At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is why we provide a variety of optional safety devices that could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all types of lift trucks. Though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are several cases where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and every 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 account. First of all, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other noises in the work site and the sound has to be very loud to be heard in the work site, even when other machines could be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms might need to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules also need to be followed in order to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are main concerns to take into account to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Colour of safety lights should be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work site. Safety device positioning are really important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement 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 range of optional lights to suit numerous application needs such as weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that 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 areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of options which would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.