Among Hysters main safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they provide numerous pieces of optional safety devices that can be incorporated to either the work place or the machine itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures head and work lamps as well as both visible and audible 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. Although lift trucks are not required to have audible or visible warning devices, there are some conditions where optional warning devices could be suitable. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each and every condition needs to be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise produced by these alarms are the main thing to take into account. First of all, the audible device has to be distinguished from other noises within the work site and the noise should be really loud to be heard in the work site, even if other equipment could be running. The ability for workers to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from can be compromised if workers wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby businesses, or nearby homes, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Regulations also need to be followed to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most commonly flashing, strobe or rotating lights, many factors must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are main priorities to consider to make certain that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other workers. Safety light colours must be different from other lights and background surfaces that are in the work site. Safety device positioning are very important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the driver, but shielding of the lights must not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet many application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights which comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights could 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 areas safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the lift truck makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has a lot of alternatives that would help increase visibility in low-light situations.