At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a variety of optional safety equipment that could be added to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both visible and audible warning devices along with head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required on a lift truck is the steering wheel horn, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Although forklifts are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are a few situations where optional warning devices might be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and each condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main point to take into consideration is the noise level made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds in the work site and the sound should be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of machinery may be working. The ability for employees 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 very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules also need to be followed so as to make certain that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly rotating, flashing or strobe lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are main priorities to take into consideration to ensure 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 which are within the work site. Placement of safety devices are really important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs such as halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through vibration and shock as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous alternatives that would really help increase visibility in low-light situations.