At Hyster, your safety is among our top concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety devices which can be included to your machine or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes head and work lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is standard on all kinds of lift trucks. Even if lift trucks are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are a few cases where optional warning devices might be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each case must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most commonly back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main factor to consider is the noise level produced by the alarm. To begin with, the audible device has to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds in the work site and the sound must be very loud to be heard in the work location, even when other equipment could be functioning. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations must also be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly rotating, flashing or strobe lights, many factors should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all top concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees and are effective. Safety light colours must be different from other lights and background surfaces which are in the work place. Placement of safety devices are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application needs, Hyster has a range of optional lights which comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights are able to hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is required if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of options which will truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.