At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety devices which can be added to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices in addition to head and work lamps.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all types of lift trucks. Although lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are some cases where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each and every case needs 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 consideration. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other kinds of noises in the work place and the noise must be extremely loud to be heard in the work site, even if other types of machines could be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the sound is coming from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby companies, alarms may 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 ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might include the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices might be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are all main priorities to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work site. Safety device positioning are of utmost importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application needs, Hyster has a range of optional lights that comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights can 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 many choices which will help increase visibility in low-light situations.