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Tail lift Flags and tail lift lighting
The main reason for good visibility of an open tail lift is to prevent road casualties that could occur as a result of collision with an open tail lift.
Around 20 pedestrians and 30 other road users (cyclists and moped riders) fall victim to tail lift-related accidents every year. This number is relatively low compared to other accidents with tail lifts. Looking at the numbers of people involved in accidents while working with tail lifts, over 800 people are injured during private use (e.g. while moving house) and around 200 while on the job.
Tail lift flags
If the lift protrudes beyond the normal contours of the vehicle, a warning system is required. One way this can be done is with reflective tail lift flags. The requirements for tail lift flags vary by country. In the Netherlands and France a reflective strip must be present on the flag.
Personalized tail lift flags
At Haco Tail Lift Parts you can order personalized tail lift flags. These are flags with the mandatory reflective strip, and you can have any flag printed with your own logo or image.
Approved for the German market
In Germany, tail lift flags must be red/white and fully reflective. Haco Tail Lift Parts sells tail lift flags that are approved for the German market. The size of these tail lift flags is 405 mm (length) by 255 mm (width). The flag is made up of several layers of PVC with a reflective background. This flag is produced in accordance with the strict German regulations and has the original K1215 approval mark 'gem. StVZO § 53b Abs. 5' on each flag. This flag is for sale at Haco Tail Lift Parts and can be used throughout Europe, with the exception of Switzerland and Great Britain. In Switzerland the mandatory tail lift flag is yellow with black stripes. In Great Britain the tail lift flag is yellow/red with a reflective strip.
Tail lift lighting
Except for Germany, there is not yet any requirement in the rest of Europe to equip the tail lift with both a tail lift flag and platform lighting. If the tail lift is in the horizontal position, the tail lift lighting flashes on the load platform. In contrast to the tail lift flags, this is visible from the side of the tail lift and in the dark.
In Germany the tail lift lighting must meet the following requirements:
- It is mandatory that tail lift lighting be installed on both sides of the tail lift.
- Tail lift lighting must flash during raising and lowering of the tail lift.
- When it is not possible to mount lighting on both sides of the tail lift it is mandatory to place one portable lamp in a clearly visible location to alert other road users.