Do Legally Forklift Need to Have Mirrors?

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Forklifts are required to have mirrors I’ve heard someone ask for today. Forklifts are required to have mirrors on them. There are not a lot of discussions about this, and many are also asking about the same question on the Internet. I’m going to try to answer that question in this article.

The requirement for mirrors is not set out in 29 CFR 1910.178. If the mirrors are part of the equipment as a standard issue for the truck manufacturer, these safety devices should not be removed or modified in any way whatsoever.

However, there are instances where the operator may become dependent on the mirrors when the backup fails to turn his head in the direction of the destination. If this is the case, make it a habit to monitor the performance not to be too dependent on the mirrors. No matter how clear or optically corrected they may be, you cannot fully rely on these devices. The operator still needs to face the direction of travel and to keep a clear view of the route of travel.

Why would you choose to install your truck with the mirrors?

It’s easy for the operator to look in and see 150 degrees behind the truck. The operator can clearly see everything behind both the left and the right shoulders. If the operator is physically unable to turn around, the mirrors can help a lot to see things in the back.

Mirrors are anti-blind spot giving the operator a much wider view of the rear of the truck, if your truck is equipped with wide-angle mirrors, the operator can take a better look at the rear to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.

A great advantage for having forklift mirrors installed on the truck is that it reduces the physical strain on the head and neck when turning around as the operator watches all angles of direction when reversing.

The fitting of your forklift with such safety devices

If you want your forklift to be equipped with safety mirrors, you can choose between a convex mirror and a dome mirror. The convex mirrors provide 160 degrees of viewing while the dome gives an angle of up to 360 degrees.

There are some specifications that should be noted when buying a mirror, as stated below.

If you’re an operator, we’d like to warn you again, don’t tend to drive the forklift backwards while facing forwards. Turn your head around, the mirrors are just there to help with your vision.

Two types of mirrors forklift

There are two types of mirrors, round and rectangular.

The round forklift mirrors can be fitted on either side of the truck so that the operator has a wide-angle view and the blind spot can be removed from the rear. The round is just like the side mirrors on the car, but with a much larger view being reflected to the operator.
On the other hand, the rectangular mirror serves the same purpose as the rear-view mirrors on the car. The rectangular mirror has a bracket that can be screwed onto the forklift frame.

Either type can be easily installed on the truck. It’s up to you what type of truck you want to instal.

The glass, convex and rectangular mirror gives the clearest reflection, while the acrylic, convex and rectangular mirror also offers the best reflection and has the strength of a lightweight and shatterproof lens.

What mirror size to choose from

With a variety of sizes and mounting options available, you may be thinking about what works best for your application.
The round mirror can be available in sizes of 8 inches and 5 inches. The rectangular mirror can be in 4″ X 8″ and 6″ X 9″ while it has a rectangular steel size of 2.5″ X 7″ if you choose to buy it. With the various sizes and mounting options available, you can be sure that you will find the right type for your truck.
To wrap it up

A forklift operator who cannot properly see the rear when reversing is one of the common causes of an accident in the warehouse. Carrying out safety mirrors for a truck can dramatically reduce work-related accidents.

Mirrors are such a mandatory requirement as reversing alarms and seat belts. It should be a standard issue for the manufacturer.

If you don’t have any mirrors on your forklift, you can choose to have them installed on your truck.

To learn more about forklifts check out our forklift licence course in Perth.