At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is the reason why we provide a variety of optional safety devices that could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps as well as both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all kinds of forklifts. Even though forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are some cases where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and every condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into account is the noise level made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other noises in the work site and the noise must be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of machinery could be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby residents, alarms might need to be disabled. If noise has to be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules also have to be followed in order to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many points should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable compared to audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are main priorities to take into consideration to make sure that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees and are effective. Safety light colours should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work place. Placement of safety devices 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 block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application needs, Hyster has a range of optional lights which consist of weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights could hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of choices which would really help increase visibility in low-light conditions.