Among Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment which could be incorporated to either the work site or the machine itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device needed on a lift truck is the steering wheel horn, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Even if visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of lift trucks, there are a few conditions where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work place or work site and every case should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most commonly motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main point to take into consideration is the noise level produced by the alarm. First of all, the audible device has to be distinguished from other kinds of sounds within the work site and the noise needs to be really loud to be heard in the work site, even when other kinds of machines could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from can be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby residents, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Rules also have to be followed so as to make certain that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, many points should be considered and thought should be put into whether visible safety devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Driver distraction, workplace lighting and presence of reflective surfaces are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Colour of safety lights should be different from background surfaces and other lights which are within the work site. Safety device placement are extremely important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights must not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights should not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs including weather-resistant LED and halogen lights which 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 areas much safer. Directional lighting is needed if the forklift lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options that would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.