Forklift Safety Lights

Forklift lights are essential in warehouses to ensure the safety of pedestrians. There are several types of forklift safety lights depending on the kind of use or operation.

Options include strobe lights, blue pedestrian spotlights and red side pedestrian safety lights. Though not required by OSHA, they may increase safety in certain operations.

Inset Headlights

There are several different types of optional forklift lights that may be added to a lift truck based on its intended use or operation. Depending on the type of environment, some of these options may enhance safety while others might decrease it.

The forklift headlights are one of the most important safety features of a lift truck and they are used to help drivers see the environment around them. A powerful front headlight paired with a blinking tail light is essential in preventing collisions between the forklift and pedestrians on roads and paths at night or in dim environments.

Blue pedestrian spotlights can help prevent forklift-pedestrian collisions in blind intersections by projecting a bright blue light 10-20 feet ahead of the lift truck to warn pedestrians of its presence. These safety lights may also reduce the chances of rear end swing collisions by illuminating a red line on each side of the lift truck to warn pedestrians to stay back. Strobe lights are another optional piece of equipment that may increase visibility in some environments. They intermittently flash and can help alert other workers to the forklift’s presence.

Tail/Brake Lights

If your forklift came from the factory without brake and tail lights, installing them is a great way to increase safety in noisy environments. They’re also helpful in blind intersections where pedestrians may not see an oncoming forklift until they’re almost into its path.

These safety lights are not mandatory equipment for any type of operation, but they’re useful in many different environments. For example, a bright blue spotlight mounted on the forklift’s overhead guard projects a beam that warns pedestrians of an oncoming truck. These lights are especially effective when used in conjunction with Red Zone Lights that show a 3-sided no-go zone around the forklift.

It’s important to note that while strobe lights are very effective at getting attention, they can impair a driver’s visibility when used in close proximity. If you use strobe lights, be sure to Forklift Tricolor Rear Light add “inspect for strobe lights” to your pre-shift inspection checklist and train your operators on how to properly operate them.

Strobe Lights

In addition to standard forklift lights, there are several add-ons that can enhance your forklift’s visibility. The strobe lights on this model flash intermittently to alert pedestrians and other forklifts of your truck’s presence. They come in a variety of colors and can be mounted on the rear overhead guard or in other locations.

The white safety light installed on the front of the forklift shines a bright, attention-grabbing spotter light to help those working in less-lit warehouse areas. It’s an excellent alternative to a warning sound, which can get lost in ambient noise within a large work space.

Blue pedestrian spotlights are an ideal option in warehouses with blind intersections, shining a light to warn pedestrians of approaching lift trucks. These lights can also illuminate the lines that pedestrians are supposed to stay behind, helping lower the chances of them getting hit by a turning forklift. They’re not required by OSHA, but may be helpful in some operations. These optional lights are not meant to replace other safety tools, and they should be inspected at the beginning of each shift.

Blue Spotlights

Forklift blue safety lights, or spotlights, are a great way to help prevent collisions between pedestrians and lift trucks. The bright blue light projects 10 to 20 feet ahead of the forklift and alerts pedestrians of its presence. This allows the pedestrian time to become alert, stop if needed and move out of the way of the oncoming equipment.

These lights can be mounted on the front or rear of a forklift and are a fantastic solution for busy industrial environments. They work especially well on quick equipment such as order pickers, pallet jacks, stand up reach trucks and tuggers. These pieces of equipment can be difficult to see due to their size and noiseless operation, but the blue safety lights give them the visibility they need.

If you are considering adding these lights to your operation, be sure to choose UL rated models. Cheaper, unrated lights can create a fire hazard and put your employees in danger. They Forklift Tricolor Rear Light can also cause the lift truck to act as if it is always on, desensitizing workers and causing confusion in the workplace.

Red Side Pedestrian Lights

In poorly-lit indoor or outdoor work areas, the Red Side Pedestrian Lights (also known as HALO zones) are a valuable safety accessory for your forklift. These LED lights project a bright red line on the floor to show pedestrians the safe distance they should keep back from your lift. This prevents foot injury and collision from rear-end swing and also shows that the area around your forklift is a NO GO ZONE.

These forklift lights mount to the rear or front of your lift using a tool-free bracket and can be adjusted to the desired distance between your machine and pedestrians. Use them in conjunction with your blue spot lights to create a visible safety zone that helps everyone stay safe.

Thousands of workers are killed in work-related accidents each year. Many of these deaths are caused by getting caught between machinery such as forklifts. By implementing these safety lights on your forklifts, you can help prevent such tragedies and ensure a safer workplace for your employees. Combined with quality training and safety-awareness programs, these forklift LED lights can greatly improve your workplace safety.