Requirement of Forklift Safety Lights

Forklift safety is an essential factor in operating any type of commercial or industrial machinery. With all forklifts related to serious eye-opening statistics (Forklift accidents cause more than 100,000 serious injuries annually), the necessity to outfit your entire equipment with specific forklift safety lights is paramount to minimizing the likelihood of an accident occurring. Forklift safety lights come in many shapes and sizes to address the unique requirements of different forklift applications. This variety of forklift lighting makes it easy to add extra safety to any type of forklift, while maintaining a sleek, streamlined appearance that's easy on the eyes.

Forklift light designs range from subtle to instantly recognizable. The forklift light used by forklift manufacturers is typically one of two types: On/Off. The forklift light that comes on when the truck is turned on, is usually called an On-Start forklift light. It provides a constant illumination that allows forklift operators to see to safely lift up and place product on the ground. An Off-Start forklift light gives forklift operators a warning sign that lights are on, before they start the engine and run the risk of getting the machine in an accidental mode. Both types of forklift lights have distinct advantages and drawbacks, depending on the application.

For example, if an operator needs to pass quickly under a roof, or climb a ladder to reach something underneath, the Off-Start forklift safety light is highly recommended. The reason for this is that unlike forklift bucket mirrors that constantly need repositioning to keep an accurate view of the area being searched, the On Started forklift light only has to be moved once to lock on to the location. A second consideration for the On Started forklift light is that it does not produce as much heat. As a result, it is normally used for smaller applications, such as placing a small product in a freezer before moving it to another area.

One of the most critical forklift safety requirements is that the operators see everything going on under them while they are working. Because of this, the forklift lights that come on while the truck is running are usually referred to as beam or flashlight forklift lights. A beam forklift light is important because it illuminates everything that is under the truck from the front, so that it is easy for people standing behind to spot the truck and determine what is going on. Without proper illumination, people could become seriously injured, especially if they are unaware that they are being exposed to danger.

The forklift lights that are Off-Start are less expensive, but are also known to create a much more hazardous situation. Some of the dangers that are associated with an Off-Start forklift are possible engine explosions, collapse of the truck, fire, and even death by asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning. Because of these dangers, forklift companies will only allow Off-Start forklift lights to be used when the forklift is inoperable and there is no way for operators to get to the emergency controls. Of course, when an operator does make contact with the emergency controls, he must carefully turn off the power, and the forklift must be left in an area that is well ventilated.

Because of the high incidence of serious accidents that occur when workers are operating forklifts without the appropriate forklift safety equipment, forklift safety lighting is becoming more of a priority. Forklift operators must also be trained to use their forklift lights while the truck is in operational condition. Forklift operators must also be aware of their hazard signs and stickers, which warn about hazards surrounding every forklift. Forklift manufacturers and forklift accessory dealers have designed these forklift lights and other safety equipment in such a way that they are very easy to use and can be read in complete darkness, making them an absolute must have for forklift operators.