When is it appropriate to use the horn on a forklift?

Using the horn on a forklift is most appropriate when approaching intersections or blind spots. This practice is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where visibility may be limited and where the risk of collision is higher. By signaling your presence to others, you can alert pedestrians and other operators, allowing them to take necessary precautions. This enhances overall safety on the worksite, as it helps prevent accidents that could occur due to a lack of awareness of approaching equipment.

In contrast, using the horn only when passing other forklift operators can be too situational and does not cover all scenarios where alerting others is vital. Similarly, using the horn constantly while driving may lead to horn fatigue, where individuals become desensitized to the sound and may not respond to it when it is truly needed. Finally, while using the horn during loading and unloading might seem relevant, it is not the primary context for horn usage compared to the critical points of intersection and blind spots, where heightened awareness is essential.