At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is the reason why we offer a range of optional safety devices that could be included to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices in addition to head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required on a lift truck is the horn on the steering wheel, which is a standard feature on all lift trucks. Although lift trucks are not required to have audible or visible warning devices, there are several conditions where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each situation has to be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main factor to take into consideration. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other types of sounds in the work site and the noise should be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of machines may be functioning. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the sound is coming from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby residents, or nearby businesses, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also have to be followed in order to make certain that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are top priorities to consider to make certain that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers and are effective. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work site. Position of safety devices are really important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to suit numerous application needs like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of alternatives which would help increase visibility in low-light situations.