Forklifts have become the part and parcel of every commercial industry, and without these heavy machines, it is almost impossible to stack, pull and transport loads of goods from one place to another in an efficient manner. However, as is the case with every automobile, the forklifts also must be fitted with some safety equipment to ensure the well-being of the employees and the expensive goods.
As forklifts have been dominating the list of annual accidents and safety violations, companies are always in search of different ways to improve warehouse safety. One of the best ways to counter this is to choose safety equipment such as warning lights which are installed on the top of the forklift for added safety.
Let’s discuss the forklift warning light and what are the qualities you should look for before buying these lights.
Forklift warning lights are specifically made for alerting the pedestrians and the other approaching vehicles of their arrival. They are also useful for the pedestrians and drivers to view distant vehicles and maneuver accordingly. The forklift safety lights act as a beacon during the operation that helps nearby pedestrians and forklifts to change their course or stay at a safe location.
The forklift warning lights are typically mounted on the top, front or the backside or sometimes at both places. There are several types of forklift safety lights, and one can install multiple of them for added safety all around.
The internet is full of genuine, fake, quality, and mediocre products coming from several companies. Hence, utmost discretion is needed while selecting the right forklift warning light. Here are some of the pointers you must go through before buying, as cheap forklift lights can cost you in the form of injuries to the workers and damage to goods.
Make sure you select the warning light that comes with outstanding heat dispersing property. Heat dispelling lights usually last longer and will not fade away early. Though LED bulbs generate less heat than fluorescent or halogen bulbs, they still generate enough heat that makes the enclosing hot, especially in confined spaces such as a warehouse. A well-designed fixture incorporating heat exchangers and decent circuit board help reduce the heat and offer durability.
Another important spec of a quality forklift warning light is the high voltage range. Light with a low voltage range can lead to complications in managing parts and means it won’t be compatible with the power of your forklift. Cheap warning lights available in the market come in the range of 12-48V DC, some go up to 80, but this is still not enough. If you choose a range of 12-110V, it means you have to manage a single part for an entire fleet that would easily match a wide range of forklift trucks. So, you don’t have to worry about voltage range.
A good forklift light should not be a power hog. The lower it consumes the power, the better and less strain on the electrical system of the forklift as many fork trucks comes with multiple peripherals, which may create more strain. You might come across lights that consume up to 56 watts. Go for a warning light that consumes single-digit wattage.
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is one of the best mediums to know the quality of an electrical product. The IP rating defines the level of waterproof effectiveness of electrical components against infiltration of foreign bodies, including dirt and moisture. Some low-end warning lights may come with as low as a 40-44 rating. IP rating range of 60-69K is considered good against pressurized moisture and dust resistance.
Even if all the technical specifications are met, there is still one thing that has to be addressed seriously. The design of the forklift safety light must be robust enough to withstand the harshest of the working conditions. Don’t even think of a plastic enclosure, and not even flimsy glass covering. Instead, choose a light that is enclosed in a stainless-steel bracket and made up of aluminum material or covered by hard glass. Some lights can resist extreme temperatures of 40° – 80°, so you will always be on the safe side.
A forklift warning light is a significant safety device; hence it must be a reliable product. One of the essential indicators of reliability is the product’s warranty. Some lights do not come with a warranty, while some better and cheap alternatives might come with a year of warranty. Quality warning lights must be offered with at least 2 years of warranty so that you don’t have to maintain them often.
Accidents occurring due to forklifts can cost you man and money, along with tarnishing your brand image. So, choose forklift warning lights wisely and look for an authorized vendor. SharpEagle has been in the business for many years and understands every bit of modern industrial safety needs. Get in touch with us to know more about forklift safety lights and pricing.
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