At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is the reason why we offer a variety of optional safety devices that can be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both visible and audible warning devices as well as work and head 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 standard on all kinds of lift trucks. Even though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of forklifts, there are some conditions where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each situation must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main point to take into account is the level of noise made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other types of noises within the work site and the sound should be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even when other machines may be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby houses, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound should be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules also have to be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices may consist of the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Factors to consider with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are all top priorities to take into account to make certain that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers and are effective. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces which are within the work place. Safety device placement are of utmost importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights that comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. 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 in dark work areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that will help increase visibility in low-light conditions.