At Hyster, your safety is amongst 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 makes both audible and visible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device needed on a lift truck is the steering wheel horn, which is a standard feature on all forklifts. Although visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are a few cases where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and every condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most commonly back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to take into consideration is the level of noise made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other types of noises in the work place and the sound must be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other types of machines could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby businesses, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations also have to be followed so as to make sure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might include the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Things to think about with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are all top concerns to take into account to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other workers and are effective. Colour of safety lights should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are within the work place. Safety device positioning are really important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet many application needs including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces a lot safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lift truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.