At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety equipment 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 OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Though forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are some cases where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and each and every case needs to be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main thing to consider. First of all, the audible device has to be distinguished from other sounds in the work site and the sound must be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other machines could be working. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the sound is originating from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby homes, or nearby businesses, alarms may need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable compared to audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are top concerns to consider to make certain that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are in the work place. Placement of safety devices are really important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs such as weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of alternatives that will help increase visibility in low-light situations.