Among Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is the reason why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment which can be incorporated to either the work site or the machine itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both audible and visible warning devices in addition to head and work lamps.
According to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations, the only warning device needed on a forklift is the horn on the steering wheel, which is a basic feature on all forklifts. Though audible or visible warning devices are not required on all kinds of forklifts, there are a few situations where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each work place or work site and every situation has 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 should be able to be distinguished from other types of sounds within the work site and the sound has to be very loud to be heard in the work location, even if other types of machines could be working. The ability for workers 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 very offensive or disruptive to employees, nearby companies, or nearby homes, alarms may need to be disabled. If noise must be disabled, this should be able to happen readily. Rules must also be followed in order to ensure that noise levels do not exceed OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most frequently flashing, strobe or rotating lights, numerous points must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices may be more suitable than audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are main concerns to take into account to make certain that safety devices do not pose a danger to operators or other workers and are effective. Safety light colours must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are in the work place. Placement of safety devices are very important. Lights should be able to clear any overhead obstacles. Position of lights must not cause the lights to shine or reflect into the operator's eyes, but shielding of the lights must not overly block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
Hyster has a variety of optional lights to meet numerous application needs such as halogen lights and weather-resistant LED that hold up through vibration and shock as well. As for 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 makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many options which would help increase visibility in low-light situations.