At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is the reason why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both audible and visible warning devices along with head and work lamps.
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 basic on all kinds of lift trucks. Though forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are some conditions where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each situation must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to take into account is the noise level produced by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds in the work place and the noise should be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other kinds of machinery may be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby houses, alarms might need to be disabled. If noise has to be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Rules also have to be followed to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently rotating, flashing or strobe lights, many points must be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are all top concerns to take into account 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 other lights and background surfaces which are in the work site. Placement of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light positioning must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application requirements, Hyster has a variety of optional lights that include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights could hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of options which would help increase visibility in low-light situations.