Blue Forklift Safety Lights vs Red Forklift Safety Lights
Blue Forklift Safety Lights vs Red Forklift Safety Lights: Today, we are going to look at the difference between blue and red forklift safety lights.
We have over 40 years in the material handling industry and we would love to share our expertise and experience with you.
We'll tell you the meaning of blue and red forklift safety lights and why they are both a vital part in reducing forklift accidents. So, let's get going.
Blue Forklift Safety Lights vs Red Forklift Safety Lights: Learn the difference - Image Source: Wiese
Blue Forklift Safety Lights vs Red Forklift Safety Lights
Blue and red forklift safety lights are both used as an effective warning system.
They both let pedestrians and other forklift drivers know the direction and speed of your forklift’s approach as they shine a bright light on the floor in front of, behind, and along the sides of your forklift.
Read on to find out how each type of light is specifically used.
Blue Forklift Safety Lights Indicate Forward and Backward Motion
Blue forklift safety lights are attached to the rear and/or the front end of your forklifts. They shine an intense, bright blue light on the floor in front of or behind your forklift, depending on where they are mounted.
Depending on the angle and intensity of the beam, the light can shine 10 to 20 feet from your forklift. The light moves along the floor with your forklift, indicating the path that it is taking as well as the speed that it is going.
A forklift blue safety shines an intense blue light on the floor in front of or behind your forklift - Images Source: Ideal Warehouse
Blue Safety Lights Ensure Greater Safety When Backing up
When you are going backwards on your forklift, it is especially difficult for you as an operator to see if there is anyone or anything behind you.
A blue safety light attached to the rear of your vehicle will warn the person or other vehicle of your presence when your view is restricted.
Blue safety lights help you when you are backing up - Image Source: Wiese
Blue Safety Lights Ensure Safety When You Are Moving Large Loads
When you are carrying a large load on your forklift, it is also very difficult to see what is in front of you. A blue safety light installed on the front of your vehicle will warn anyone in front of you that you are coming so they can get out of the way.
Red Forklift Safety Lights Indicate a Safe Side Distance from Your Forklift
Red forklift safety lights form a safe distance line along the side of your forklift
Red forklift safety lights are attached to the sides of your vehicle. They shine an intense, bright red line of light about 2 to 5 feet along either side of your forklift. This distance can be adjusted by angling the light.
This red line, also known as the halo zone, forms a boundary along the sides of your forklift that indicates a safe distance to remain back from your forklift. This red line should not be crossed by pedestrians or other forklifts in order to keep safe.
Red Forklift Safety Lights Protect Pedestrians from Rear End Swing
Forklifts steer from the rear axle and they pivot on their front wheels. As a result, their rear end acts as a counterweight and will swing wide when the forklift turns.
If an operator doesn't understand or have a good control of their forklift, the rear end of their forklift could swing around and hit a pedestrians or other object.
The red safety light shows a pedestrian how far to remain away from a forklift to avoid being hit by a rear end swing.
Red forklift safety lights can protect you from rear end swing - Image Source: Wiese
Why Are Forklift Safety Lights so Important
The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) estimates that there are an average of 101 deaths due to forklift accidents and another 97,570 forklift related injuries each year. Those numbers are staggering!
In addition, the number one cause of death in these accidents is a pedestrian being hit by a moving forklift. These accidents can be greatly reduced with the implementation of forklift safety lights.
Forklift accidents can be prevented with the use of safety lights
Blue and Red Safety Lights Help to Warn Pedestrians
Workers can become so accustomed to the sounds of the forklifts and other noises around them that they no longer listen to the warning signs that they might be in danger.
Pedestrians or workers may also be wearing noise protecting head gear and are, therefore, not even able to hear the sound of an approaching forklift.
In addition, your workers may be looking down at information on their clip board or down at their cell phone.
Safety lights can warn pedestrians of approaching forklifts - Image Source: Wiese
A bright blue or red light shining and moving on the floor of their path will quickly catch their attention and warn them of impending danger, giving them time to stop or change direction to avoid being hit and injured.
The use of blue and red safety lights have proven to be one of the most effective warning devices to pedestrians that a forklift is approaching.
Blue and Red Safety Lights Help to Warn Other Forklifts
By installing blue and red safety lights on your forklifts, you will not only be keeping pedestrians in your facility safer, but you will also cut down on the number of collisions between your material handling equipment.
Blue and Red forklift safety lights are also easily seen by other forklift operators. Their colourful beams of light make a protective perimeter on your warehouse floor, clearly outlining the movement of your equipment. Other operators will have a very clear boundary that they should never cross.
Let Forklift Hub Help You Ensure Your Workers' Safety
Forklift Hub is concerned with worker safety. We can help you make your material handling equipment as safe as possible by installing both blue and red safety lights on your forklifts.
We have a large supply of quality forklift safety lights and equipment to keep you and your employees safe. Contact us today to get yours installed.
Keep Your Forklifts in Working Condition with Regular Maintenance from Forklift Hub
If you are looking for top quality forklift maintenance and service on all makes and models, contact Wayco. Our fully equipped service and parts department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Our qualified technicians are capable of properly performing maintenance services and inspections of all types.
Our knowledgeable staff can keep your equipment in top working condition, which means lower repair costs and higher machine efficiency. Contact Forklift Hub today for all of your forklift maintenance and repair needs.
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