At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety devices which can be included to your machinery or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps along with both audible and visible warning devices.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required on a lift truck is the horn on the steering wheel, that is a standard feature on all forklifts. Even if visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of lift trucks, there are some situations where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each 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 thing to consider. First of all, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work place and the noise needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other equipment could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the sound is originating from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby houses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound has to be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules also have to be followed to make sure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are top priorities to consider to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers 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 really important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to suit numerous application requirements like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that would truly help increase visibility in low-light conditions.