At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is why we provide a variety of optional safety equipment that could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes head and work lamps as well as 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 steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all types of forklifts. Though forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are several conditions where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work place or work site and every case has to be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main thing to take into consideration. First of all, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other noises in the work place and the sound must be really loud to be heard in the work site, even if other kinds of machines could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the sound is originating from can be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby homes, or nearby companies, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules also have to be followed so as to make sure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices might include the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Factors to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices might be more suitable than audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are all main concerns to take into consideration to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Safety light colours must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work place. Safety device positioning are of utmost importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to suit numerous application needs such as weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.