At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machinery or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Although lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are several cases where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each and every situation must be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main thing to consider. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work place and the noise has to be very loud to be heard in the work location, even if other types of equipment could be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from can be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby homes, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound needs to be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules also need to be followed to make certain that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating lights, numerous factors must be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are all top priorities to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from other lights and background surfaces which are in the work place. Safety device placement are really important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a variety of optional lights which include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options that will really help increase visibility in low-light situations.