Amongst Hysters top safety concerns is safety. It is why they offer many pieces of optional safety devices that could be included to either the work place or the machinery itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster makes both audible and visible warning devices along with work and head lamps.
The only warning device required on the lift truck according to OSHA and ASME B56.1 regulations is the horn on the steering wheel. The horn is standard on all kinds of lift trucks. Even if forklifts are not required to have visible or audible warning devices, there are a few conditions where optional warning devices may be suitable. These factors are unique to each and every work site or work place and every condition must be considered individually.
Motion alarms or back-up alarms are the most common safety devices. The noise made by these alarms are the main thing to take into consideration. To begin with, the audible device needs to be distinguished from other noises in the work site and the sound has to be loud enough to be heard in the work site, even if other types of machines could be running. The ability for employees to hear alarms and determine where the sound is coming from can be compromised if employees wear hearing protection devices. If the alarms are very offensive or disruptive to workers, nearby residents, or nearby companies, alarms may have to be disabled. If noise should be disabled, this must be able to happen readily. Regulations should also be followed so as to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limits.
For visible safety devices, most commonly strobe, rotating, or flashing lights, numerous points must be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable compared to audible devices. Workplace lighting, presence of reflective surfaces, and driver distraction are all main priorities to consider to ensure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to drivers or other workers. Safety light colours must be different from other lights and background surfaces that are within the work place. Placement of safety devices are of utmost importance. 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 driver, 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 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 a lot safer. Directional lighting is required if the lighting on the forklift produces less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has numerous alternatives which would help increase visibility in low-light conditions.