At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is the reason why we offer a variety of optional safety devices which could be added to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices along with work and head lamps.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Even though forklifts are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are several conditions where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each condition must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into account is the level of noise made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device has to be distinguished from other kinds of noises within the work site and the sound needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other machines may be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby homes, or nearby businesses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed in order to make certain that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices might comprise the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are main priorities to consider to ensure 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 of utmost importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light positioning must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application requirements like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces much safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of choices that will help increase visibility in low-light conditions.