At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is why we offer a range of optional safety equipment that can be included to your machine or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures work and head lamps in addition to both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required 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 kinds of lift trucks. Though forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are some cases where optional warning devices might be suitable. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and every case needs to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to consider is the level of noise made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other types of noises in the work place and the noise has to be very loud to be heard in the work location, even when other machines may be operating. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby houses, alarms might need to be disabled. If noise needs to be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations must also be followed to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous points must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are top priorities to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work site. Position of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet many application requirements including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED which 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 spaces a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the forklift lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many alternatives that will help increase visibility in low-light situations.