Amongst Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment that can be included to either the work place or the machinery itself. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes work and head lamps along with both visible and audible warning devices.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device required on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, that is a basic feature on all lift trucks. Even if audible or visible warning devices are not required on all types of lift trucks, there are a few cases where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and each situation must 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. First of all, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other types of sounds in the work site and the sound needs to be extremely loud to be heard in the work location, even when other machinery 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 employees, nearby companies, or nearby houses, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might consist of the common flashing, strobe or rotating lights. Things to consider with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are top priorities to take into account 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 that are in the work place. Safety device positioning 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 operator, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To suit numerous application needs, Hyster has a range of optional lights that include weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can hold up through vibration and shock 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 safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lighting on the truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.