Amongst Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is why they provide many pieces of optional safety equipment that could be incorporated to either the work site or the machine itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both visible and audible warning devices as well as head and work lamps.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all types of forklifts. Even though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are several situations where optional warning devices might be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each and every case should be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main factor to take into account. First of all, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work place and the noise needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even when other kinds of equipment could be working. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is coming from could be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby companies, or nearby residents, alarms might have to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might consist of the common strobe, rotating, or flashing lights. Things to think about with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all top priorities to take into consideration 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 other lights and background surfaces that are within the work site. Position of safety devices are of greatest importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not overly obstruct 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 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 at night or in dark work areas safer. Directional lighting is required if the lift truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous alternatives that would truly help increase visibility in low-light situations.