At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is why we provide a variety of optional safety devices which can be added to your machine or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes both audible and visible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device needed on a lift truck is the steering wheel horn, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Although audible or visible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are several situations where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each and every situation needs to be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main factor to take into consideration. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other kinds of noises within the work place and the noise needs to be really loud to be heard in the work site, even when other types of machinery could be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed so as to make certain that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous points must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all top priorities to take into consideration to make certain that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other workers and are effective. Colour of safety lights must be different from other lights and background surfaces which are in the work site. Placement of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet many application requirements like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that hold up through vibration and shock 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 forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of choices that will help increase visibility in low-light situations.