At Hyster, your safety is amongst our top concerns. This is the reason why we provide a range of optional safety equipment that could be added to your machine or work place. Following OSHA standards, 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 standard feature on all lift trucks. Although lift trucks are not required to have both visible or audible warning devices, there are some situations where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to each work site or work place and each and every case needs to be considered individually.
Back-up alarms or motion alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main factor to consider. To begin with, the audible device must be able to be distinguished from other sounds in the work place and the sound needs to be loud enough to be heard in the work location, even when other machinery could be working. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the noise is originating from could be compromised if workers are wearing hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very disruptive or offensive to employees, nearby businesses, or nearby homes, alarms might need to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules must also be followed to ensure that the levels of noise do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
Visible safety devices may comprise the common rotating, flashing or strobe lights. Things to think about with visible safety devices include whether or not these devices might be more appropriate compared to audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and operator distraction are main concerns to take into consideration to ensure that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other employees and are effective. Safety light colours must be different from other lights and background surfaces that are within the work site. Safety device positioning are really important. Lights must be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Placement of lights should not cause the lights to reflect or shine into the eyes of the operator, but shielding of the lights must not excessively obstruct the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application requirements such as halogen lights and weather-resistant LED which hold up through vibration and shock 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 produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many choices that would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.