3 Uses of Forklift Truck Blue Lights That Make Workplaces Safer

Many incidents in industrial settings occur due to poor visibility. To combat this issue, a device known as the forklift truck blue light was developed. It creates a clear warning path, helping workers anticipate a forklift’s movements.

This article highlights three significant ways blue lights contribute to workplace safety, as well as four essential standards that guide their effective use.

1.What Is a Forklift Truck Blue Light?

A forklift truck blue light serves as a safety feature that casts a bright blue beam onto the ground in front of or behind the vehicle. 

Its main aim is to provide a visual warning signal, helping to alert nearby workers to the forklift’s movements and reducing the risk of unexpected collisions.

Let’s take a closer look at three key ways these lights enhance safety in industrial environments.

Enhance Awareness

The blue beam is easily distinguishable from surrounding distractions, allowing employees to spot forklift activity even when racks or equipment may obstruct their view.

Reduce Accidents

By projecting a blue beam or spot several feet ahead, the forklift truck blue light effectively reduces the likelihood of collisions at intersections and in tight areas.

Effective in Noisy Environments

In environments filled with machinery, where horns and alarms might be barely audible, this visual cue ensures that crucial warnings are still communicated.

Further reading: What is CCT in Lighting and How to Choose the Right One?

2.3 Standards for Blue Lights on Forklift Trucks

When selecting blue lights for forklift trucks, it’s essential to understand key performance criteria to ensure safety and compliance with three important standards.

Visibility Range

Quality forklift truck blue lights should project a clear and visible beam at distances of 10 to 20 feet from the forklift. This distance allows pedestrians enough time to notice the light and move to safety. 

Brightness

For optimal performance, a forklift truck blue light should emit at least 100 lumens. This guarantees visibility even under bright warehouse lighting and on reflective industrial surfaces. The beam must retain consistent intensity and clarity at the required viewing distances.

Waterproof

Industrial environments often involve moisture, cleaning chemicals, and harsh conditions. Forklift truck blue lights should meet the IP67 standard, meaning they can withstand temporary immersion in water and are completely dust-tight. This rating ensures reliable operation in demanding workplace conditions.

OSHA compliance ensures the lights meet federal safety standards and can be legally used in workplace safety programs.

3.3 Maintenance Methods for Forklift Blue Lights

Regular maintenance is crucial for the forklift truck’s blue lights. It helps extend their lifespan and ensures they work effectively. Here are three key practices for keeping your blue lights operational.

Check Beam Alignment

Make it a habit to regularly check the position of your forklift truck’s blue lights to ensure they properly illuminate the ground at a distance of 10 to 15 feet from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting brackets for any looseness and adjust the angles as necessary.

Further reading: A Guide to Understanding the Beam Angle of LED Lights

Inspect Voltage

Check whether the installed product specifications support voltages above 48V to avoid incompatibility and potential damage to the product. 

Ensure Brightness

Keep the lens surfaces clean to ensure optimal performance. Check visibility under different lighting conditions, and replace LED modules if the brightness or sharpness of the projection is significantly diminished.

Further reading: COB LED VS SMD LED Portable Work Lights: 8 Main Differences

4.Red Lights vs. Blue Lights: Differences and Usage

While forklift truck blue lights serve specific warning functions, red lights complement them by addressing different safety zones and operational needs. Understanding the distinct roles of red and blue warning lights helps facilities implement comprehensive forklift safety systems.

Red Safety Lights

Red safety lights are typically positioned along the sides of vehicles to create a no-go perimeter. This illuminated boundary, usually 2 to 5 feet wide, serves as a clear visual barrier that pedestrians should avoid crossing.

Blue Safety Lights

Forklift truck blue lights are located at the front and rear as approach warning systems, alerting pedestrians to an approaching forklift. They project blue beams along the travel path, alerting workers to the vehicle’s presence before it becomes visible at intersections and blind corners.

Red and blue lights can be used together to provide complementary coverage, further enhancing overall workplace safety.

Further reading: Automotive Fog Lights: When to Use and Why They Matter?

5.Top-Rated Forklift Blue & Red Lights by SCI

SCI provides a wide array of high-quality forklift safety lighting solutions tailored to meet the strict demands of industrial environments. 

Our blue and red safety lights offer exceptional visibility and durability, adhering to automotive testing standards to guarantee reliable, long-lasting performance even in harsh conditions.

Product ID	Product Mode	Light Type	Voltage Range	Lumens	IP Rating	Mount Type
C2-7809U		Blue Safety	9-96V	370Lm	IP68	Adjustable
C2-379U		Blue Safety	9-96V	260Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-7812		Blue Safety	9-64V	110Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-383		Blue Safety	9-64V	188Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-7810R		Red Warning	9-80V	700Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-7815		Red Warning	9-64V	200Lm	IP68/IP69K	Adjustable
C2-7805R		Red Warning	9-80V	900Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-379R		Red Warning	9-96V	260Lm	IP67	Adjustable
C2-7809R		Red Warning	9-96V	590Lm	IP68	Adjustable

All SCI safety lighting products are designed for exceptional strength, easy installation using universal mounting systems, and high-visibility LED technology. The wide voltage range of 9-96V ensures compatibility across all forklift models, providing dependable protection and stability in every operation.

Need help choosing the right safety lighting system? Contact SCI for tailored advice and specifications.

6.3 Safety Tips When Driving a Forklift Truck

Forklift truck blue lights enhance safety, but operators must follow proper driving practices to maximize protection. Essential safety guidelines complement these warning systems to prevent accidents in industrial environments.

Remain Alert

Safety lights are supplemental warning devices, not replacements for careful driving. Operators must maintain constant awareness and assume pedestrians may not see or respond to light warnings.

Aim the Lights Properly

Position forklift truck blue lights to project beams onto the ground rather than at eye level. Proper aiming prevents glare and should create a clear spot 10-15 feet ahead of the forklift.

Inspect Before Shifting

Test all warning lights before each shift. Verify forklift truck blue lights are functioning correctly and properly aligned. Report malfunctioning lights immediately and avoid operating until repairs are completed.

Forklift truck blue lights serve as a “warning guard” and “visual signal” in the workplace. They provide a striking and intuitive way to complement the shortcomings of traditional audible alarms in certain environments, thereby improving workplace safety.

Therefore, installing forklift safety warning lights on forklift trucks helps companies comply with relevant labor safety regulations and strengthens workplace safety.

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