Amongst Hysters main safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment which can be added to either the work site or the machinery itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Even if forklifts are not required to have both audible or visible warning devices, there are several situations where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each case should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into consideration is the noise level made by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work site and the noise must be very loud to be heard in the work site, even if other kinds of machinery could be operating. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby houses, or nearby companies, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound has to be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules should also be followed to make sure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous points must be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are top 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 must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work site. Safety device positioning are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a range of optional lights to meet numerous application requirements like weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to head lamps and work 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 lift truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of choices which will really help increase visibility in low-light situations.