One of Hysters main safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they provide many pieces of optional safety equipment that could be included to either the work place or the machinery itself. Following OSHA standards, Hyster makes work and head lamps as well as both audible and visible warning devices.
The only warning device required on the forklift according to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is basic on all types of lift trucks. Though visible or audible warning devices are not required on all kinds of lift trucks, there are some conditions where optional warning devices may be appropriate. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and every case must be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently motion alarms or back-up alarms, the main factor to take into account 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 sound needs to be very loud to be heard in the work site, even when other machines could be operating. The ability for workers 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 businesses, or nearby homes, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Regulations must also be followed so as to ensure that noise levels do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous factors must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more appropriate than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are main priorities to consider to make certain that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Safety light colours must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work site. Position of safety devices are really important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Light placement 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.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs including halogen lights and weather-resistant LED 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 in dark work areas or at night much safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the forklift makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous options which will truly help increase visibility in low-light conditions.