At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety devices which could be added to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes head and work lamps in addition to both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all types of forklifts. Even though lift trucks are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each and every condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main point to take into account is the level of noise made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds in the work place and the sound needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other machinery could be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby homes, or nearby companies, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed to make certain that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might comprise the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices might be more suitable compared to audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are top concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are within the work place. Safety device placement are extremely important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through vibration and shock 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 needed if the truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that would really help increase visibility in low-light conditions.