At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is why we provide a variety of optional safety devices which could be included to your machinery or work site. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures work and head lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, which is a standard feature on all forklifts. Even though lift trucks are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are several conditions where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and every situation should be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main thing to take into consideration. To begin with, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work place and the noise should be extremely loud to be heard in the work location, even when other types of machines could be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby houses, or nearby companies, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise needs to be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules should also be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices may consist of the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Factors to think about with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices may be more suitable compared to audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are all main priorities to take into consideration to make sure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees. Safety light colours must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work place. Position of safety devices 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 excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to suit numerous application requirements such as weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration as well. As for head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous alternatives which will truly help increase visibility in low-light conditions.