Among Hysters main safety concerns is safety. It is why they offer many pieces of optional safety equipment which could be incorporated to either the work place or the machinery itself. Following the standards of OSHA, Hyster manufactures both audible and visible warning devices along with head and work lamps.
According to ASME B56.1 and OSHA regulations, the only warning device required 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 visible or audible warning devices, there are some situations where optional warning devices could be appropriate. These factors are unique to every work site or work place and every condition should be considered individually.
For audible safety devices, that are most frequently back-up alarms or motion alarms, the main point to take into consideration is the level of noise produced by the alarm. First of all, the audible device should be able to be distinguished from other noises in the work place and the noise must be extremely loud to be heard in the work location, even when other machinery could be running. 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 employees, nearby businesses, or nearby residents, alarms might have to be disabled. If sound must be disabled, this should be able to take place readily. Rules should also be followed in order to ensure that the levels of noise do not go beyond OSHA noise limitations.
For visible safety devices, most frequently rotating, flashing or strobe lights, many factors should be considered and thought must be put into whether visible safety devices might be more suitable than audible devices. Presence of reflective surfaces, driver distraction and workplace lighting are all main concerns to take into consideration to make sure that safety devices are effective and do not pose a danger to operators or other employees. Colour of safety lights must be different from background surfaces and other lights that are within the work place. Placement of safety devices are of utmost importance. Lights must 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 should not excessively block the light's visibility to pedestrians.
To meet numerous application needs, Hyster has a variety of optional lights which comprise halogen lights and weather-resistant LED. These lights could hold up through vibration and shock as well. When it comes to work lamps and head lamps, OSHA has set standards to make working in dark work spaces or at night safer. Directional lighting is needed if the lift truck lighting makes less than 2 lumens per square foot. Hyster has many alternatives that will help increase visibility in low-light conditions.