OSHA verbage says "Operator will slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locaitions where vision is obstructed."  Blind spots are clearly understood, you sound your horn if vision is obstructed.  Intersections and cross aisles are being debated at our facility.  Is it understood that the horn be used at all intersections and cross aisles?

Pawelcn,

The regulation states:

1910.178(n)(4)

The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing.

Conceivably, you could make the argument that the horn does not need to used at intersections where vision is not obstructed. In my opinion, sound the horn. Yes, it is annoying to the people in the area but it lets them know the forklift is there.

MikeCJ

As long as your vision is not obstructed at aisles and intersections, I see no need to blow the horn and we do not require it at all intersections.. The standard seems pretty clear. We do however require blowing the horn when entering and exiting a warehouse to warn others.

 

twok