At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that could be included to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps in addition to both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of forklifts. Though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of lift trucks, there are several cases where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and each and every condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into consideration is the noise level made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other types of sounds in the work place and the sound must be very loud to be heard in the work location, even when other kinds of equipment could be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the sound is coming from could be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby houses, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound should be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Regulations also have to be followed to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more suitable compared to audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are main priorities to take into consideration to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces which are within the work site. Placement of safety devices are extremely important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light positioning should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit many application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights that include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights are able to hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many choices which would truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.