Lighting Requirements For Your Warehouse And Forklift Operation

Walking through a dimly lit warehouse can feel unsettling, and that sense of unease stems from a very real safety risk. An electric forklift, designed for quiet operation, can move at high speeds and may go unnoticed—until it's too late and a serious accident occurs.

OSHA Warehouse Lighting Requirements

Per OSHA, companies are required to provide a minimum of two lumens per square foot in areas with heavy equipment in use. Also referred to as foot-candles, lumens are calculated by the wattage of light fixtures used versus the square footage of an area.

Consider a room measuring 10 ft. by 10 ft. (100 square feet). A single 20-watt incandescent bulb would barely meet OSHA’s minimum lighting standards, leaving the space dimly lit. Now, think about the brightness of your local grocery store, where an average of 70 lumens per square foot is used. This investment in lighting not only highlights products on the shelves but also creates a welcoming environment that encourages customers to continue shopping.

Outdoor Forklift Operation And Seasonal Changes

Outdoor operation of heavy equipment requires careful consideration, especially during multiple shifts or in the winter when sunlight is limited. Adequate lighting, such as exterior lights or front and rear work lights on forklifts, helps operators maintain visibility of their surroundings. In some cases, all lighting options may be necessary to meet the legal requirement of two lumens per square foot.

It's important to address any discomfort you feel in poorly lit areas, as it often signals a real safety risk. While lighting large spaces can be costly, ensuring employee safety must remain the top priority. Waiting to address hidden dangers could result in serious consequences.

ProLift is a full-service forklift dealer. Contact us today to discuss our high efficiency lighting solutions.