At Hyster, your safety is one of our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both audible and visible warning devices along with head and work lamps.
The only warning device needed on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Even though audible or visible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are a few cases where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and each case should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into account is the noise level produced by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other types of noises within the work site and the sound needs to be extremely loud to be heard in the work location, even when other types of equipment may be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from can be compromised if workers wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby companies, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound should be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many points must be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces 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 must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work site. Safety device placement are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light positioning 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.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to suit numerous application requirements like halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work areas or at night a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the lift truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many choices which would truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.