Australian Forklift Training discuss whether forklifts require reversing beepers or lights. According to WorkCover’s website, the answer is ‘No’.
However, if these warning devices are fitted to the forklift, the employer must maintain them. If a risk assessment at the workplace identifies that reversing forklifts are a potential risk, the appropriate control measure may be to fit lights and reversing beepers.
It is the responsibility of the forklift operator to look in the direction of travel at all times. If forklifts are used at the night time or in places with poor lighting, then headlamps should be used.
Break lights and indicators are only required when getting a forklift registered to use on the road. As a general rule, if the forklift comes with lights and a reversing beeper, then the forklift operators have to maintain them. If it does not come with them, the forklift operators do not need to fit them.