At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety devices that can be added to your machinery or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes work and head lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all kinds of forklifts. Even if forklifts are not required to have audible or visible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and every situation has to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most commonly back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main point to take into account is the noise level made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device has to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the noise should be really loud to be heard in the work site, even if other types of equipment could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby homes, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules must also be followed to make sure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are top concerns to take into consideration to make sure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Safety light colours must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work place. Position of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights which comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights could hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many alternatives that will help increase visibility in low-light situations.