At Hyster, your safety is one of our top concerns. This is the reason why we provide a variety of optional safety equipment which could be added to your machine or work place. Following OSHA standards, Hyster manufactures work and head lamps as well as both visible and audible warning devices.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device required on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, which is a standard feature on all forklifts. Although forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are a few cases where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to every work place or work site and each and every case must 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 made by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the noise has to be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other kinds of equipment could be working. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the sound is coming from could be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby businesses, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound needs to be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations should also be followed to make certain that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices might consist of the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to think about with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other employees and are effective. Colour of safety lights should be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work place. Safety device positioning are really important. 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 obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet numerous application requirements including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED which 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 areas or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that will really help increase visibility in low-light conditions.