Among Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they provide many pieces of optional safety equipment which could be added to either the work place or the machinery itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures 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 horn on the steering wheel, which is a standard feature on all forklifts. Although audible or visible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are several cases where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and every situation needs to be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, which are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to consider is the noise level produced by the alarm. First of all, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other noises in the work place and the sound needs to be very loud to be heard in the work location, even when other machines could be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and know where the sound is coming from could be compromised if employees are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are too disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby houses, or nearby businesses, alarms may have to be disabled. If sound needs to be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations also need to be followed in order to make certain that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limitations.
Visible safety devices might include the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Factors to think about with visible safety devices comprise whether or not these devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Safety light colours should be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work site. Position of safety devices are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights should not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights should not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet numerous application requirements, Hyster has a range of optional lights which consist of weather-resistant LED and halogen lights. These lights can hold up through shock and vibration as well. When it comes to head lamps and work lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night much safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options which would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.