At Hyster, your safety is among our main concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety devices which could be included to your machinery or work place. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes head and work lamps as well as both visible and audible warning devices.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, that is a basic feature on all forklifts. Though lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are a few situations where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and each and every case should be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main factor to consider. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other types of sounds within the work site and the noise must be extremely loud to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of machinery may be functioning. The ability for employees 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 disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby businesses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound needs to be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might consist of the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all top concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are within the work place. Position of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a variety of optional lights that consist of weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights are able to hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas much safer. Directional lighting is required if the truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of options which will help increase visibility in low-light conditions.