At Hyster, your safety is amongst our main concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety equipment that can be included to your machine or work place. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both visible and audible warning devices in addition to head and work lamps.
The only warning device required on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is standard on all kinds of lift trucks. Even though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are some conditions where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each and every condition needs to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main point to take into account is the level of noise made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other types of sounds in the work place and the sound has to be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of equipment could be functioning. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the sound is originating from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby houses, or nearby businesses, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this must be able to take place readily. Rules also need to be followed in order to make certain that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices might include 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. Presence of reflective surfaces, operator distraction and workplace lighting are main priorities to consider to make sure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Safety light colours should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are in the work site. Placement of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the driver's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights which consist of weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working at night or in dark work spaces much safer. Directional lighting is required if the forklift lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous alternatives which will help increase visibility in low-light situations.