Parts » Other Safety and Warning Devices

Figure 1. Forklift operator using a seat belt.
Figure 1. Forklift operator using a seat belt.

Forklifts can incorporate many warning and safety devices to help protect operators, pedestrians, other forklift operators and others.

Figure 2. Fire extinguisher.Figure 3. Safety mirror with pedestrian in view.Figure 4. Warning strobe light flashes as operator backs up.

Powered industrial trucks may be equipped by the manufacturer with the following safety devices:

  • Seat belts and similar restraints
  • Horns
  • Backup alarms that sound when forklift reverses
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Warning lights that flash
  • Directional signals and brake lights
  • Mirrors

Requirements and Recommended Practices

  • Equip every power-propelled truck with an operator-controlled horn, whistle, gong, or other sound-producing device. ANSI B56.1-1969 Incorporated by reference [29 CFR 1910.178(a)(2)]
  • Equip every truck with an operator-controlled horn, whistle, gong, or other sound-producing device. ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2011.
  • Where appropriate to the worksite, equip trucks with additional sound-producing or visual (such as lights or blinkers) devices. ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2011.

Additional Information

  • OSHA Instruction CPL 02-01-028 (CPL 2-1.28A) - Compliance Assistance for the Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Standards (Nov. 30, 2000). Section 1910.178 does not currently contain requirements for the use of operator restraint systems. However, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act requires employers to protect employees from serious and recognized hazards.
  • OSHA's Seat Belt Policy: OSHA's enforcement policy on the use of seat belts on powered industrial trucks in general industry is that employers are obligated to require operators of powered industrial trucks that are equipped with operator restraint devices, including seat belts, to use the devices. ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2011 - Safety Standard for Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (Reaffirmation of ANSI/ITSDF B56.6-2005).