At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety devices which could be added to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Even though lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are a few situations where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each and every situation needs 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 factor to take into consideration. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other types of noises within the work place and the noise must be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even when other equipment may be running. 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 disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby houses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound should be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules must also be followed to make sure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices may comprise the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are main concerns to take into account to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other workers and are effective. Colour of safety lights must be different from background surfaces and other lights which are in the work place. Safety device positioning are very important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights which consist of halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights can hold up through vibration and shock as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.