Did you know that many recorded accidents at work are caused by reversing forklifts? Reversing forklift can result to accidents such as damage to company property, to other vehicles or to materials being transported, in a more serious circumstance, severe injury or even death. As a matter of fact, almost a quarter of all reported vehicular accidents in the workplace happen while reversing. These accidents could have been prevented by taking basic precaution by installing the reverse alarm.

We all know that forklift operation brings numerous safety issues and some confusion just like this subject matter – is it allowed to remove backup alarm and is it against OSHA regulations? You may turn to get answers from different online sources, but here, we prepared this answer to make things clear and brief for you.

Let me cited relevant OSHA regulations:

OSHA Regulations Citing Requirements for Forklift Backup Alarm

The requirement for reverse alarm neither indicated in 29 CFR 1910.178 for Powered Industrial Trucks nor in 29 CFR parts 1910 for General Industry OSHA regulations.

However, the 29 CFR Part 1926.601(b)(4) of the Construction Safety and Health Regulations prohibits employer from using motor vehicle equipment when its operator has obstructed view to the rear unless either the equipment has a back up alarm audible enough to be heard by other workers or accompanied by a signal man giving gestures that it is safe backing up. The second regulation of the same standard 29 CFR Part 1926.602(a)(9) says that all bidirectional equipments (that includes forklifts) shall be equipped with horns, and it shall be used when necessary, when the equipment is moving forward or reversing.

In addition to the above, requirement for safety devices such as reverse alarm was included in 29 CFR 1917.43(c)(5) and 29 CFR 1918.65(f) OSHA Maritime regulations. These two regulations don’t allow removal of reverse alarm or make it out of use. Therefore, when forklift manufacturer originally fitted the truck with backup alarm, it should not be removed or made inoperative by unplugging it.

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(6) clearly says that forklifts should not be modified by fitting it with parts not specified by the manufacturer or by removing parts that were originally equipped it with which includes reverse alarm.

ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005

You can also find the same requirement in the ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2005 Safety Standard for Low Lift and High Forklifts which says that:

4.15.1 – every powered industrial truck should be fitted with a horn, whistle, or any devices that produce sound that can alert other workers. It should be perceptible to be heard from the ambient sound of the work site.

4.15.2 The employer shall find out if the workplace where the forklift is being operated requires the forklift to be fitted with supplementary sound-producing or visual devices, and be in charge in the provision and maintenance of such safety devices.

Removing Backup Alarms Originally Fitted by Manufacturer is Not Allowed

Could you just simply unplug it? The answer is NO!

The backup alarm of the forklift should always be connected and keep it in operable condition at all times.

OSHA did not specifically use the word backup alarm or reverse but safety devices instead as mentioned in the above-mentioned OSHA regulations, these safety devices are necessary and required.

If you would like to have forklifts that comply with OSHA standard, having reverse alarm would be a big factor. As a matter of fact, it could also be a big advantage as far as insurance evaluation is concerned.

States That Have Similar Requirements

• Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, 16VAC25-97-10 - 30 states that employer should allow their workers to operate vehicle in reverse unless the vehicle is equipped with reverse alarm capable of being heard above the surrounding noise of the place where the vehicle is being driven.
  
  
• Washington State Legislature WAC 296-863-20010 states that when powered industrial trucks are modified, the employer must have written authorization from the manufacturer before making modification to the fit such as removing or altering parts.
  
  
• Oregon’s OAR 437-002-0227(5)(c) regulation says that vehicles with obstructed rear view must be fixed with reverse alarm, its sound should be heard over the surrounding noises created by other vehicles and workers in the workplace. If the backup alarm wasn’t loud enough to get noticed or if there are other many equipments using alarms in the same location making it impossible to distinguish vehicles, fitting the vehicle with of flashing or strobe light can be done.

If Reverse Alarm Become Useless, What Else You Can Do?

If the sound level of the workplace where the forklift is operated is too loud that it is impossible to hear the alarm or if the forklift is operated in a very confined work space, reverse alarm may become useless.

