At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment which could be included to your machine or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster manufactures work and head lamps in addition to both visible and audible warning devices.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Though lift trucks are not required to have audible or visible warning devices, there are a few conditions where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each and every case must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main point to take into consideration is the noise level produced by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the noise needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other equipment could be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the sound is coming from could be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby residents, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise needs to be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules also need to be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices may include the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Factors to consider with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices may be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Operator distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are all main concerns to consider to ensure 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 in the work site. Position of safety devices are of utmost importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights which include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can hold up through vibration and shock 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 a lot safer. Directional lighting is needed if the truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of alternatives that will truly help increase visibility in low-light conditions.