At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is why we provide a variety of optional safety equipment that can be included to your machinery or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes head and work lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all types of forklifts. Although audible or visible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are some situations where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each case has to be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main thing to consider. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other types of sounds within the work site and the noise must be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other machines could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby residents, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound needs to be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules should also be followed to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might include the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to think about with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices might be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are within the work place. Position of safety devices are really important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet many application needs like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work areas much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of choices which will really help increase visibility in low-light conditions.