At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a variety of optional safety equipment that could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both audible and visible warning devices along with head and work lamps.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, that is a standard feature on all forklifts. Even if visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are several cases where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and each situation has 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 level of noise made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work site and the noise should be very loud to be heard in the work site, even when other kinds of machines could be functioning. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby residents, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations also need to be followed so as to make sure that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating 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 all main priorities to consider to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other employees and are effective. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces which are within the work place. Placement of safety devices are very important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet numerous application needs, Hyster has a range of optional lights which comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights are able to hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many choices that will truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.