At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety equipment which can be included to your machinery or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device needed on a lift truck is the horn on the steering wheel, which is a standard feature on all forklifts. Even though audible or visible warning devices are not required on all types of forklifts, there are a few situations where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and every case has to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main point to consider is the noise level made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other types of noises within the work site and the noise has to be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other equipment may be working. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby houses, alarms may need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might consist of the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Factors to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers and are effective. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are in the work site. Position of safety devices are extremely important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to suit many application requirements like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration 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 much safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options which will truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.