (powerlines), underground services, ground loading capacity, wind/weather hazards, and traffic/pedestrian control coordination.

25%

Pre-Start Inspection & Preparation

Logbook, compliance plate, pre-operational structural inspection (chassis, boom, spreader, twistlocks), fluid checks, and verification of safety devices (anti-two block, load indicators, motion limiters, emergency bypass).

20%

Stability, Capacity & Calculations

Longitudinal and lateral stability, centre of gravity, load charts (boom angle, extension, radius), container sizes (20ft vs 40ft), row stacking ratings, and load calculations.

30%

Operate & Shut Down

Safe travel posture (boom retracted, spreader low), picking and placing containers, locking/unlocking twistlocks, ramp/slope travel rules, Load Moment Indicator (LMI) responses, shutdown, and post-operational checks.

How to Pass the High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Competency-based overall. Candidates are required to answer calculations and safety-critical theory correctly and must demonstrate competent practical operation; exact marking rules sit in the closed NAI.
  • Assessment: Closed-book National Assessment Instrument (NAI) knowledge and calculations assessment, plus a practical reach stacker operation assessment, administered by an accredited high-risk work assessor through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
  • Time limit: Varies by RTO / assessor (closed-book knowledge and calculations, then practical)
  • Exam fee: RTO training and assessment fees commonly fall roughly in the $800–$1,500 AUD range depending on provider and duration, plus a separate regulator HRWL application fee (e.g. SafeWork NSW 2026–27: $95 per class for a new licence; renewal and other states/territories differ—check your regulator).

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

High Risk Work Licence — Reach Stacker (RS) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Always check the wind speed: Reach stackers have huge surface areas when lifting containers, making them highly susceptible to wind. Always know the manufacturer's maximum operating wind speed limits.
2Understand the row ratings: The rated capacity of a reach stacker drops significantly as you reach into the second and third row of containers. Never assume the capacity is the same as the first row.
3Retract the boom fully for travel: The safe travel posture is with the boom fully retracted and the spreader/load carried low to the ground to maintain stability and visibility.
4Perform a physical check of twistlock indicators: Do not rely solely on the cabin light signals. When locking onto a container, ensure all four twistlock indicators are mechanically engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What capacity reach stackers require an RS licence in Australia?

A High Risk Work Licence of the RS class is required to operate any reach stacker with a capacity greater than 3 tonnes. Reach stackers under 3 tonnes are not covered by this class, but are rarely used in commercial container terminals.

Does a mobile crane or forklift licence allow me to operate a reach stacker?

No. While a reach stacker has features of both mobile cranes and forklifts, an RS class High Risk Work Licence is specifically required to operate a reach stacker of greater than 3 tonnes capacity under Australian WHS regulations.

What does the practical assessment for TLILIC0011 involve?

The practical assessment requires you to conduct pre-start and operational checks, interpret a load chart, configure the spreader for different container sizes, stack and unstack containers in different rows/heights, travel safely with a container, and shut down the machine according to manufacturer specifications.

What are the rules regarding the emergency bypass key on a reach stacker?

The emergency bypass key overrides the Load Moment Indicator (LMI) safety shutdown system. It must NEVER be used for normal lifting operations to exceed capacity. It is strictly reserved for emergency recovery of a load under supervisor direction and in accordance with regulator and manufacturer rules.