At Hyster, your safety is among our main concerns. This is why we offer a variety of optional safety equipment that can be added to your machinery or work site. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes both audible and visible warning devices along with work and head lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required on a forklift is the steering wheel horn, that is a standard feature on all forklifts. Although audible or visible warning devices are not required on all types of forklifts, there are a few conditions where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and each case has to be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main factor to consider. To begin with, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other kinds of noises within the work site and the sound has to be extremely loud to be heard in the work site, even when other machinery could be working. The ability for workers to hear alarms and know where the noise is originating from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby houses, or nearby businesses, alarms might have to be disabled. If noise has to be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also have to be followed to make certain that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating lights, numerous factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more suitable compared to audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are all top concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Colour of safety lights must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work site. Safety device placement are of utmost importance. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet many application needs including weather-resistant LED and halogen lights that 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 a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the forklift produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many alternatives that will really help increase visibility in low-light situations.