At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is the reason why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machinery or work place. Following OSHA standards, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
The only warning device required 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. Even if lift trucks are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and each situation should be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main factor to take into consideration. First of all, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the sound should be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other types of equipment may be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby residents, or nearby businesses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound has to be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are main priorities to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Colour of safety lights must be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work place. Position of safety devices are extremely important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights that comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights can hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the lift truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many choices which would truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.