At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety devices which can be included to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes work and head lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all kinds of lift trucks. Although forklifts are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each case has to be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main thing to take into consideration. First of all, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other types of noises within the work place and the noise should be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even when other machinery could be running. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the sound is coming from can be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby residents, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules should also be followed to ensure that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all main priorities to take into consideration to make certain that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Safety light colours must be different from other lights and background surfaces which are within the work place. Position of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights should not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to suit many application needs like halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through vibration and shock as well. When it comes to head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night much safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many alternatives that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.