Among Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is why they provide numerous pieces of optional safety equipment that can be added to either the work place or the machine itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures work and head lamps in addition to both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device needed on the forklift according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the steering wheel horn. The horn is basic on all kinds of lift trucks. Though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of lift trucks, there are a few cases where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each 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 thing to take into consideration. First of all, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other noises in the work place and the sound has to be really loud to be heard in the work location, even if other kinds of machines could be functioning. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the noise is coming from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms might have to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations also have to be followed to make sure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently rotating, flashing or strobe lights, numerous points must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are main concerns to consider to ensure that safety devices do not pose a danger to drivers or other employees and are effective. Colour of safety lights should be different from other lights and background surfaces which are within the work place. Position of safety devices are very important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not overly obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet many application requirements like halogen lights and weather-resistant LED which 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 areas a lot safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lift truck lighting produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has lots of options that would really help increase visibility in low-light situations.