At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is why we provide a range of optional safety devices that could be added to your machinery or work place. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes work and head lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required on a forklift is the horn on the steering wheel, that is a basic feature on all lift trucks. Even if forklifts are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are some situations where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and every condition has to be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main thing to take into account. 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 extremely loud to be heard in the work site, even when other kinds of equipment may be running. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby homes, or nearby companies, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise needs to be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules should also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought must 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 take into account 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 that are within the work site. Position of safety devices are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights that include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights are able to 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 areas a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of options which will truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.