At Hyster, your safety is among our main concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety devices which could be added to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes work and head lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is standard on all kinds of forklifts. Although lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and every case has to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to take into consideration is the level of noise made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other sounds within the work site and the noise needs to be really loud to be heard in the work location, even when other kinds of equipment could be functioning. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the sound is originating from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby homes, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound has to be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are top concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are in the work place. Safety device positioning are of utmost importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet many application needs such as weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that hold up through vibration and shock as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options that will really help increase visibility in low-light situations.