At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is the reason why we offer a range of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures work and head 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 horn on the steering wheel. The horn is standard on all types of lift trucks. Even if visible or audible warning devices are not required on all types of forklifts, there are some cases where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each situation needs to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to take into consideration is the level of noise produced by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the sound must be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even when other kinds of machines may be running. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby homes, or nearby companies, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also have to be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly rotating, flashing or strobe lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are within the work site. Position of safety devices are extremely important. Lights must 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.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights which comprise weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can 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 areas safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options that will truly help increase visibility in low-light conditions.