At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is the reason why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes work and head lamps in addition to both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the lift truck according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all kinds of lift trucks. Although visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of forklifts, there are some situations where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and each case needs to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to consider is the noise level produced by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds within the work place and the noise needs to be really loud to be heard in the work location, even when other machinery could be running. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from could be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby houses, alarms might have to be disabled. If noise needs to be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations also have to be followed to ensure that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices may consist of the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are top priorities to consider to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other employees and are effective. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are within the work site. Placement of safety devices are of utmost importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights should not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet many application requirements including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED 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 a lot safer. Directional lighting is needed if the truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous choices that will help increase visibility in low-light situations.