If one of these is the situation, you can implement other safety measures such asking you’re the supervisor to assign a spotter to give signal to forklift operator or placing passageway that restrains other vehicles or workers from entering.

Importance of a Backup Alarm

The importance of a backup alarm on a forklift cannot be overstated. A backup alarm serves a critical role in enhancing the safety of workers, preventing accidents and damage, and meeting regulatory requirements.

First, a backup alarm alerts workers and other personnel in the area when a forklift is reversing. This can prevent collisions with pedestrians, other vehicles, and obstacles, which can cause serious injury or damage.

Second, many countries have regulations requiring backup alarms on forklifts to improve safety in the workplace. These regulations aim to reduce the number of accidents and incidents involving forklifts.

Finally, having a functional backup alarm can help a business avoid costly accidents and damage. A properly functioning backup alarm provides an early warning to workers, allowing them to take appropriate action to avoid a collision or damage to equipment.

The alarm is a crucial component of forklift safety and is essential for any business that operates forklifts. It is important to ensure that backup alarms are properly installed, maintained, and tested to ensure that they are functioning correctly at all times.

Benefits of Proper Use and Maintenance of the Alarms

Proper use and maintenance of backup alarms provide several benefits to a business and its workers:

• Improved Safety: Proper use and maintenance of backup alarms ensure that workers are alerted when a forklift is reversing, reducing the risk of accidents and collisions.
  
  
• Compliance with Regulations: Many countries have regulations requiring backup alarms on forklifts. Proper use and maintenance help ensure that businesses meet these requirements and avoid penalties.
  
  
• Lower Cost of Maintenance: Regular maintenance of backup alarms helps ensure they function correctly and prevents costly repairs or replacements.
  
  
• Improved Productivity: When workers are aware of forklifts in their vicinity, they can work more efficiently and avoid disruptions caused by accidents or near-misses.
  
  
• Improved Reputation: A business that takes safety seriously and ensures compliance with regulations can enhance its reputation, making it more attractive to customers, employees, and regulatory authorities.

Proper use and maintenance of backup alarms provide numerous benefits, including improved safety, compliance with regulations, lower cost of maintenance, improved productivity, and enhanced reputation. It is important to ensure that backup alarms are properly used, maintained, and tested to ensure their effectiveness in improving safety in the workplace.

Types of Backup Alarms

There are several types of backup alarms available for use on forklifts, including:

• Mechanical backup alarms: These alarms use a mechanical mechanism, such as a bell or horn, to produce a loud noise when the forklift is in reverse.
  
  
• Electronic backup alarms: These alarms use electronic components, such as speakers or buzzers, to produce a loud noise. They are typically more reliable and durable than mechanical alarms.
  
  
• Reverse sensors: These alarms use sensors to detect when the forklift is in reverse and produce a loud noise. They are often integrated into the forklift’s electrical system.
  
  
• Visual backup alarms: These alarms use flashing lights to indicate that the forklift is in reverse. They are often used in combination with other types of alarms to enhance their visibility.

There are several types of backup alarms available for use on forklifts, including mechanical backup alarms, electronic backup alarms, reverse sensors, and visual backup alarms. It is important to choose the right type of alarm for a specific application based on the business’s needs, budget, and regulatory requirements.

Concluding This

Forklift backup alarms are a critical component of forklift safety. They are designed to produce a loud, attention-getting noise when the forklift is in reverse, alerting nearby workers and pedestrians of the forklift's presence. This helps to prevent accidents, collisions, and pedestrian injuries in the workplace.

The use of backup alarms is typically required by government safety regulations, such as OSHA and other relevant local regulations. It is important for businesses to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of their employees, customers, and facilities.

Proper use and maintenance of backup alarms is also critical to their effectiveness. Alarms should be checked regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly, and they should be replaced if they become damaged or otherwise inoperable.

In conclusion, backup alarms are a crucial component of forklift safety, and their proper use and maintenance is essential to maintaining a safe work environment. Employers should be aware of relevant regulations and take the necessary steps to ensure that their backup alarms are in good working order.